Crispy golden fries, savory caramelized onions, and a creamy tangy "special sauce" make these vegan animal fries an absolute must! Perfect for game nights, weekend cravings, or sharing with friends, this loaded fry recipe layers bold flavors and satisfying textures into every bite.
So glad I can finally eat animal fires without guilt! Just...thank you. -Ben
While In-N-Out Burger is nearly exclusive to California, its prowess extends far beyond the state's borders. If you want to indulge in some of those classic so-cal flavors at home, this is the recipe for you.
They make the perfect side dish or game day accompaniment.
If you love french fries as much as I do, you should also check out my artichoke pesto fries.
What are Animal Fries?
Traditionally, animal fries consist of crispy French fries topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and a generous drizzle of a creamy, tangy "special sauce" (similar to Thousand Island dressing).
The result is a rich, savory, indulgent combination of textures and flavors. Animal fries are crispy, gooey, sweet, and tangy all at once.
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Ingredients You'll Need
For the Special Sauce
- Silken tofu: Creates a creamy, smooth base that replaces mayo or dairy-based sauces while adding a subtle richness.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness, tanginess, and that classic burger-joint flavor associated with animal-style sauce.
- Yellow mustard: Brings a sharp, tangy bite that balances the sweetness and gives the sauce depth.
- Agave nectar: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the acidity from ketchup and mustard.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with savory flavor and a subtle punch that enhances the overall richness.
- Dill pickle relish: Adds briny tang, sweetness, and texture for that signature "animal-style" flavor.
For the Fries
- Russet potatoes: The ideal potato for fries because they crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
- Olive oil: Helps the fries turn golden and crispy in the oven or air fryer while adding richness.
- Seasonings: Adds a savory, slightly zesty seasoning blend that gives the fries extra flavor and complexity.
- Yellow onion: Becomes sweet and deeply flavorful when cooked, adding the signature caramelized onion element.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with flavor: Crispy seasoned fries, savory onions, and a creamy tangy special sauce
- Completely vegan: All the classic comfort-food vibes of animal fries, made entirely dairy-free and plant-based.
- Easy to make at home: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean no drive-thru required.
- Crispy, saucy, and comforting: The perfect mix of textures with golden fries, soft caramelized onions, and creamy sauce.
- Great for sharing: Perfect for game nights, movie nights, parties, or whenever comfort food is calling.
- Customizable: Add jalapeños, vegan cheese, extra seasoning, or your favorite toppings to make it your own.
How to Make Vegan Animal Fries
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full instructions and ingredient measurements.
Begin by blending together all of your special sauce ingredients - save the relish. Stir that in once everything is smooth!
Cut your potatoes into french fry wedges. Toss with oil and spices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 400 degrees F (205 C) for 20 minutes. Toss and bake for another 20 minutes.
Caramelize the onions while the fries bake. Add diced onions to a hot skillet with oil and sauté at a low heat for about 30 minutes or until onions are dark in color. Keep a close eye so they don't burn!
Transfer baked fries onto a serving platter and top with the "special sauce" and caramelized onions. Serve!
Tips for Making Vegan Animal Fries
- Get ahead: You can make the special sauce in advance! Blend and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Soak the potatoes for crispier fries: After cutting the potatoes, soak them in cold water for 20-30 minutes to remove excess starch. Dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking for the crispiest texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Spread the fries in a single layer with space between them so they roast instead of steam. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Flip halfway through cooking: Turning the fries halfway helps them brown evenly and crisp on all sides.
- Cook the onions low and slow: Give the onions time to soften and caramelize for deeper flavor and sweetness. Rushing them over high heat can burn them. Patience is key!
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Depending on your ketchup, relish, or seasoning blend, you may want a little more salt, mustard, or sweetness in the sauce.
- Assemble just before serving: Add the onions and sauce right before eating to keep the fries crispy and prevent sogginess.
Shortcuts to Keep you Sane
- Use frozen fries: Skip cutting potatoes by using good-quality frozen fries. Bake or air-fry them until extra crispy.
- One-pan onion hack: Cook onions in a wide skillet while fries bake so everything finishes at the same time.
- Pre-made dressing swap: Grab a vegan Thousand Island dressing at the store to use in place of the homemade version. Choose something thick and high-quality.
