In 'n Out Burger is known for their huge, freshly cooked hamburgers. Unfortunately, they're also known for having soggy, under-cooked, thin fries! However, you can order ANIMAL FRIES instead ~ it's on their "Secret Menu", so you have to specifically ask for them (they won't be posted). ... But the copycat version (made at home) will be that much better than the original, since you can crisp up the fries so they aren't soggy. Then they'll stand up to the toppings and Secret Sauce dolloped on top.
In ‘n Out’s copycat ANIMAL FRIES
About 2 cups frozen French fries ~ baked per package instructions ~ I used 1/2 20-28 oz. bag {fold down the top of of the half-used bag tightly and stick it into a large freezer baggie, and put back into the freezer} ~ (should be a little crispy, so they don’t sag under the weight of the toppings ~ I used Ore Ida's Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries)
3-4 slices American cheese
1 tsp. vegetable or olive oil………………………………….1 tsp. unsalted butter
1/2 white or yellow onion, diced……………………………1/2 tsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce………………………………pinch of salt
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Bake fries according to package instructions (I line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, sprayed with some non-stick spray, for this). When they're done, take out the pan and push the fries somewhat together in a pile on the same pan, and set aside. Lower the oven temperature to 375.
Meanwhile, melt butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sprinkle with salt. Don’t stir until onions on the bottom start to brown, (about 5-7 minutes). Then, turn heat to low and stir occasionally.
When onions are almost finished, sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Set onions aside until ready to use.
SECRET SAUCE:
1/4 cup mayonnaise…………………………………………..1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 large dill pickle, finely chopped………………………..1 tsp. yellow mustard
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt……………………………………………1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1/2 tsp. sugar…………………………………………………...1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl, stirring in the chopped dill pickle at the end. Set aside.
ASSEMBLE:
Top the pile of baked French fries with the slices of American cheese. Then top with the caramelized onions. {NOTE: if you want to assemble an hour or so ahead, stop at this point, but don't refrigerate.} Return to oven for 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and potatoes are hot. Serve with a generous dollop of secret sauce on top.
NOTE: Most American cheese at the grocery store is actually "cheese food", which won't melt as well as real cheese. If this is what you're using, you may want to tent a piece of foil over the fries when you heat them at the end. That should help the "cheese food" to melt...and you may need 4-5 minutes then too.
In theory, this will serve 3-4 people, but they're so good that just 1 or 2 people will probably demolish them!