🍔 In-N-Out-Inspired Burger
This is an independent, inspired-by recreation of the flavors In-N-Out fans love: thin, well-seared patties, melty American cheese, a tangy spread, and — if you want it "animal-style" — a mustard-griddled patty and sweet grilled onions. The chain's exact recipe is proprietary; we're recreating the profile at home with a from-scratch spread and a hot griddle.
What the original is known for
In-N-Out is known for fresh, thin griddled patties, American cheese, a tangy pink spread, and the cult "Animal Style" option with mustard-griddled patties and caramelized grilled onions. Simplicity and freshness define the flavor.
🧾 In-N-Out-Inspired Burger — Recipe Card
From I Love Hamburger — ilovehamburger.com · Inspired-by recipe, not affiliated with In-N-Out.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 chuck
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 1 large white onion, half thinly sliced (for grilling), half in rings (raw)
- Yellow mustard, for the "animal-style" griddled patties (optional)
- For the spread: 1/3 cup (75g) mayonnaise, 2 tbsp (30g) ketchup, 1 tbsp (15g) sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar, pinch of sugar
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Make the spread by stirring together the mayo, ketchup, relish, vinegar and sugar; chill. (Or use our dedicated spread recipe — see the sauce note.)
- For grilled onions: cook the thinly sliced onion on a griddle over medium heat with a pinch of salt, stirring, until deeply golden and jammy, 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
- Form the beef into 4 (or 8 for doubles) thin patties slightly wider than the bun. Season with salt and pepper.
- Griddle the patties on high heat about 2 minutes. For "animal-style," smear the raw top with a thin layer of yellow mustard just before flipping so it caramelizes into the crust.
- Flip, add American cheese, and cook to 160°F (71°C) internal. Toast the buns.
- Spread sauce on both buns and build (see assembly). Serve hot.
🍖 The patty
Thin, fresh, griddle-seared patties — single or double. For "animal style," paint the top of the patty with yellow mustard right before flipping so it griddles into a tangy, caramelized crust.
🥫 The sauce
The tangy pink spread is essential. Use our dedicated In-N-Out-Inspired Spread recipe, or the quick version in the ingredient list above.
🍔 How to assemble
- Bottom bun → spread → tomato → lettuce → cheese-topped patty (add grilled onions here for animal-style).
- For a double, stack a second cheese-topped patty.
- Spread the top bun, crown the burger, and serve immediately.
🔁 Substitutions & variations
- Make it a "Double-Double" style with two thin patties and two slices of cheese.
- Skip the mustard-griddle step for the standard (non-animal) version.
- Use raw onion rings instead of grilled onions for a sharper, fresher bite.
- For gluten-free, use a GF bun and confirm your relish is GF.
Burger HQ Picks Recommended Tools for This Recipe
Heavy-Duty Stainless Smash Burger Press
A flat, weighty press is the difference between a real lacy-edged smash burger and a sad steamed puck. Round, broad face for full patty contact.
Check price →Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Pulls a reading in 2–3 seconds so you can hit 160°F on ground beef every time without cutting into the patty and losing juices.
Check price →Pre-Seasoned 12" Cast Iron Skillet
Holds screaming-hot heat for the deep, even crust that makes a steakhouse-style burger. Lasts a lifetime.
Check price →Outdoor Gas Flat-Top Griddle
A big flat top cooks a dozen smash burgers at once with room for onions and buns. The backbone of burger night for a crowd.
Check price →Thin Flexible Stainless Turner (Smash Spatula)
A stiff, thin, bevelled edge slides under the crust and scrapes up every bit of the browned fond instead of tearing the patty.
Check price →Steakhouse Burger Seasoning Blend
For nights you do not want to measure. Salt-forward with garlic, onion, and pepper — exactly what a burger wants.
Check price →Stainless Grill Accessory Kit
Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
Check price →As an affiliate site, I Love Hamburger may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the real In-N-Out recipe?
No. This is an independent, inspired-by recipe. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by In-N-Out, and their actual formula is proprietary. We recreate the flavor profile — thin patties, American cheese, tangy spread and optional animal-style onions.
What is "animal style"?
It's a fan term for a mustard-griddled patty topped with extra spread, pickles and caramelized grilled onions. Our recipe shows the mustard-griddle and grilled-onion steps so you can build it that way.
How do I get the spread right?
Balance mayo and ketchup with a little relish, vinegar and sugar. Our In-N-Out-Inspired Spread has the tuned ratios.