- Seasoning blend swap: Instead of measuring individual spices, use a pre-made savory seasoning mix (like burger seasoning) for the fries.
- Double-duty sauce: Make extra special sauce and use it for dipping fries, burgers, or sandwiches later in the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but the fries will be less crispy. You can bake or air-fry them using parchment paper.
You can substitute with vegan mayo, cashew cream, or unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
Absolutely. Air-frying often makes them even crispier and reduces cooking time significantly.
Serve immediately after assembling, and keep the sauce and onions separate until the last moment.
Russet potatoes are ideal because they get fluffy inside and crisp on the outside.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasoning blends and ketchup are certified gluten-free.
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How to Serve
Here are a few things you can serve with your vegan animal fries:
- Vegan burgers or sliders: Classic pairing that turns animal fries into a full fast-food-style meal. This smokey bbq black bean burger is particularly great!
- Grilled or crispy sandwiches: Think vegan BLTs, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, or grilled "cheese" style melts for a hearty combo.
- Fresh salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the fries. A simple green salad works perfectly.
- Dipping sauces bar: Serve with extra sauces like vegan ranch, spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or BBQ sauce for variety.
- Roasted vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts add a lighter, savory contrast.
- Plant-based hot dogs: A nostalgic pairing that matches the fast-food vibe of animal fries.
- Pickled sides: Pickles, pickled onions, or pickled jalapeños add acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Cold drinks: Lemonade, iced tea, or a creamy vegan milkshake-style drink pairs perfectly with the salty, savory flavors.
Animal Fries Recipe Variations
- Spicy Animal Fries: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the special sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the finished fries for extra heat.
- Cheesy Vegan Animal Fries: Top with shredded vegan cheese or drizzle with a warm vegan cheese sauce for a richer, more indulgent version.
- Loaded Protein Version: Add crispy tofu crumbles, tempeh "bacon," or seasoned lentils on top for extra protein and heartiness.
- Garlic Lover's Fries: Double the garlic powder in the fries and add roasted garlic to the sauce for a deeper, savory flavor.
- BBQ Animal Fries: Mix a little barbecue sauce into the special sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
- Buffalo Style Fries: Drizzle buffalo sauce over the fries and swap pickles in the sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Fries: Add dried parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the fries before baking for a more aromatic, gourmet flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini fries for a lighter alternative.
Storage
Fries: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes them soft.
Special sauce: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Stir before using, as it may thicken slightly as it sits.
Cooked onions: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave before serving.
Assembled fries: Not ideal for storage, since the sauce will make them soggy. If needed, store for up to 1 day and reheat in the oven or air fryer, then add fresh sauce before serving.
If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!
PrintVegan Animal Fries
In-N-Out inspired vegan Animal Fries! Crispy fries topped with homemade Thousand Island dressing and caramelized onions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Sides
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Special Sauce
⅔ cup silken tofu
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 clove garlic, grated
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
For the Fries
2 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon old bay seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Onions
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blend: Add all of the "special sauce" ingredients, except the relish, to a blender and blend on high until completely smooth. You can also blend these ingredients in a jar using an immersion blender. Stir in the relish and set aside.
- Chop: Cut your potatoes into fries/wedges. Sizing depends on personal preference, but ¼-1/2 inch is usually the sweet spot. Do not peel the potatoes!
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your potato wedges with olive oil, directly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Toss again until everything is well-coated. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and back for 20 minutes. Toss and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the fries are crispy to your liking.
- Sauté: While your fries are baking, prepare the caramelized onions. Heat olive oil in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add onions, salt and pepper to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for an additional 25 minutes or until onions are golden brown. These guys like to burn if left unattended so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Assemble: Once the fries are done baking, transfer them to a serving tray. Spoon over the prepared "special sauce" and caramelized onions. Enjoy with a friend or eat the entire thing yourself.
Notes
*Animal fries do not keep well once assembled. Eat them the day your make them!
*If you would like to make the "Special Sauce" in advance you can prepare it and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
*If you don't feel like making your own french fries, you can prepare frozen ones according to package directions and then top them with Special Sauce and onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ recipe
- Calories: 495k
- Sugar: 13.8g
- Sodium: 1950mg
- Fat: 29.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25.7
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54.8g
- Fiber: 6.4g
- Protein: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So glad I can finally eat animal fires without guilt! Just...thank you.
Literally why I made them!!!