Dinner

Animal Style Fries Copycat: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Name: Animal Style Fries Copycat: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
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)

ByEthan Lark February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

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Introduction

Animal Style Fries are a beloved treat featuring crispy fries loaded with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy sauce. This homemade copycat recipe brings the iconic flavors into your kitchen for an indulgent snack or side dish.

A bowl lined with newspaper holds a large serving of golden crispy fries as the bottom layer, topped with melted bright orange cheese. A creamy, light orange sauce is drizzled generously over the cheese, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and tiny red chili flakes. Some fried bits of onions are mixed into the fries, adding texture and color. A silver fork rests on the side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface that should be a white marbled texture instead. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Rinse the peeled and cut potatoes 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.
Step 2: Drain and pat the fries completely dry. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 325°F (160°C). Fry the potatoes in batches without overcrowding for 5-7 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
Step 3: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the cooled fries again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with salt while hot.
Step 4: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the onions slowly over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and soft. Add water as needed to deglaze and prevent sticking.
Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Adjust seasonings to taste and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if possible.
Step 7: Place the hot fries on a serving plate or bowl. Layer the American cheese slices evenly over the fries.
Step 8: Melt the cheese using your preferred method: under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, in a microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Step 9: Spoon the caramelized onions over the melted cheese, distributing them evenly.
Step 10: Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the onions and cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Soaking potatoes overnight in cold water can create even crispier fries.
Use cheddar cheese slices instead of American cheese for a sharper flavor.
Add cooked bacon bits for extra richness and texture.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the sauce’s spiciness according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be kept chilled and stirred before serving. Avoid microwaving assembled fries as the texture will suffer.

How to Serve

A white bowl lined with newspaper print paper holds a generous pile of golden crispy French fries. The fries are topped with melted bright yellow cheddar cheese that looks gooey and soft. Over the cheese, a creamy orange sauce is drizzled in thick, uneven lines, giving a rich texture. Small bits of chopped green herbs and red chili flakes are scattered on top, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface with a silver fork resting at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience, but fresh-cut fries will yield the best texture and flavor when making Animal Style Fries.

How long do caramelized onions take to cook?

Caramelizing onions properly takes about 30 to 45 minutes over low heat. Rushing the process can result in burnt or unevenly cooked onions.

Ethan Lark