Animal Style Fries are a fun twist on regular fries! They are crispy, topped with melted cheese, pickles, and extra special sauce—yummy!
These fries are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Honestly, I can’t resist adding a little more sauce on top. It’s like a flavor party in every bite! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using large russet potatoes because they fry up super crispy. If you’re short on time, frozen French fries are a great shortcut. Just pick your favorite brand!
Cheese: Cheddar has that wonderful meltiness, but American cheese gives a nice creamy texture too. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese or a mix!
Onions: Sweet onions or yellow onions work best for caramelizing, but if you want less sweetness, you can use red onions. Just achieve that golden brown color to get that depth of flavor.
Special Sauce: The base is mayo and ketchup, but you can swap out Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter option. Don’t skip the pickle relish; it adds that perfect tang!
How Can I Get My Fries Super Crispy?
Getting the fries crispy depends on your cooking method! Here’s how to ensure they shine:
- Soak fresh-cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes—that removes excess starch.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F). If the oil is too cold, fries will be soggy.
- Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pot can lower the oil temperature, which leads to less crispy fries.
After frying, always drain excess oil on paper towels and salt them immediately for the best flavor. Enjoy your crispy, satisfying Animal Style Fries!
How to Make Animal Style Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or 1 lb frozen French fries)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (if frying fresh fries)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or American cheese slices)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus around 30-40 minutes for cooking the fries and assembling everything. You’ll have a delicious, indulgent snack ready in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fries:
If you’re using fresh russet potatoes, start by washing and cutting them into fries. Soak those fries in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch for extra crispy fries! After soaking, dry them well with a paper towel.
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in small batches for about 5-6 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle a little salt on top. If you’re using frozen fries, simply cook according to the package directions until crispy.
2. Make the Grilled Onions:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, for about 15-20 minutes. You want the onions to be nicely caramelized and golden. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, and optional mustard powder. Stir until everything is well combined. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking!
4. Assemble the Animal Style Fries:
Get your hot, crispy fries on a serving platter. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the fries. The heat from the fries will start to melt the cheese, making it ooey-gooey!
Next, spoon those delicious caramelized onions on top of the cheese. Drizzle your homemade special sauce over everything, and finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
5. Serve Immediately:
Don’t let those tasty fries sit too long! Serve them hot and melty. Enjoy your homemade Animal Style Fries and watch how quickly they disappear!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for frying due to their starch content, you can also use Yukon Gold or other varieties. Just keep in mind that frying times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The special sauce can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when you’re ready to assemble your fries!
How Do I Store Leftover Animal Style Fries?
If you have leftovers, store any uneaten fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding some fresh cheese if desired. Microwaving is possible, but it may make fries less crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
Definitely! For a healthier version, consider baking the fries instead of frying them. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the special sauce and opt for reduced-fat cheese to cut back on calories.