Copycat In-N-Out Style Fries with Special Sauce and Caramelized Onions Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
