Animal Style Fries Copycat Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of crispy fries loaded with rich flavors, Animal Style Fries are a must-try. This homemade copycat recipe combines perfectly crispy fries with savory caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a tangy, creamy sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish.

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 fries under cold water to remove excess starch. Soak them in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, preferably for a couple of hours to enhance crispiness.
2. Step 2: Drain the fries and pat completely dry with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the fries in batches for 5-7 minutes until soft and pale. Remove and let cool on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
3. Step 3: 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 again on paper towels.
4. Step 4: Season the hot fries generously with salt and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Thinly slice the yellow onions for quicker caramelization.
6. Step 6: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Cook onions slowly over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If they stick or start to burn, add water to deglaze and keep them moist.
8. Step 8: Continue cooking until onions are deeply golden and soft, then remove from heat.
9. Step 9: In a 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 until smooth and well blended.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning, adding more relish, mustard, or cayenne as preferred.
12. Step 12: Optionally, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, or use immediately.
13. Step 13: Arrange a generous portion of the crispy fries on a serving plate or bowl.
14. Step 14: Top the fries with the American or cheddar cheese slices, covering as much as possible.
15. Step 15: Melt the cheese by placing the fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or baking in a 350°F (175°C) oven until bubbly.
16. Step 16: Spoon a generous amount of caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese.
17. Step 17: Drizzle the Animal Style sauce over the onions and cheese, using a spoon or squeeze bottle for even distribution.
18. Step 18: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your ultimate homemade Animal Style Fries!

Tips & Variations

• Soaking the fries longer helps remove starch and achieves a crunchier texture.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly fried fries.
• Try swapping American cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• If you want a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce mix.
• Caramelize onions in advance and store them refrigerated for up to 3 days to save time.

Storage

Store leftover fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the caramelized onions and sauce gently before assembling for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the fries instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fries for a healthier option, but they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as double frying. To bake, coat the fries lightly with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing?

Cook the onions slowly over low heat and stir occasionally. If you notice sticking or browning too quickly, add small amounts of water to deglaze the pan, which helps keep them moist and prevents burning.

Animal Style Fries Copycat Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

Animal Style Fries Copycat is a beloved homemade recipe inspired by the iconic style of fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a special tangy sauce. These crispy twice-fried russet potato fries are layered with savory American cheese slices, slow-cooked sweet onions, and drizzled with a creamy, zesty sauce made from mayonnaise, pickles, ketchup, and spices. This recipe takes patience and love, particularly for perfectly caramelized onions and perfectly crispy fries, delivering a rich and flavorful snack or side that fans of savory comfort food will adore.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 45 minutes (including soaking time)
• Cook Time: 1 hour (including double frying, caramelizing onions, and melting cheese)
• 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: After peeling and cutting your russet potatoes into fries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. Place the fries in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours for extra crispiness.
2. First Fry (Blanching): Drain and pat the fries completely dry. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches without overcrowding for 5-7 minutes until soft and pale. Remove and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels. Let them cool completely.
3. Second Fry (Crisping): Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cooled fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
4. Seasoning: While fries are still hot, season generously with salt and toss to evenly coat.
5. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions to enable quick caramelization.
6. Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
7. Caramelize Slowly: Cook the onions over low heat, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes until deep golden brown and very soft. Add water as needed to deglaze the pan and prevent burning.
8. Achieve Deep Color: Continue cooking until onions are richly colored and flavorful; then remove from heat and set aside.
9. Combine Ingredients for Sauce: In a medium 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 customize for sweetness, tanginess, or heat by adding more relish, mustard, or cayenne as preferred.
12. Chill Sauce (Optional): Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or use immediately if desired.
13. Prepare the Base: Place a generous portion of crispy fries on a plate or serving bowl.
14. Add the Cheese: Layer the fries with American cheese slices, covering most of the fries for even melting.
15. Melt the Cheese: Melt the cheese by placing the fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, microwaving for 30-60 seconds, or baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until bubbly and melted.
16. Top with Onions: Spoon caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese.
17. Drizzle with Sauce: Generously drizzle the Animal Style sauce over the onions and cheese using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
18. Serve Immediately: Serve the Animal Style Fries hot while the cheese is melted and enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Soaking fries in cold water removes excess starch to help achieve crispiness.
• Dry fries completely before frying to avoid dangerous oil splatters.
• Double frying ensures fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Slow caramelization of onions builds rich sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Deglazing onions with water prevents burning and maintains moisture.
• Melting cheese can be done under a broiler, in the oven, or microwave depending on convenience.
• Sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
• Use American cheese for traditional taste or cheddar as a flavorful alternative.
• Serve immediately for optimal texture; leftover fries may lose their crispness.

Keywords: Animal Style Fries, Copycat Fries, Copycat Animal Style Sauce, Caramelized Onions, Crispy Fries, Homemade Fries, Cheese Fries, Snack, Side Dish