In-N-Out Burger Hack (Make It at Home)
Craving that iconic In-N-Out Burger but nowhere near the West Coast? This fast-food hack brings the cult-favorite burger straight to your kitchen—with perfectly smashed patties, melty American cheese, and that legendary secret sauce.
The best part? You can customize it exactly how you like—Animal Style, Double-Double, Protein Style—you name it. Whether you're trying to recreate your go-to order or impress some burger-loving friends, this DIY In-N-Out burger tastes shockingly close to the real thing. So cook it already!
Why You’ll Love This In-N-Out Burger Hack
Tastes just like the original – juicy patties, crisp lettuce, melted cheese, and spot-on sauce
Quick to make – ready in 20 minutes from start to finish
Customizable – go classic, Animal Style, or lettuce-wrapped
Saves you a trip – make it anytime, anywhere
Ingredients
For the patties:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the right fat ratio)
Salt & pepper
American cheese slices (2 per burger)
For the burger fixings:
Soft hamburger buns (preferably squishy and slightly sweet)
White onion, sliced into rings
Iceberg lettuce, torn
Tomato slices (thick and juicy)
Pickles (optional but recommended)
For the spread (aka the real MVP):
1/2 cup mayo
3 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp white vinegar
Pinch of sugar
How to Make the In-N-Out Burger Hack
1. Make the Spread. Mix all the spread ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and chill—this gives it time to meld and taste like the real deal.
2. Prep the Veggies. Slice the onion, tomato, and lettuce. Set aside. Pro tip: Soak the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes to tone down the sharpness.
3. Form and Smash the Patties. Divide the beef into 4 loosely packed balls (quarter-pound total per burger). Don’t overwork it. Heat a cast-iron or stainless steel pan until very hot. Smash each ball onto the pan with a spatula, season with salt & pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes until you get that golden brown crust. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook another minute.
4. Toast the Buns. While the patties cook, toast the buns cut-side-down in butter until golden.
5. Assemble
Bottom bun
Generous dollop of spread
Pickles (optional)
Tomato slice
Lettuce
One cheesy patty
Second cheesy patty
Grilled or raw onions
Top bun with more spread
Pro Tips:
Smash-style patties mimic the real thing—thin and crispy edges are key
Use American cheese for that classic melt
Grill the onions for Animal Style flavor
Double up the patties for a DIY Double-Double
Swap buns for lettuce wraps to go Protein Style
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Kitchen Tools We Recommend
Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet: A durable, pre-seasoned skillet perfect for achieving that classic burger sear. Buy on Amazon
Cuisinart 6.5-Inch Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press: Ideal for creating evenly pressed, crispy-edged smash burgers. Buy on Amazon
Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set: Versatile glass bowls for mixing your secret spread and ingredients. Buy on Amazon
Global 8-Inch Chef’s Knife: A high-quality knife for precise slicing of vegetables and other ingredients. Buy on Amazon
Totally Bamboo Cutting Board: A sturdy, eco-friendly surface for all your chopping needs. Buy on Amazon
HOTEC Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs (Set of 3): Essential for flipping patties and assembling your burger. Buy on Amazon
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set: For accurately measuring ingredients for your secret spread.
Buy on Amazon
Ingredients We Recommend
Kraft Singles American Cheese Slices (16 Count): Classic melty cheese that brings authenticity to your burger. Buy on Amazon
Dave’s Killer Bread Burger Buns Done Right: Soft, organic buns that hold up well to juicy patties and toppings. Buy on Amazon
Vlasic Sweet Pickle Relish (10 oz): Adds the perfect sweet and tangy flavor to your secret spread. Buy on Amazon
Insight on In-N-Out
In-N-Out started way back in 1948 as a tiny drive-thru in Baldwin Park, California, run by husband-and-wife duo Harry and Esther Snyder. It was actually the first drive-thru to use a two-way speaker system—yep, they pretty much invented the modern drive-thru experience.
From the start, In-N-Out kept things super simple: fresh, made-to-order burgers, real ice cream shakes, and hand-cut fries. No freezers. No microwaves. No shortcuts. And honestly, that’s what made it legendary.
What’s cool is that it’s still family-owned today—no franchises, no mass-produced vibes. Just that same old-school quality and secret menu goodness (Animal Style, anyone?).
So if you’ve ever wondered why people go wild for In-N-Out, it’s not just the taste (though yeah, that helps)—it’s the history, the consistency, and the “do it right” attitude that’s been there since day one.
FAQs
What’s Animal Style?
It's a secret-menu option with grilled onions, extra sauce, and mustard-seared patties. Just add a splash of mustard while cooking the burgers!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and form the patties ahead, but cook everything fresh for best texture and flavor.
What kind of meat should I use?
Stick with 80/20 ground chuck for the ideal juicy-to-crispy ratio.