The Animal Style Burger from In-N-Out features a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, sauteed onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, and their signature tangy spread, all nestled inside a soft, toasted bun for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or frying pan
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
When preparing the Animal Style Burger, using fresh ground beef with a fat content around 20% ensures a juicy patty. Sauteeing the yellow onions in vegetable oil until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness, essential for the signature flavor. The tangy spread combines mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar, so measuring each ingredient accurately helps you replicate the taste. Toasting the hamburger buns adds a slight crunch that balances the soft textures of the lettuce and pickles. Your homemade Animal Style Burger from In-N-Out copycat menu will achieve authentic flavor and satisfying texture with these key ingredient notes.
Instructions
- Shape ground beef into 4 patties, season with salt and black pepper.
- Slice onion thinly.
- Heat skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil.
- Add onions, cook slowly stirring, until caramelized (10–15 min).
- Preheat grill/griddle over medium-high heat.
- Toast hamburger buns in toaster/toaster oven until golden.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness.
- Place cheddar cheese slice on each patty, let melt.
- In mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and sugar—mix well to create spread.
- Place bottom bun on plate.
- Spread generous amount of signature sauce on bun.
- Add grilled beef patty with melted cheese on top.
- Layer with caramelized onions.
- Add 2 pickle slices and 1 iceberg lettuce leaf per burger.
- Top with bun.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Animal Style Burger from In-N-Out copycat recipes can be adapted if you have dietary restrictions or ingredient limitations. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based patties for a leaner or vegetarian option without compromising flavor. If cheddar cheese is unavailable, American or Swiss cheese work well as alternatives to maintain the melty, savory quality. When sweet pickle relish is not on hand, finely chopped dill pickles mixed with a pinch of sugar and vinegar can mimic its tangy sweetness, preserving the signature spread taste. Use any type of sturdy bun you have to ensure your burger holds together through grilling and assembling for your perfect bite.
Tips
Ensure you don't overcrowd the skillet when caramelizing onions; this helps them cook evenly and develop the perfect sweetness. When shaping the beef patties, make them slightly larger than the buns since they shrink during grilling, and avoid pressing down on them to retain juiciness. Toast your buns just until golden to add crunch without drying them out, enhancing the overall texture of your burger. Your signature sauce should be spread evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
Nutritions
The Animal Style Burger from In-N-Out provides a rich source of protein from the 4-ounce beef patty, essential for muscle repair and growth. Each burger contains cheddar cheese, adding calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health. The signature spread, a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish, contributes fats and sugars, which should be consumed in moderation. You can balance your meal by including leafy lettuce and pickles, offering dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Storage
Store leftover Animal Style Burger components separately to maintain freshness: keep cooked beef patties and caramelized onions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Preserve buns in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to avoid staleness, or freeze for longer storage. Your assembled burger is best enjoyed immediately, but if stored, reheat patties gently and assemble with fresh lettuce and pickles before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option. Try adding crispy bacon or sliced jalapenos to elevate the flavor profile. Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or Swiss for a different cheesy taste. Consider grilling the onions instead of pan-caramelizing for a smokier aroma that complements the savory sauce.
Allergies
You should be aware that the Animal Style Burger contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from hamburger buns, and eggs within the mayonnaise. The presence of mustard and pickles may also trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to sulfites or mustard seeds. Cross-contamination in preparation areas could pose risks for those with severe allergies to any listed ingredients.
Why this recipe?
The Animal Style Burger menu from In-N-Out features well-seasoned, grilled patties topped with melted cheese, tangy grilled onions, crisp pickles, and a signature spread that creates a unique and flavorful experience. Many fans appreciate the perfect balance of savory and tangy elements, which elevates the classic burger with its distinct taste. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to recreate this beloved Flavors combination, saving money while customizing toppings to your personal preference. Your homemade Animal Style Burger can deliver the same satisfying taste and texture that has made In-N-Out a cult favorite.