Copycat In-N-Out Style Fries with Special Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

These Copycat Style Fries bring the iconic In-N-Out flavors right to your kitchen. Crispy fries topped with melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce make for an irresistible snack or side dish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sweet relish
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 bag frozen fries
• Cheddar cheese or American cheese (amount as desired)
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat and add the neutral oil.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onions and salt to the pan. Stir every few minutes until the onions caramelize, about 30 minutes or longer. Reduce heat if onions start to burn.
3. Step 3: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using) together in a bowl to make the special sauce. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Cook the frozen fries according to package instructions, either baking or frying them.
5. Step 5: Once fries are cooked, top with grated cheddar or sliced American cheese. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, add the caramelized onions on top, then drizzle with the special sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt and better flavor.
• Try swapping sweet relish for chopped pickles if you prefer a crunchier texture in the sauce.
• For extra crisp fries, double fry them or bake at a high temperature until golden before topping.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the fries for added depth.

Storage

Store any leftover fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy, then add warmed cheese, onions, and sauce fresh. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh homemade fries work great. Just be sure to cook them until crispy before adding cheese and toppings.

Is the special sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild kick if you add chili flakes, but you can omit them for a sweeter, milder flavor suitable for all tastes.

Copycat In-N-Out Style Fries with Special Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

This Copycat Style Fries recipe recreates the famous In-N-Out style loaded fries, topped with melted cheddar or American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce. Crispy frozen fries are baked or fried to golden perfection, then finished under the broiler to melt the cheese for an irresistible snack or side dish.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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In-N-Out Inspired Special Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp sweet relish
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp chili flakes (optional)

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 bag frozen fries (about 10–12 oz)
• Cheddar cheese or American cheese, grated or sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 onions, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat, then add the neutral oil. Add the diced onions and salt to the pan. Stir occasionally every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. If the onions start to brown too quickly or look like burning, reduce the heat. Continue cooking the onions slowly for at least 30 minutes or until they become soft, golden, and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Special Sauce: While the onions cook, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice or white vinegar, sweet relish, sugar, and chili flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir until fully combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Fries: Bake or fry the frozen fries according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. Typical baking usually takes about 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C), turning once halfway; frying should be done in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crisp.
4. Broil to Melt Cheese: Arrange the cooked fries on an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese or layer the sliced American cheese evenly over the fries. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese melts and bubbles but does not burn.
5. Assemble and Serve: Remove the cheesy fries from the oven, top them with the caramelized onions, and generously drizzle the special sauce over everything. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Slow caramelizing of the onions is key for developing sweetness and depth in flavor, so do not rush this step.
• You can substitute sweet relish with finely chopped pickles if desired.
• Broil on high and watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
• This recipe can be customized with additional toppings like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or chopped fresh herbs.
• For a crispier fry, consider double-frying the fries or heating them up in an air fryer before adding cheese.

Keywords: copycat fries, loaded fries, In-N-Out style fries, caramelized onion fries, cheesy fries, special sauce fries