Animal Style Fries (Print View)
Crispy fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tangy signature sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fries
01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick steak fries
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for baking or frying
03 - Kosher salt, to taste
→ Toppings
04 - 1 cup shredded American cheese or sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Animal Style Sauce
07 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
09 - 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
10 - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
11 - 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
12 - 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
13 - Pinch of paprika
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/4-inch thick sticks. For maximum crispiness, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
02 - For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss the dried potato strips with vegetable oil and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot and fry the potato strips in batches for 4 to 6 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels and season with salt while still hot.
03 - Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until deeply golden brown and fully caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add a splash of water if the onions begin to stick to the pan.
04 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
05 - Arrange the hot crispy fries on a large serving platter. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top and place under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until melted and bubbly. Remove from the broiler, top generously with the caramelized onions, and drizzle with spoonfuls of the Animal Style sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce is that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy that makes everything it touches irresistible.
- You get all the guilty pleasure of fast food made right in your own kitchen with ingredients you actually trust.
02 -
- Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking removes excess starch and makes a dramatic difference in crispiness.
- If you add the sauce before the cheese melts, the moisture can make the fries soggy underneath, so always layer cheese first.
03 -
- Dry your soaked potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel before oiling them, because any lingering water is the enemy of crispiness.
- Make a double batch of the sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to a week because it is incredible on burgers and sandwiches too.