Animal Style Fries are a delicious twist on regular fries, topped with cheese, grilled onions, and special sauce! They’re perfect for a tasty snack or side that’s full of flavor.
These fries can turn any meal into a fun treat. I sometimes add extra sauce because, let’s be honest, more is always better when it comes to fries! 😄
Making them is super easy! Just bake or fry your fries, then load them up with melted cheese, onions, and that special sauce. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: You can use either frozen or fresh-cut fries for this dish. Personally, I like the crunchiness of fresh-cut fries! If you’re short on time, frozen fries are a safe bet.
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it for cheddar or even pepper jack for a bit of spice! If you prefer non-dairy options, look for plant-based cheese alternatives.
Yellow Onion: Sweet onions can also work well if you want a milder flavor. For a faster option, you can use pre-caramelized onions from the store!
Thousand Island Dressing: If you don’t have it, you can mix mayonnaise with ketchup and a bit of relish for a similar flavor. Some also like to use ranch dressing as a twist on the sauce!
How Do You Get Your Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Getting those onions just right is key to the flavor of Animal Style Fries! Caramelizing onions takes a bit of patience but rewards you with a sweet, rich taste. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat so the onions cook evenly without burning.
- Stir them often, and don’t rush this process—it usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- If they ever start sticking to the pan, a splash of water can help. This also adds a bit of steam to soften them more!
With practice, caramelizing onions will become a breeze, and they will bring so much flavor to your fries!
Animal Style Fries Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or freshly cut fries)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded American cheese (or cheddar cheese)
For the Grilled Onions:
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other:
- Vegetable oil (for frying, if not baking fries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the sauce, then around 15-20 minutes cooking and assembling everything. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fries:
Start by cooking the French fries according to the package instructions for frozen fries, or if you’re using fresh potatoes, cut them into fries and fry them in oil heated to about 350°F (175°C). Fry until golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels and sprinkle a little salt while they’re hot.
2. Grill the Onions:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them. Stir them often for about 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and nicely caramelized. You want them to have a beautiful golden-brown color. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Special Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the Thousand Island dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Give it a taste and adjust with extra ketchup or mustard if needed, based on your preference.
4. Assemble the Animal Style Fries:
Grab a serving plate or bowl and lay down the hot fries. Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the fries.
5. Add the Grilled Onions:
Evenly distribute the delicious grilled onions over the fries and melted cheese.
6. Drizzle with Sauce:
Generously drizzle your special sauce all over the fries and toppings. Feel free to be generous; this is where the flavor really shines!
7. Optional Toppings:
If you like a bit of crunch, add some extra chopped raw onion on top for added texture and bite.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while everything is hot and melty for the best experience. These fries are perfect as a snack or an indulgent side dish. Enjoy your flavorful, cheesy Animal Style Fries!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Fries?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh potatoes, just wash, peel, and slice them into fry shapes. Then, fry them in hot oil at about 350°F (175°C) until they’re golden and crispy. It might take a little longer, but the fresh taste is worth it!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten things up, you can opt for baking the fries instead of frying them. Just spread them on a baking sheet, season, and bake according to package directions. For the cheese, consider using reduced-fat cheese, and you can even use Greek yogurt as a base for your sauce instead of mayonnaise!
Can I Prepare the Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them on the stove or in the microwave when ready to use, so they’re warm and ready to top your fries!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Animal Style Fries?
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
