Homemade In N Out Burger Recipe in 8 Steps

Published: 9 May 2026

Here is a short video explaining the process, scroll down for detailed ingredients and step by step recipe method. Thanks for coming and do not forget to check other recipes on out homepage.

Ingredients With Exact Amount

This recipe makes 4 burgers. Keep everything ready before you start cooking because thin burger patties cook fast.

For The Burger Patties

  • 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 fat ratio
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 4 slices American cheese

For The Burger Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For The Grilled Onions

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons water, as needed

For Assembling The Burgers

  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 8 dill pickle slices

Step By Step Recipe Method

Making a homemade In N Out burger is all about timing, heat, and fresh ingredients. The recipe itself is simple, but the small details are what make the burgers taste close to the famous restaurant version. I always recommend preparing all your ingredients before cooking because the patties cook very fast once they hit the pan.

Step 1: Prepare The Homemade Burger Sauce

Start with the burger sauce because it tastes much better after sitting in the refrigerator for a little while. In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together slowly until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fully combined.

The sauce should have a slightly tangy, creamy, and lightly sweet flavor. If you want a stronger pickle flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of relish. If you enjoy a sharper sauce, add a few more drops of vinegar.

Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling the sauce helps all the flavors blend together properly. This simple step makes a noticeable difference in the final burger taste.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare The Vegetables

Wash the tomato and lettuce carefully under cold water. Slice the tomato into thin, even slices so it fits easily inside the burger without making it too bulky. Shred the iceberg lettuce into thin strips because this gives the burger the classic fresh crunch.

Next, finely chop or thinly slice the onion depending on the texture you prefer. Thin slices create soft caramelized onions, while finely chopped onions spread more evenly across the burger.

Lay all the prepared vegetables on a plate or tray near your cooking area. Keeping everything ready before cooking helps you assemble the burgers quickly while the patties are still hot.

Step 3: Cook The Grilled Onions Slowly

Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter and cooking oil. The oil prevents the butter from burning too quickly. Once the butter melts completely, add the chopped onions.

Stir the onions so they get coated evenly in the butter mixture. Let them cook slowly for around 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and burning.

At first, the onions will look white and slightly firm. After several minutes, they will begin turning soft and golden. This slow cooking process releases the natural sweetness from the onions and gives them a rich flavor.

If the onions begin sticking to the pan, add a tablespoon of water and stir gently. This helps loosen the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and adds extra flavor to the onions.

Continue cooking until the onions become soft, golden brown, and slightly sticky. Once done, transfer them to a small bowl and keep them warm.

Step 4: Shape The Burger Patties Properly

Place the ground beef into a bowl and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion gently into a loose ball. Do not pack the meat tightly because tightly packed beef can become dense and chewy after cooking.

The patties in this recipe are meant to be thin like classic smash burgers. Thin patties cook quickly and develop crispy edges that taste incredible.

Do not mix seasonings directly into the beef. Instead, season the outside of the patties right before cooking. This keeps the beef tender and juicy.

Place the beef balls on a plate and keep them chilled until the skillet is hot and ready.

Step 5: Toast The Hamburger Buns

Place a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of butter on the cut side of each bun. Once the pan is warm, place the buns face down on the skillet.

Toast the buns for about 1 to 2 minutes until the inside turns lightly golden brown. The buns should feel slightly crisp on the surface while still staying soft inside.

Toasting the buns is very important because it creates a barrier that helps prevent the burger sauce from soaking into the bread too quickly. It also adds a rich buttery flavor that makes the burger taste more homemade and fresh.

Remove the toasted buns from the pan and place them aside.

Step 6: Heat The Pan Until Very Hot

For the best burger texture, the pan must be properly heated before the beef goes in. Place a cast iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat for several minutes.

A hot pan creates the crispy brown crust that makes smash burgers taste so good. If the pan is not hot enough, the patties may steam instead of sear.

You can test the heat by sprinkling a tiny drop of water onto the pan. If it sizzles immediately, the pan is ready.

Step 7: Smash And Cook The Burger Patties

Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, leaving space between each one. Immediately press each ball down firmly using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Smash the beef until it becomes thin and flat.

The edges should look uneven and slightly rough. Those thin edges become crispy during cooking and give the burger extra flavor.

Season the patties with salt and black pepper right after smashing them. Let the patties cook without touching them for about 2 minutes. Avoid moving the patties around because this can stop the crust from forming.

