Sides
In-N-Out Inspired Animal Style Fries
Thin golden fries layered with melted American cheese, deeply browned chopped onions, and tangy burger spread for an iconic loaded side.
Inspired by In-N-Out Burger
Prep
25 min
Cook
35 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 11 ingredients
- • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- • 3 tablespoons ketchup
- • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- • 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- • 2 pounds russet potatoes
- • 6 cups peanut or neutral oil, or enough for 3 inches in the pot
- • 4 slices American cheese
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1/2 cup mayonnaiseMissing
- 3 tablespoons ketchupMissing
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relishMissing
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustardMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegarMissing
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely dicedMissing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butterMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, dividedMissing
- 2 pounds russet potatoesMissing
- 6 cups peanut or neutral oil, or enough for 3 inches in the potMissing
- 4 slices American cheeseMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
This unofficial recreation turns fresh double-fried potatoes into the familiar loaded combination of American cheese, caramelized chopped onions, and tangy spread. The toppings are layered at the last moment so the fries retain some crispness.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate onions and spread separately for up to 4 days. Loaded fries are best fresh; reheat leftovers at 400°F until 165°F, expecting softer texture.
Make-ahead tips
Mix spread and caramelize onions up to 3 days ahead. Complete the first fry up to 4 hours ahead, then finish at 375°F immediately before assembly.
What to serve with it
- - Griddled burgers
- - Crisp lettuce salad
- - Dill pickle spears
Equipment needed
- - Heavy Dutch oven
- - Deep-fry thermometer
- - Broiler-safe serving dish
Difficulty explained
Two-stage frying and slow onions require coordination, but both can be staged before the final quick assembly.
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Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
Plain Greek yogurt
Replace up to half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Plant-based butter
Use a firm, baking-style plant butter in the same amount.
Mild cheddar cheese
Use the same number of thin mild cheddar slices for a less processed cheese option.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Wet potatoes cause dangerous splattering and limp fries; rinse, drain, and dry them thoroughly.
- Rushing the onions over high heat makes them bitter before they soften.
- Adding spread before broiling causes it to split; melt the cheese first and drizzle spread last.
Nutrition Context
- Potatoes provide potassium and fiber, while frying oil, cheese, and spread make this an intentionally rich side.
- Sharing the four-serving tray alongside burgers and vegetables keeps the loaded toppings in proportion.
FAQ
What makes fries Animal Style?
The familiar combination is fries topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy burger spread.
Why fry the potatoes twice?
The first fry cooks the interior; the hotter second fry drives off surface moisture for crisp edges.
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes. Cook them extra crisp according to the package, then add cheese, onions, and spread.
How dark should the onions be?
Aim for an even deep golden brown, not blackened edges, with a soft jammy texture.
Can I make the spread ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate it covered for up to 4 days and stir before using.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Griddled burgers; Crisp lettuce salad; Dill pickle spears. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.