How to Make In-N-Out’s Iconic Animal Style Fries at Home

For fans of In-N-Out Burger, few items are as coveted as the secret menu classic: Animal Style Fries. Known for their rich, flavorful toppings and decadent twist on traditional fries, this dish has earned a cult following across the West Coast and beyond. If you’ve ever tried them, you know how addictive the combination of crispy fries, melted cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce can be.

The good news? You don’t have to live near an In-N-Out to enjoy this famous side dish. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Animal Style Fries and how to make them right in your kitchen. Get ready to bring the taste of this secret menu favorite to your home!

What Are Animal Style Fries?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first talk about what exactly Animal Style Fries are. For those unfamiliar with the In-N-Out experience, this West Coast fast-food chain has a not-so-secret menu that includes unique twists on its regular offerings. The most famous of these is the Animal Style preparation.

Animal Style Fries consist of:

• Crispy French fries: Either freshly cut or frozen, fried to perfection.
• Melted American cheese: Slices of cheese that add a creamy, gooey texture.
• Grilled onions: Slowly sautéed until caramelized, offering a rich, sweet flavor.
• Thousand Island dressing: Known as the “secret sauce,” this tangy dressing ties everything together.

What makes these fries special is the layering of textures and flavors. The crispy fries serve as the perfect base for the creamy melted cheese, sweet onions, and tangy sauce. It’s fast food elevated to a whole new level, making it more than just a side dish—it’s an experience!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate the magic of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries at home, you don’t need to be a professional chef. In fact, the recipe is relatively simple and relies on basic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fries:

• Frozen French fries (or freshly cut potatoes, if you prefer)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil) if making fresh fries
• Salt to season the fries

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices of American cheese
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil for sautéing the onions
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)

If you want to go the extra mile, consider making your own Thousand Island dressing. Here’s a simple recipe for it:

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients in a bowl, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to drizzle over your fries.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Animal Style Fries

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Animal Style Fries just like you’d get at In-N-Out.

Prepare the Fries

If you’re using frozen fries, follow the package instructions. You can either bake or fry them based on your preference. Baking is the healthier option, but frying gives you that authentic crispy texture.

If you’re making fresh-cut fries, here’s a quick method:

• Peel and cut potatoes into thin strips.
• To get rid of extra starch, soak the chopped potatoes in cold water for thirty minutes.
• Pat the fries dry, then fry them in batches at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy. After draining, sprinkle salt on the fries and pat dry.

For extra crispy fries, try a double-fry method:

• Reduce the temperature at which you fry the potatoes to about 325°F until they are cooked but not yet golden.
• Remove and let them rest for a few minutes.
• Fry in the oil after raising the temperature to 375°F again until crispy and golden.

Caramelize the Onions

While the fries are cooking, it’s time to tackle the grilled onions, a key component of Animal Style Fries. Here’s how to make them perfectly:

• Dice one large onion finely.
• One tablespoon of oil or butter should be heated over medium heat in a skillet.
• Simmer the chopped onions after adding them to the pan, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to caramelize and turn a rich golden brown. This process can take up to 15-20 minutes, but don’t rush it—the slower you cook, the sweeter and more flavorful the onions will be.

Melt the Cheese

Once your fries are ready and crispy, it’s time to add the cheese. While In-N-Out uses American cheese, feel free to use your favorite melting cheese if you prefer a variation.

• Place slices of cheese directly onto the hot fries.
• Let the residual heat from the fries melt the cheese, or place them under a broiler for a minute if you want extra meltiness.

Assemble the Fries

Now for the fun part—assembling your Animal Style Fries:

• Lay the fries on a plate or baking dish.
• Top with the melted cheese.
• Scatter the grilled onions over the fries.
• Generously drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the top.

Also Read: Papas Fritas | The Ultimate Guide to Perfect French Fries

Making It Your Own-Variations on Animal Style Fries

While the traditional Animal Style Fries are incredible on their own, there’s no harm in experimenting with the recipe to make it your own. Try these entertaining variants:

• Spicy Animal Style Fries: Add a kick by mixing in sriracha or hot sauce with the Thousand Island dressing, or sprinkle diced jalapeños on top.
• Cheese Lovers’ Animal Style: Swap out American cheese for other melting cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend for extra cheesiness.
• Bacon Animal Style Fries: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the fries for a smoky, savory addition.
• Sweet Potato Animal Style Fries: For a healthier and slightly sweeter alternative, use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries.
• Healthier Version: Bake the fries instead of frying them and use low-fat cheese and a light version of the sauce.

Feel free to use your imagination and add your preferred toppings!

Why Animal Style Fries Are So Beloved

So, why are Animal Style Fries so popular? For one, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that appeal to fast-food lovers and foodies alike. The crispy, salty fries are a classic comfort food, but adding cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce takes them to a whole new level.

Additionally, In-N-Out’s secret menu is part of the chain’s allure. Customers love the idea of ordering something “exclusive” and unique. Animal Style Fries, along with other secret menu items like the Animal Style Burger, create a sense of personalization and indulgence that keeps people coming back.

The dish also taps into the nostalgia of comfort food. Fries, cheese, and sauce—it’s a trio that hits all the right notes for a satisfying treat.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve unlocked the secrets behind In-N-Out’s iconic Animal Style Fries, why not give them a try at home? Whether you’re a longtime fan of the fast-food chain or simply looking to upgrade your homemade fries, this recipe delivers all the indulgence and flavor that make these fries so beloved. The combination of crispy fries, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy Thousand Island dressing will satisfy even the most intense cravings.

What’s great about making them at home is the freedom to customize the dish to suit your personal taste. You can experiment with different cheeses, spice it up with jalapeños, or even try healthier alternatives like baked or sweet potato fries. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, these Animal Style Fries are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your own creative twists and let us know how your homemade version turns out!