🌴 In-N-Out-Inspired Spread
This is a from-scratch take on the creamy, sweet-tangy spread people associate with a certain California drive-thru. The signature move is finely chopped sweet pickle (not smooth relish) plus a spoon of the burger-friendly ketchup-and-vinegar tang, so it tastes bright rather than heavy.
🧾 In-N-Out-Inspired Spread — Recipe Card
From I Love Hamburger — ilovehamburger.com
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise (115 g)
- 2¾ tbsp ketchup (30 ml)
- 1¾ tbsp finely chopped sweet pickle (12 g)
- 1.5 tsp sweet pickle brine (from the jar) (7 ml)
- 0.5 tsp white vinegar (2.5 ml)
- 0.5 tsp granulated sugar (2 g)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk the mayonnaise and ketchup together until the color is even and pale coral.
- Stir in the chopped sweet pickle, pickle brine, vinegar, and sugar.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt. It should read creamy first, then tangy, then just a little sweet.
- Chill at least 30 minutes so the pickle flavor spreads through the sauce before serving.
🫙 Storage
Keep airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week. Do not freeze — the mayo base will break when thawed.
🔁 Substitutions
- No sweet pickle? Use sweet relish and skip the extra sugar.
- Swap in dairy-free mayo to make it dairy-free.
🍔 What to put it on
Pair it with hand-leaf lettuce, thin tomato, and raw or grilled onion. It especially shines on these burgers:
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Frequently asked questions
What is In-N-Out spread made of?
The chain does not publish its formula, but the recognizable flavor is a mayonnaise-and-ketchup base with chopped sweet pickle and a little vinegar and sugar. This inspired-by version builds that same creamy-tangy-sweet profile from scratch.
Is this the official In-N-Out recipe?
No. This is an independent, inspired-by recipe. It is not the official product formula and is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by In-N-Out. If you want the real thing, visit the restaurant.
What burger should I put it on?
It shines on a griddled double smash burger or a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and onion.