Homemade In N Out Burger With In N Out Sauce

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Few things compare to the iconic taste of an In N Out burger. But unless you live in one of their lucky locations, grabbing one isn’t always an option.

The great news? You don’t have to miss out—you can make your very own version at home with this easy recipe.

For those unfamiliar, In-N-Out is a beloved fast-food chain that started in California back in 1948. What sets them apart is their commitment to simplicity and quality. Their menu isn’t overloaded—just burgers, fries, and shakes, all made fresh and flavorful.

The burgers come in classic options like the hamburger, cheeseburger, and the famous double-double, with two patties and two slices of cheese.

But if you know about their “secret menu,” you’ve probably heard of Animal Style. This version adds grilled onions, pickles, extra sauce, and a mustard-grilled patty, giving it that unmistakable taste.

This recipe recreates the double-double Animal Style, bringing that same mouthwatering taste to your table.

Table of Contents

Homemade In N Out Burger Recipe

Ingredients

Burger Patties

1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
1 small onion, finely diced
1 ripe tomato, sliced
Yellow mustard
4 slices of cheddar cheese or processed cheese
2 large leaves of lettuce
Pickle slices
2 burger buns
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Special In N Out Sauce

3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp sweet relish
1 tsp white sugar
1 tbsp yellow onion, very finely minced

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mayonnaise, white vinegar, sweet relish, white sugar, and very finely minced yellow onion until smooth. Cover and set aside for later.
Dice the onion, slice the tomato, and rinse the lettuce. Pat the lettuce dry to avoid soggy burgers.
Divide the ground beef into four portions and flatten into thin patties, slightly larger than your burger buns. Season lightly with salt and pepper, if desired.
For caramelized onions, heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Add the diced onion and stir frequently until golden and soft. If needed, add a splash of water to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Place the buns cut-side down on a clean, lightly oiled pan or grill. Toast until golden brown and set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan. After 1-2 minutes, spread a thin layer of mustard on top of each patty and then flip.
Place a slice of cheese on each patty immediately after flipping. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the patties to cook through.
Spread the special sauce generously on the bottom half of each bun. Layer the pickles, tomato slices, and lettuce. Add one cheeseburger patty, followed by some caramelized onions (if using). Stack the second patty on top and add more onions if desired. Finish with the top bun.
Serve immediately with fries or your favorite sides. These burgers are best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Essential Tips For A Perfect In N Out Burger

To make sure your homemade burger tastes just as good as the real deal, keep these simple tips in mind:

Use Quality Beef: Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat (about 80% lean, 20% fat). This ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
Shape Patties Correctly: Make the patties slightly larger than your buns so they shrink to the perfect size as they cook.
Don’t Overcook the Patties: For juicy burgers, avoid cooking them for too long. Medium-rare to medium is ideal for a tender, flavorful bite.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the inside of the buns to add a little crunch and keep them from getting soggy when adding the sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Get the Right Sauce: A good burger sauce ties everything together. Make sure to use a tangy, creamy mix of ketchup, mayo, and relish.

What To Serve With In N Out Burger?

Pair your homemade burger with these classic sides to complete the meal:

French fries
Onion rings
Coleslaw
Pickles

How To Store Your Homemade In-And-Out Style Burger?

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the burger in advance, here’s how to store everything:

Storing Cooked Patties: Once the patties are cooked, let them cool completely. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing Vegetables and Buns: Store leftover lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Buns can be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, warm the patties in a pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes per side. Toast the buns lightly in a pan or toaster, and assemble with fresh vegetables and sauce when ready to serve.