Animal Style Fries

3.3
(3)

Everyone knows that despite being freshly cut, the pale and soggy fries are In-N-Out's weakest point, but if you smother them in cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and In-N-Out spread, they're magical. So replacing the sad fries with crispy frozen fries really is an improvement over the originals here. Spread is just a basic sweet and tangy burger sauce with mayo, ketchup, relish, a little sugar, and a little vinegar. The onions are really the stars here - soft, sweet, and jammy. Be sure to serve immediately as soon as the fries are cooked - the residual heat of the fries and the onions is what melts the cheese. 

a mid angle view of a pile of animal style fries topped with american cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce.
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

Spread:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

  • 1 ½ teaspoons white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Grilled Onions:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

  • 4 ½ cups chopped yellow onion

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 4 tablespoons water, divided

Fries:

  • 1 (28 ounce) package frozen shoestring potato fries

  • 4 slices American cheese

Directions

  1. Prepare the Spread: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl until well combined. Cover and set aside until serving.

  2. Prepare the Grilled Onions: Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onions and salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 20 minutes. When skillet starts to become dry, add 1 tablespoon of water. Continue cooking, stirring often, adding more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed, until onions are very soft, deeply browned, and jammy, 10 to 15 more minutes (you may not need to use all the water). Cover and set aside to keep warm.

  3. Prepare fries according to package instructions.

  4. Divide fries evenly among 4 plates; immediately top with 1 slice cheese, 3 tablespoons grilled onions, and 3 tablespoons spread.

Cook’s Note

To prep ahead, you can make the spread and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also cook the onions and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days (reheat before adding them to the fries).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

776 Calories
49g Fat
75g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 776
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 49g 63%
Saturated Fat 15g 74%
Cholesterol 52mg 17%
Sodium 1904mg 83%
Total Carbohydrate 75g 27%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Protein 13g 27%
Potassium 1172mg 25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.