Crispy golden fries covered in melty cheese, caramelized onions, and that addicting tangy sauce? It’s one of the best fast food creations ever made and honestly, making them at home is easier than you’d think.

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We grew up on In-N-Out so when we moved to Tennessee it was one of the things we missed most about Sacramento. Shortly after moving, we found out In-N-Out was moving to TN… but it was going to be about 3 years. So I figured out how to make it myself while we waited it out. We made these fries for many of our friends who have moved to the East coast and also shared the same feelings for this burger spot.

The best part about these homemade Animal Style Fries is that frozen fries work perfectly. Once they’re cooked extra crispy and loaded up with all the toppings, you get that same salty, cheesy, messy bite that makes the original so dang good. This is comfort food in its highest form.

The caramelized onions are what really make these fries taste authentic. Low and slow is the move here. You want them deeply golden, soft, sweet, and almost jammy. It takes a little patience, but they completely transform the dish in my opinion.

While the onions cook down, you can throw together the sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and honestly tastes good on everything. Fries, burgers, smashburger tacos… you’ll probably end up making extra after trying it once. We make this sauce for our burgers every time.

For the fries, frozen shoestring French fries work best, they are as close to in-n-out fries. Bake them at a high temp in the oven or use an air fryer!

Once the fries are hot and onions are caramelized, everything comes together quickly. Melt slices of American cheese right over the fries, drizzle the sauce over the top, and pile on the caramelized onions.

Fun Loaded Topping Ideas

Chopped dill pickles for that extra crunch
Crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, salty bite
Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled) for a little heat
Diced grilled burger patties for a full “animal style + burger” vibe
Green onions for a fresh finish

Tips for Success

Cook the onions slowly until deep golden and sweet
Get the fries extra crispy so they hold up under toppings
Use American cheese for the best melt
Assemble while everything is hot and serve right away

A Few Summer Favorites To Add To Your Menu

If you make this In-N-Out Animal Style Fries, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

Feta Topalu

Crispy golden fries loaded with melty American cheese, caramelized onions, and homemade burger sauce. A homemade version of the iconic fast food favorite.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 yellow onions finely diced
½ cup mayonaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons relish
2 teaspoons mustard
1 bag (16 oz) frozen shoestring fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 slices yellow American cheese
Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425F or as instructed on the bag of the fries.
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-35 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and mustard. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
Lay out the fries in a single layer of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle the fries with oil and season with salt, to taste. Bake or air fry frozen fries according to package instructions, cooking slightly longer for extra crispiness.
Transfer the hot fries to a half baking sheet (or a smaller baking sheet). Lay slices of American cheese directly over the fries. Place back into the oven and broil for 30 seconds just until the cheese is melted. Watch carefully so they don't burn!
Drizzle the fries/cheese generously with the burger sauce and top with caramelized onions.
Serve immediately.