Animal-Style Fries

Ingredients

• Neutral oil, for frying (about 6 cups)
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp. ketchup
• 2 tbsp. sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp. yellow mustard
• Kosher salt
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 16 oz. frozen shoestring French fries, divided
• 6 oz. American cheese, chopped into 1/2“ pieces
• 1/3 c. whole milk

Instructions

1. In a heavy, 5-quart Dutch oven or pot fitted with a deep-fry or candy thermometer, heat oil over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to combine.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is well browned and translucent, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer onions to a small bowl; set aside.
4. Using a metal spider, lower half of fries into oil and cook, stirring to keep fries from sticking together, until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Using spider, transfer fries to a paper towel-lined sheet tray; season with a pinch of salt. Repeat with remaining fries.
5. In a small heatproof bowl, microwave cheese and milk in 30-second increments, whisking in between, until cheese is melted and smooth, about 3 minutes.
6. Top fries with cheese mixture, then cooked onions, and finish with animal sauce.