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- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon mustard - Sliced pickles (optional, for garnish) - Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot - Cutting board and knife - Large bowl - Skillet To make Animal Style Fries, you need simple ingredients. Start with russet potatoes. They give the best texture and flavor. You will also need cheddar cheese for that melty goodness. Yellow onions add sweetness when cooked. For the sauce, you mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. If you like, add pickles for a crunchy twist. You will need a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to fry the fries. Make sure you have a cutting board and a knife to chop the potatoes and onions. A large bowl helps soak the fries. Finally, a skillet is needed to cook the onions. Gather these items, and you are ready to create a tasty dish that is crispy and packed with flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the russet potatoes under cold water. This step helps remove dirt. Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Next, cut the potatoes into thin strips. Aim for even sizes. This ensures they cook uniformly. Soaking the fries is key to getting them crispy. It removes excess starch. Place the cut fries into a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This soaking time is crucial for that perfect crunch. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). It's best to use a thermometer for accuracy. Once the oil is ready, drain the soaked potatoes. Pat them dry with paper towels. Fry the potatoes in small batches for 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. Remove the fries and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle salt while they are hot. To cook the onions, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onions. Sauté them for about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently for even cooking. You want them caramelized and translucent. This adds a sweet flavor to the fries. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until the sauce is smooth. For an extra kick, you can add sliced pickles into the sauce. This gives it a nice crunch and tang. To assemble, start with a layer of hot fries on a large plate. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over them. The heat from the fries will melt the cheese. Next, add the caramelized onions on top. Finally, drizzle the special sauce generously over everything. If you like, add a few pickle slices for extra flavor. - Correct soaking time: Soak your fries for at least 30 minutes. This step takes out extra starch. Less starch means crispier fries. - Importance of drying fries: After soaking, dry your fries well. Use paper towels to absorb moisture. Wet fries will steam instead of fry. This can make them soggy. - Ideas for additional toppings: Try adding jalapeños for heat. Crumbled bacon adds a nice crunch. Fresh herbs like chives can brighten up the dish. - Variations on the sauce: Get creative with the sauce! Add hot sauce for spice or BBQ sauce for sweetness. You can mix in ranch dressing or even sriracha for a kick. - Best types of fryers or pots: Use a deep fryer for crispy results. A heavy-bottomed pot works well too. Just make sure it holds enough oil for frying. - Using a thermometer for oil temperature: Always check the oil temperature. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps you keep the oil hot. This ensures that your fries cook evenly and turn golden brown. Pro Tips Cut Uniformly: Ensuring your fries are cut evenly helps them cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture and doneness. Soak for Crispiness: Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, leading to crispier fries when fried. Temperature Check: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) for frying to achieve the perfect golden-brown color. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the fries right after assembly while they are hot and crispy, as they can lose their texture if left too long. {{image_4}} You can make Animal Style Fries vegetarian with simple swaps. Here are some ideas: - Alternate cheese choices: Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar. This change adds a fun twist. - Plant-based sauce substitutes: Try using vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sauces. This keeps your fries creamy and tasty. Animal Style Fries can reflect local flavors. Here are some ways to explore: - Local ingredients to try: Add local cheese or spices for a unique touch. For example, use a spicy cheese from your area. - Cultural variations of fries: Some regions may add toppings like chili or kimchi. These toppings can create a whole new flavor experience. When serving Animal Style Fries, consider these ideas: - Pairings with sides or drinks: Serve with a refreshing soda or a tangy lemonade. A side salad can balance the meal. - Ideas for party servings: Create a fry bar at your next gathering. Offer different toppings and sauces for a fun experience. To keep your Animal Style Fries fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent sogginess. You can refrigerate them for about 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing the container. This way, they won’t steam and lose their crunch. When you want to enjoy your leftover fries, aim to keep them crispy. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option, reheating for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you want to save your fries for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the fries cool completely. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the freezer for about 2 hours. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your crispy fries anytime! Animal Style Fries are a tasty dish made with crispy fries, cheese, and grilled onions. They come from California's fast-food scene, inspired by a popular burger chain. The fries get topped with a special sauce made from mayo, ketchup, and mustard. You can add pickles for more flavor. This dish is a fun twist on regular fries and packs a lot of flavor. Yes, you can make Animal Style Fries vegan! Use plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. For the sauce, swap regular mayo with vegan mayo. You can also skip the cheese if you prefer. Just make sure to check the ingredients in your sauces. This way, you can enjoy a fully vegan version without losing taste. To get extra crispy fries, follow these tips: - Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes starch and helps with crispiness. - Pat the fries dry with paper towels before frying. Any moisture can make them soggy. - Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil's temperature and leads to less crispy fries. - Fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. While the special sauce is great, you can try other dips too! Some good options include: - Ranch dressing for a creamy flavor. - Hot sauce for a spicy kick. - Garlic aioli for a rich taste. - BBQ sauce for a smoky sweetness. These dips can add an exciting twist to your Animal Style Fries. Yes, you can make Animal Style Fries in an air fryer! Here’s how: 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). 2. Soak and dry your potatoes as usual. 3. Toss the fries with a little oil and season with salt. 4. Air fry them for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. 5. Once golden and crispy, top with cheese, onions, and sauce. This method uses less oil and still gives you that crispy texture. In this post, we explored the tasty world of Animal Style Fries. From selecting the right ingredients to perfecting cooking techniques, every step counts for a delicious dish. Plus, we shared tips for making your fries crispy and variations for all diets. Enjoy experimenting with your fries and creating your own unique versions. The joy of cooking shines when you share these treats with others. You now possess the knowledge to make tasty, crispy fries that everyone will love!

Animal Style Fries

Delicious crispy fries topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and a special sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • to taste sliced pickles (optional, for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into thin strips to create fries, aiming for uniformity to ensure even cooking.
  • Soak the Fries: Transfer the cut fries into a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for a minimum of 30 minutes. This crucial step removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries once fried.
  • Fry the Fries: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to approximately 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is ready, drain the soaked potatoes and thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels. Fry the potatoes in small batches for 5-7 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fries from the oil and drain them on paper towels, and sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.
  • Cook the Onions: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onions and sauté them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are beautifully caramelized and translucent in color. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. For an added burst of flavor, consider incorporating some sliced pickles into the sauce.
  • Assemble the Dish: On a large serving plate, create a base layer with the hot, freshly fried fries. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the fries, allowing the residual heat to melt it. Follow with a generous layer of the caramelized onions on top.
  • Add the Sauce: Drizzle the special sauce liberally over your creation, allowing it to cascade down over the fries. If desired, top with a few slices of pickles for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  • Serve Immediately: These Animal Style Fries are best enjoyed right away while they’re hot and crispy. Gather your friends and dig in for a delightful treat!

Notes

Best served hot and crispy.
Keyword cheese, fries, sauce, snack