Straight from the legendary secret menu of In-N-Out, the cheesy and crispy animal style fries will burn a hot and spicy image into your taste bud memory.

When people are asked to think of American food, the first thing that pops into their heads is usually fast food. While this may be reflecting a negative image due to complications with impacted health in the country, the sheer simplicity and nostalgia of an American burger and fries is the ultimate enjoyment food for many.

Among the many fast food chains across the country, In-N-Out exists as the establishment that brings the most nostalgia and classic-style burgers that defined a nation.

However, there also exists a secret menu at In-N-Out which the now famous animal style burgers and fries are offered. This menu has gained so much popularity that it is anything besides secret. On the secret menu, burgers and fries are highlighted and are just ordinary menu items with added toppings and more ingredients.

Easy to make and big on taste, the animal style fries represents the food that made America popular in the culinary scene and is a shout out in bold letters the American way of food: Excess.

This recipe was adapted from seriouseats.com and instructables.com

Animal style fries

Servings: Four or more

Total cook time: 45 minutes

Two russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 sweet onion, finely diced

2 cups cheddar cheese

2 cups Thousand Island dressing

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Peel the potatoes and discard the skin. Next, cut the peeled potatoes into strips about two to three inches long. Place cut potato fries onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. This helps the outside of the potato to crisp up while not overcooking the inside. Add the paprika, garlic powder and salt across the entire baking sheet and place in the oven for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, flip the fries over and bake for an additional five minutes.

While the fries are baking, it is time to take care of the onions. Take an entire sweet onion and dice into small cubes or thin strings. Place the diced onion into a pan and sauté until soft and golden brown. Place cooked onions in a bowl and set aside.

Once baked, remove fries from the oven. Next, create portions of the fries into bowls or plates. Place a handful of cheese on top of the hot fries and melt. Next, top each portion of fries with two to three spoonfuls of the onion and finish off with a spoonful of Thousand Island dressing and serve.

Straight out of the not so secret menu, the animal style fries make up a crispy, cheesy and symphonic aroma of taste that can only be described as American in every way. For turbo-charged french fries, make your own animal style fries and taste the In-N-Out secret menu in your own kitchen.

Cody Powell-McClintick can be reached at [email protected]