Description
This copycat recipe for Animal Style Fries recreates the iconic dish with crispy double-fried russet potatoes topped with melted American cheese, slowly caramelized onions, and a tangy, creamy secret sauce. Perfect as a savory snack or indulgent side, these fries combine textures and bold flavors to satisfy cravings at home.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Other
- 8 slices American cheese (or cheddar cheese slices, if preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cut russet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick fries. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, then soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to a couple of hours to achieve extra crispiness.
- First Fry (Blanching): Drain and pat fries completely dry. Heat 6-8 cups vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry in batches for 5-7 minutes until fries are soft and pale but not browned. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
- 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. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice yellow onions for even caramelization.
- Sauté the Onions: Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Caramelize Slowly: Cook the onions over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown and soft. Deglaze pan with water if onions begin sticking, scraping up browned bits to enhance flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Adjust and Chill Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors, or use immediately.
- Assemble Fries: Place crispy fries on a plate or serving bowl, top with cheese slices ensuring good coverage.
- Melt the Cheese: Melt cheese using one of these methods: under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, microwave for 30-60 seconds, or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Add Caramelized Onions: Spoon a generous amount of the caramelized onions evenly over the melted cheese.
- Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle the prepared Animal Style sauce over the onions and cheese using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Animal Style Fries hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Soaking the fries removes excess starch and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Double frying (blanching then crisping) is key to perfect fries with a soft interior and crunchy exterior.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat rewards patience with deep, sweet flavor.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Use American cheese for authentic melty texture, but cheddar works well too.
- Season fries immediately after frying to ensure salt sticks well.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer to maintain proper oil temperature and avoid soggy fries.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to the sauce but can be omitted.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Animal Style Fries, Copycat, French Fries, Caramelized Onions, Secret Sauce, Double Fried Fries, Homemade, Snack
