Animal Style Fries
There’s something magical about a big tray of golden, crispy fries smothered in creamy, savory sauce and melty cheese—it’s comfort food in its finest form. These Animal Style Fries have become a fast favorite in our home, especially on those nights when we want something indulgent but still easy enough to whip up between school pickups and bedtime routines. The first time I made these, I was inspired by the iconic In-N-Out version, but I wanted to create something just as crave-worthy right from our own kitchen—and honestly, I think these taste even better.
What makes this recipe so special is how the simple ingredients come together to create something unbelievably flavorful. The fries are perfectly seasoned, the cheese melts into every crevice, and the sauce… oh, the sauce. Tangy, creamy, a little sweet, and just the right amount of zing from the relish—it’s pure magic. And don’t even get me started on the caramelized onions; they’re the unsung hero that ties it all together.
My kids beg for this on movie nights, and my husband has declared it his favorite “guilty pleasure dinner.” I love that it feels like fast food, but made with love (and way better quality ingredients). It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement—and leaves no leftovers behind. If you’re looking for a fun, satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, these Animal Style Fries are it.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen fries instead of making them from scratch?
Absolutely! Frozen fries work perfectly and save tons of time. Just bake or air fry until crisp.
What’s in the animal-style sauce?
It’s a mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices—like a tangy, zesty, homemade “secret sauce.”
Do I have to use American cheese?
Nope! While classic American melts beautifully, feel free to substitute with cheddar or any good melting cheese.
How do I caramelize onions quickly?
Low and slow is key. But if you’re short on time, adding a pinch of sugar helps speed things up without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prep the sauce and onions in advance. Assemble and heat everything right before serving so it stays crispy and gooey.
What You Need to Make Animal Style Fries
1 bag (1 kg) frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries
1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
6 slices American cheese (or substitute with cheddar)
For the Animal Style Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Special Equipment:
Non-stick skillet
Baking sheet or air fryer
Mixing bowl
How to Make Animal Style Fries
Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 20 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the fries: Bake or air fry the frozen fries according to the package directions until they’re crispy and golden.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge while the fries cook.
Assemble the fries: Once fries are ready, place them on a serving tray. Immediately layer on the slices of cheese so they melt from the heat.
Add toppings: Spoon the warm caramelized onions over the cheesy fries. Drizzle generously with the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with dried parsley or crushed red pepper for a little flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Animal Style Fries
Use an air fryer for extra crispy fries without extra oil.
Don’t skip the chill time for the sauce—it lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Double the onions if you’re feeding a crowd; they go fast!
Warm the cheese slightly before adding if your fries cool too quickly.
Customize the heat by adding a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were better than In-N-Out! My kids devoured them, and I loved how easy they were to throw together on a weeknight.” — Melissa T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for game day! Next time, I’ll add a few jalapeños for an extra kick.” — Rachel L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “That sauce is EVERYTHING. I’m saving this recipe just for that.” — Jason R.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “They tasted great, but my fries got soggy fast—next time I’ll serve the sauce on the side!” — Tanya D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The ultimate comfort food. We made it for movie night and everyone went back for seconds!” — Priya K.
Printable Recipe
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Animal Style Fries
If this recipe made your night a little tastier and your kitchen a bit happier, share the love! Tag your photos with #AnimalStyleFries and share them on Instagram or Facebook—I absolutely love seeing how these turn out in your homes. Whether it’s your Friday night treat or a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together, this recipe was made to be shared. Good food brings people together, and there’s nothing better than spreading joy one cheesy, saucy fry at a time!
Ingredients
- 1 bag (1 kg) frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 slices American cheese (or substitute with cheddar)
- For the Animal Style Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Special Equipment:
- Non-stick skillet
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 20 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the fries: Bake or air fry the frozen fries according to the package directions until they’re crispy and golden.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge while the fries cook.
- Assemble the fries: Once fries are ready, place them on a serving tray. Immediately layer on the slices of cheese so they melt from the heat.
- Add toppings: Spoon the warm caramelized onions over the cheesy fries. Drizzle generously with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with dried parsley or crushed red pepper for a little flair. Serve immediately and enjoy!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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