Do you remember those late-night cravings for something crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious? Animal Style Fries are the perfect answer to those cravings. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also oh-so-memorable!
Why You’ll Love Animal Style Fries
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes: The star of the show! These potatoes will give you that perfect fry.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: For frying, choose your favorite oil to get that crispy texture.
- Salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because everything is better with cheese!
- 1/2 cup diced onions: Adds a nice crunch and a sweet flavor.
- 1/2 cup special sauce: The secret ingredient that ties it all together!
How to Make Animal Style Fries
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into fries, about 1/4 inch thick. The thicker the fry, the more potato goodness you’ll enjoy!
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside. This sauce is a game-changer!
- Fry the Potatoes: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Drain the soaked fries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels. Don’t forget to season with salt while they are hot!
- Assemble the Fries: In a large serving dish, layer the hot fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the fries, followed by the diced onions.
- Add the Special Sauce: Drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the fries. This is where the magic happens!
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Animal Style Fries while they are hot and crispy. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to get creative, consider these swaps and additions:
- Try using sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle on some jalapeños.
- Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty touch.
Tips for Success
Here are a few helpful tips to make your Animal Style Fries even better:
- Don’t skip the soaking step! It makes a huge difference in texture.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy fries.
- Feel free to prep the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
How to Store Animal Style Fries
While these fries are best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy goodness, or use an air fryer if you have one!
FAQs
- Can I make these fries in an air fryer? Absolutely! Just toss the soaked fries in a little oil and air fry until crispy.
- What can I serve with Animal Style Fries? They pair wonderfully with burgers or as a standalone snack!
These Animal Style Fries are sure to become a favorite in your household. For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes or Breakfast Burrito for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more mouthwatering inspirations!

Animal Style Fries
Equipment
- deep fryer
- Large pot
- bowl
- paper towels
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 4 large russet potatoes washed and peeled
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup special sauce for topping
For the Special Sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into fries, about 1/4 inch thick. The thicker the fry, the more potato goodness you’ll enjoy!
- Step 2: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Drain the soaked fries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels. Don’t forget to season with salt while they are hot!
- Step 5: In a large serving dish, layer the hot fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the fries, followed by the diced onions.
- Step 6: Drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the fries. This is where the magic happens!
- Step 7: Enjoy your Animal Style Fries while they are hot and crispy. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
