Save Pin
Bring home that iconic In-N-Out flavor with these crispy fries loaded up with gooey American cheese, sweet slow-cooked onions, and a cool tangy sauce you toss together fast. This snack is total comfort food—you’ll satisfy all those fast food cravings and skip the drive-thru lines too. Great for sharing with friends or devouring solo on the couch.
I first put these together after coming back from a California trip because I was missing In-N-Out. Now my friends request them every time we hang out. The flavors always make me feel nostalgic and you can tweak them for any picky eaters you know.
Tasty Ingredients
- Frozen fries: Grab your favorite style—shoestring or crinkle are both awesome. Big brands usually bake or fry up crisper.
- American or cheddar cheese: Both give that classic melted layer. For that real fast food vibe, get the single-wrapped slices.
- Onions: Pick yellow onions—firm and heavy are best—for the sweetest caramelized taste.
- Butter: This is how you get that rich base for caramelizing. Go unsalted so you can salt to taste.
- Neutral oil: Canola or vegetable helps the butter do its job and keeps onions from sticking.
- Salt: Makes onions sweeter and balances the dish. Kosher or sea salt are easier to sprinkle evenly.
- Mayonnaise: The sauce’s creamy base. Stick with full-fat for the best flavor.
- Ketchup: Gives tang and a hit of sweet. Try to use a brand without tons of corn syrup.
- Sweet relish: Adds a little crunch and bite. Dill relish works too if you want less sweet.
- Rice vinegar or white vinegar: Brightens things up and gives that signature fast food touch.
- Sugar: Keeps the sauce smooth and not too tangy. Only need a tiny bit.
- Chili flakes: Totally optional but great for a little heat. Use fresh, aromatic ones for max flavor.
Easy Instructions
- Assembly and Serving:
- Scatter caramelized onions over the melty cheesy fries. Spoon on lots of that special sauce just before digging in. Best eaten hot and gooey.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Cover the fresh-from-the-oven fries with cheese slices or shredded cheddar. Pop the fries under a broiler for three minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown.
- Prepare the Fries:
- Bake or fry freezer fries per package directions until crispy. Lay fries flat on a heatproof dish.
- Mix the Special Sauce:
- While the onions cook, whisk together mayo, ketchup, relish, vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes (if you want spice). Stash it in the fridge while you handle the fries. The sauce should have bite, little relish bits, and smoothness.
- Make the Caramelized Onions:
- Dice up two yellow onions evenly. Drop butter and oil in a heavy pan over medium low, then add all the onions with a pinch of salt. Keep stirring every few minutes, letting them cook low and slow for at least thirty minutes. You want deep golden, sweet onions—lower the heat if they start getting too dark. This is where the flavor magic happens.
Save Pin
The onions might be my favorite part of this dish. Standing by the stove and stirring them always takes me back to chill Friday nights in my first apartment—movie on, onions getting sweet and golden. The kitchen would smell incredible and it just felt cozy.
How to Store
If you end up with leftovers, stash fries and toppings in different containers in the fridge—they’ll stay good for two days. Heat the fries in a hot oven until they’re crisp again, then pile on onions, cheese, and sauce so everything stays yummy and gooey.
Swap Options
No American cheese? Mozzarella or Colby Jack melt great too, just expect a different flavor. For a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt in place of mayo. You can also skip the sugar if you prefer it less sweet—the sauce will still work just fine.
Save Pin
What to Serve with It
Pair these fries with hot dogs, burgers, or even veggie sandwiches. Toss pickled jalapenos on top for a little zing, or put them next to a salad for balance. They’re hands-down the best for movie nights or casual parties—everyone will grab a handful.
Food Origins
Animal Style Fries got famous thanks to In-N-Out, a beloved West Coast chain with a cult following and a secret menu. Creamy zippy sauce, melted cheese, and those tender onions are pure California comfort. Making them at home means anyone anywhere can get a taste of this classic.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I keep my onions from burning when caramelizing?
Keep the heat on medium-low and stir often while letting chopped onions cook in both oil and a bit of butter. If they're browning too early, just lower the heat—patience and regular stirring brings out all that flavor.
- → Which cheese melts best over these fries?
Try American cheese for that classic meltiness, or go for cheddar if you want a bolder flavor that still softens nicely over the hot fries.
- → Is it okay to prep the sauce in advance?
Definitely! Just combine the sauce stuff and stash it in the fridge. Letting it chill a bit actually boosts the flavor.
- → Should I use homemade or frozen fries?
Hand-cut potatoes give you a more personal crunch, but frozen fries are easy and get crispy fast. Either works, so go with what you like.
- → How do I keep my fries from going soggy?
Let those fries get super crispy first, toss on the cheese right away, and only add the onions and sauce at the very end so everything stays crunchy.