Once the edges begin turning brown and slightly crispy, spread a thin layer of yellow mustard over the top side of each patty. This is one of the signature techniques used in animal-style burgers and adds extra flavor.

Flip the patties carefully using a spatula. The cooked side should look deeply browned with crispy edges. Immediately place one slice of American cheese on top of each patty.

Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the patties finish cooking.

Step 8: Assemble The Burgers Carefully

Place the bottom buns on a tray or plate. Spread a generous layer of burger sauce over each bottom bun. Add shredded lettuce first, followed by tomato slices and pickle slices.

Placing the lettuce under the patty helps protect the bun from becoming soggy too quickly.

Next, place the hot cheesy burger patties directly over the vegetables. Spoon a generous amount of grilled onions over the melted cheese while the patties are still hot.

Spread a little extra burger sauce inside the top bun, then gently place it over the burger.

Press the burger lightly so everything settles together without squeezing out the fillings.

Step 9: Serve Immediately While Hot

These burgers taste best fresh off the skillet while the cheese is still melted and the patties are juicy. Serve them immediately with crispy fries, onion rings, or homemade milkshakes for a full burger meal experience.

If you want the full restaurant-style flavor, serve extra burger sauce on the side for dipping fries.

For more homemade comfort food recipes and easy burger ideas, make sure to check the homepage for more tasty food recipes.

Variations In The Recipe

This homemade In N Out burger recipe is easy to adjust. Once you master the basic version, you can change it based on your taste.

Double Double Style Burger

For a richer burger, use 2 thin patties and 2 slices of cheese per burger. This gives you a fuller bite and a stronger restaurant-style flavor.

Protein Style Burger

Skip the bun and wrap the burger in large iceberg lettuce leaves. This is a fresh and lighter version, but still full of flavor.

Spicy Burger

Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese. You can also mix a little chili sauce into the burger sauce for extra heat.

Animal Style Fries

Serve fries with melted cheese, grilled onions, and extra burger sauce on top. This makes a perfect side dish with these burgers.

Mistakes To Avoid

A homemade burger is simple, but small mistakes can change the final taste and texture.

Using Very Lean Beef

Do not use extra-lean beef for this recipe. The 80/20 beef ratio gives the patties flavor and keeps them juicy.

Pressing The Patty After It Starts Cooking

Press the patty only once when you place it on the pan. Pressing again later can push out the juices and make the burger dry.

Cooking On Low Heat

The pan must be hot. High heat helps create browned edges and better flavor.

Skipping The Sauce Resting Time

The sauce tastes better after resting in the fridge. Even 20 minutes makes a difference.

Not Toasting The Buns

Soft buns can become soggy if they are not toasted. A light toast gives better texture and holds the burger together.

Conclusion

This homemade In N Out burger recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make in your own kitchen. The thin beef patty, melted American cheese, creamy sauce, grilled onions, and toasted bun all work together beautifully. I love this recipe because it feels special without needing fancy ingredients.

Try it for a weekend meal, family dinner, or burger night at home. For more tasty homemade food ideas, check the homepage for more food recipes.

FAQs

What Is The Secret To A Good Homemade In N Out Burger?

The secret is using fresh 80/20 ground beef, a hot pan, thin patties, toasted buns, grilled onions, and a creamy sauce.

Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the sauce 1 to 2 days ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge.

What Cheese Works Best?

American cheese works best because it melts smoothly and gives the classic burger taste.

Can I Cook These Burgers Without A Griddle?

Yes, a cast iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan works well.

Can I Freeze The Patties?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked beef patties. Place parchment paper between them and store in a freezer-safe bag.

How Do I Keep The Burger Juicy?

Use 80/20 beef, avoid overcooking, and do not press the patty after the first smash.

Sophia Pervaiz Avatar
Sophia Pervaiz

Passionate about creating delicious, approachable recipes and sharing insights on our furry companions, Sophia Pervaiz blends their love for food and cats into every post. When not experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, they enjoy spending time with their cats, learning more about feline health, and creating content that caters to both food lovers and pet enthusiasts. With a knack for making everything feel personal and relatable, Sophia Pervaiz brings a warm, friendly voice to both the culinary and animal worlds. Whether you're here for a tasty new dish or some helpful cat tips, there's always something for everyone!

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