Animal Style Fries are a tasty treat that combines crispy fries with melted cheese, grilled onions, and a special sauce. It’s a flavorful twist on a classic!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a pile of fries dressed up like this? They’re perfect for sharing, or not. If you’re feeling extra hungry, go ahead and keep them all to yourself! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: Frozen fries are super convenient and taste great! If you want homemade, use russet potatoes for the best crispness and flavor. Sweet potato fries are a fun alternative, adding a sweet twist!
Cheddar Cheese Sauce: I love using cheese sauce for its gooey texture. Grated cheddar works too, but melt it over low heat to ensure it becomes creamy. For a twist, try pepper jack or even a blend of cheeses!
Bacon: Chopped bacon adds a nice crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, crispy fried onions or smoked paprika can add a nice flavor without the meat.
Onion: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing, but you could swap in white onions for a sharper taste. Green onions work as a fresh garnish too!
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. Here’s an easy way to do it:
- Start with medium heat and add oil to the pan.
- Add finely chopped onions and stir frequently, letting them cook slowly.
- After about 10 minutes, they will soften and begin to brown. Stir every few minutes until they reach a rich, golden color.
- If they start to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan – this adds flavor!
This technique creates sweet, flavorful onions that pair perfectly with your fries!
How to Make Animal Style Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 1 lb frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese sauce (or shredded cheddar cheese melted)
For the Toppings:
- 3 strips bacon, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Special Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from dill pickles)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Garnish:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. You’ll have crispy, cheesy fries loaded with all the goodies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Fries:
Start by cooking the French fries according to the package instructions or make your homemade fries. If you’re making them from scratch, cut potatoes into sticks and fry or bake them until golden brown and crispy. Don’t forget to drain them on paper towels and sprinkle some salt over the top.
2. Make the Grilled Onions:
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, stirring frequently while they cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. For the last few minutes, toss in the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp. Once done, remove the mixture and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Special Sauce:
Grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, and white vinegar. Stir it until it’s smooth and well combined. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste if you like!
4. Assemble the Animal Style Fries:
Take your cooked fries and pile them up on a serving plate. Then, pour a generous amount of warm cheddar cheese sauce evenly over the fries, making sure they’re all covered in cheesy goodness.
5. Add Toppings:
Now it’s time for the best part! Spoon the grilled bacon and onion mixture evenly over the cheesy fries, letting that flavor pop!
6. Drizzle the Special Sauce:
Finally, drizzle the special sauce you prepared over the top of everything for that extra wow factor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve your Animal Style Fries immediately while they are warm and melty. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Now you have the perfect recipe for Animal Style Fries! Enjoy this treat as a snack, side, or even a meal all on its own. Dig in!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like—pepper jack adds a nice kick, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella offers great meltiness. Just remember to melt it thoroughly for that gooey texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Animal Style Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the fries crispy and the cheese melty.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon. Replace it with crispy fried onions or even tempeh bacon for extra flavor without sacrificing that delicious crunch!
What Type of Fries Work Best?
While frozen fries work great for convenience, homemade fries (using russet potatoes) can provide a fresher taste and perfect crunch. Choose thick-cut fries for sturdiness when piling on the toppings!