Animal Style Fries Recipe

Russet potatoes: These are the best choice for making crispy fries due to their high starch content.

Vegetable oil: Used to coat the fries before baking, ensuring they turn out crispy.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the special sauce, adding creaminess.

Ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness to the sauce.

Sweet pickle relish: Provides a unique tang and sweetness to the sauce.

White vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the flavors in the sauce.

Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the sauce.

Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor to the sauce.

Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a subtle garlic flavor.

Onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds depth to the sauce.

Onion: Caramelized to add a sweet, savory topping for the fries.

American cheese: Melts perfectly over the fries, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.

When caramelizing onions, patience is key. Cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to bring out their natural sweetness and achieve a deep golden brown color. This process can take up to 20 minutes, but the rich, sweet flavor it adds to your Animal Style Fries is well worth the wait.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher vitamin content.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative with a richer flavor.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a lower-fat option that still provides creaminess.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and a bit of vinegar: This combination can mimic the tangy and sweet flavor of ketchup.

• sweet pickle relish - Substitute with finely chopped dill pickles and a bit of sugar: This provides a similar texture and flavor, with a bit more control over sweetness.

• white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity with a slightly fruitier flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky flavor that can enhance the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onion: Fresh onion offers a stronger and more natural onion flavor.

• finely chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter onion flavor.

• american cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and provides a richer flavor.

• Allow the fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store the fries in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• To freeze, lay the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the fries to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For the caramelized onions, store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat the caramelized onions in a frying pan over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before using.
• When assembling the reheated fries, top with slices of american cheese and return to the oven until the cheese melts. Then, add the reheated caramelized onions and drizzle with the sauce.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the leftover fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are crispy again. This method helps retain the potatoes' original texture and flavor.

• Use an air fryer if you have one. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the fries inside for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them crispy without drying them out.

• For a quick fix, you can use the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Add the fries and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.

• If you prefer the microwave, place the fries on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• To reheat the caramelized onions, you can use the stovetop. Place them in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until they are warmed through.

• For the sauce, simply take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature, or give it a quick stir to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

• Once all components are reheated, assemble your Animal Style Fries by layering the fries, melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of the sauce. Enjoy!

• Oven: Used to bake the fries at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading out the fries evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the russet potatoes into thin fries.

• Cutting board: A stable surface to safely cut the potatoes.

• Mixing bowl: Used to toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil and salt, and to mix the sauce ingredients.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the fries halfway through the baking process.

• Frying pan: Necessary for caramelizing the chopped onions over medium heat.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Spoon: Useful for mixing the sauce ingredients together.

• Cheese slicer: Optional, but can be used to slice the American cheese if not pre-sliced.

• Serving plate: For presenting the final dish once the fries are topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and sauce.

Pre-cut potatoes: Buy pre-cut fries from the store to save time on slicing potatoes.

Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a pre-made thousand island dressing instead of making the sauce from scratch.

Caramelize onions in advance: Cook and store caramelized onions in the fridge for up to a week.

Microwave cheese: Melt the cheese in the microwave for a few seconds before adding to the fries.

Sheet pan efficiency: Use a sheet pan with a cooling rack to ensure even cooking and easy flipping of the fries.