Animal Style Fries are crispy, golden fries topped with melted cheese, special sauce, and grilled onions. They are the perfect combo of salty and savory goodness!
These cheesy fries are hard to resist, and honestly, they’re a meal on their own. I love to pair them with a burger for a true treat. Who can say no to extra cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: You can use frozen fries for convenience. If making fresh, russet potatoes are great for fries because they’re starchy and crispy. If you prefer healthier options, try baked sweet potatoes.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice. American cheese melts beautifully, making the fries creamy. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try vegan cheese alternatives that melt well, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Onions: White onions add a sharp flavor when grilled. If you’re looking for something milder, try using sweet onions, or even green onions for a fresh touch.
Special Sauce: This sauce combines mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. If you’re vegan, switch to vegan mayo and ketchup! Some add relish or sriracha for extra kick.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to bringing out their sweetness. Start by cooking them low and slow to develop flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions, stirring to coat.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If they start browning too quickly, lower the heat. You want golden brown, not burned!
Patience is crucial here! Don’t rush; it’s worth the extra time for that sweet, rich flavor. Enjoy your cooking! 🧅✨
How to Make Animal Style Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or 4 large potatoes, cut into fries if making fresh)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese slices cut up)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking onions)
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: grilled chopped burger patty or bacon bits for extra topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking, then another 10-15 minutes to assemble and enjoy your delicious fries! Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fries:
Start by preparing the fries according to the package instructions, or if you’re making fresh fries, deep fry them in hot oil at 350°F (175°C). Cook until they are golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to taste.
2. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the yellow mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add more mustard for tang or sugar for sweetness.
3. Prepare the Grilled Onions:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onions and stir occasionally. Cook them until they become soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step will bring out the sweetness of the onions.
4. Assemble the Fries:
Now it’s time to build your masterpiece! Place the hot fries in a serving dish. Drizzle a generous amount of the special sauce over them, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
5. Melt the Cheese:
If you want ooey-gooey cheese, pop the fries under a broiler or in a hot oven at about 400°F (200°C) for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Add Toppings:
Once the cheese is melted, spoon those delicious caramelized onions right over the top. Then drizzle a little more of the special sauce for that extra punch of flavor!
7. Serve:
Dig in right away while they’re hot! Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and tangy goodness of your Animal Style Fries. If you like, for the full experience, sprinkle some grilled chopped burger patty or crispy bacon bits on top!
Your Animal Style Fries are ready to be savored! Bon appétit! 🍟❤️
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Fries?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, peel and cut 4 large russet potatoes into fry shapes. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly before frying for the best crispiness.
Can I Make the Special Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make the special sauce ahead of time! Just mix all the ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely!
How Do I Store Leftover Animal Style Fries?
Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For a crispy reheat, place them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just be aware that the fries may lose some of their original texture.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Get creative! You can add jalapeños for some heat, chopped tomatoes for freshness, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a different flavor profile. If you love meat, crispy bacon bits or diced grilled chicken can make delicious additions as well!
