Animal Style Fries Copycat Recipe

Introduction

Animal Style Fries are a beloved treat, famous for their crispy fries topped with melted cheese, rich caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy sauce. This homemade copycat recipe lets you recreate this delicious indulgence in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and clear steps.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for deglazing)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar cheese slices, if preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the peeled and cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak them in a large bowl with cold water for at least 30 minutes, or for a couple of hours for extra crispiness.
2. Step 2: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes until soft and pale, then drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let them cool completely.
3. Step 3: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cooled fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain them again on the wire rack.
4. Step 4: While fries are hot, season generously with salt, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Thinly slice the yellow onions for quick caramelizing.
6. Step 6: Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Cook onions slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes until deep golden brown and soft. Add a little water if they start to stick to deglaze the pan.
8. Step 8: Remove caramelized onions from heat and set aside once desired color and softness are achieved.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
10. Step 10: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
11. Step 11: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more relish, mustard, or cayenne if desired.
12. Step 12: (Optional) Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or use immediately.
13. Step 13: Arrange a generous portion of fries on a plate or serving bowl.
14. Step 14: Layer cheese slices evenly over the hot fries.
15. Step 15: Melt the cheese by placing the fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or baking at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
16. Step 16: Spoon caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese.
17. Step 17: Drizzle the prepared Animal Style sauce generously over the onions and cheese.
18. Step 18: Serve immediately while hot, fresh, and melty.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking the fries removes excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Use a thermometer to maintain steady oil temperatures for perfect frying.
• For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce or add sliced jalapeños as a topping.
• Substitute American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter option, bake the fries until crispy instead of frying.

Storage

Store any leftover fries, caramelized onions, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in an oven or air fryer to retain crispness before serving. The sauce can be used cold or brought to room temperature. For best quality, enjoy the fries fresh the day you make them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the fries in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the fries by blanching and cooling them ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated and fry them for the second time just before serving for optimal crispiness.

What can I substitute for sweet pickle relish in the sauce?

If you don’t have sweet pickle relish, finely chopped dill pickles mixed with a little sugar make a good substitute that maintains the texture and sweetness.

Animal Style Fries Copycat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

These Animal Style Fries are a delicious homemade copycat recipe inspired by a popular fast-food favorite. Crispy double-fried russet potatoes are topped with melted American cheese, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy Animal Style sauce that perfectly combines mayonnaise, relish, and spices. This indulgent treat is perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever you crave a flavorful upgrade to classic French fries.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including soaking time)
• Cook Time: 1 hour (including frying and caramelizing onions)
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fries

• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)
• Salt, to taste

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for deglazing)

Animal Style Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping

• 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar cheese slices, if preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut russet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick fries. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak the fries in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours for extra crispiness.
2. First Fry (Blanching): Drain the soaked fries and pat completely dry with paper towels. Heat 6-8 cups of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes until soft and pale but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let them cool completely.
3. Second Fry (Crisping): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cooled fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Seasoning: While fries are hot, season generously with salt and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions for quicker caramelization.
6. Sauté the Onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Caramelize Slowly: Cook the onions over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become deep golden brown and very soft. Deglaze the pan with water if onions start to stick or dry out.
8. Achieve Deep Color: Continue cooking until onions are rich dark brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
9. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
10. Mix Well: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
11. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings by adding more relish, mustard, or cayenne pepper as desired.
12. Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or use immediately if short on time.
13. Prepare the Base: Place a generous portion of crispy fries on a plate or serving bowl.
14. Add the Cheese: Top fries evenly with American cheese slices or cheddar slices.
15. Melt the Cheese: Melt the cheese by placing fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or baking in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
16. Top with Onions: Spread caramelized onions generously over the melted cheese.
17. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the Animal Style sauce evenly over the onions and cheese.
18. Serve Immediately: Serve the Animal Style Fries hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Soaking the fries removes excess starch and ensures extra crispiness.
• Double frying the potatoes helps achieve a perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Be patient when caramelizing onions for the best rich, sweet flavor; low and slow is key.
• Use American cheese for authentic flavor and meltability, but cheddar works as a substitute.
• The Animal Style sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; it tastes even better after resting.
• If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a heavy pot for frying and monitor oil temperature carefully.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture; fries get soggy if left too long.

Keywords: Animal Style Fries, copycat recipe, homemade fries, caramelized onions, cheese fries, dipping sauce, comfort food, copycat fast food