If you’ve ever had an In-N-Out Animal Style Burger, you know it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. That juicy patty, caramelized onions, tangy sauce, and melty cheese all come together in a way that feels downright magical. I’ve always loved the way this burger balances bold flavors and textures, so I decided to recreate it at home.
Ingredients
Recreating the iconic Animal Style Burger starts with the right ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this copycat recipe at home.
For The Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For The Animal Style Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Assembling The Burger
- 4 soft hamburger buns (split)
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 1 large yellow onion (diced and caramelized)
- Dill pickle slices
- Fresh iceberg lettuce (4 large leaves)
- 1 ripe tomato (sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
- Butter or oil for toasting the buns
Tools And Equipment
To recreate the magic of the In-N-Out Animal Style Burger, having the right tools and equipment makes the process smooth and efficient. Here’s what I use:
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan: Ideal for cooking the beef patties evenly and achieving a delicious crust.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients like the sauce and seasoning.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps with flipping the burgers and handling the caramelized onions.
- Sharp knife: For slicing toppings like onions, lettuce, and tomatoes with precision.
- Cutting board: A clean surface for all your chopping and slicing needs.
- Nonstick skillet: Perfect for caramelizing the onions to that golden, rich perfection.
- Basting brush: Helps to spread the mustard onto the patties while cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accuracy for the sauce and seasoning mix.
- Toaster or pan: Used to lightly toast the buns for that soft yet crispy base.
I make sure all my tools are clean and within reach before I begin. Having this setup simplifies the cooking experience and helps me focus on recreating that unmistakable Animal Style flavor.
Directions
Creating the In-N-Out Animal Style Burger at home is a rewarding experience. Follow these steps to bring this flavorful icon to life right in your kitchen.
Prep The Ingredients
- Slice the lettuce into crisp, sandwich-sized leaves and set aside.
- Thinly slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Slice the dill pickles into thin, even rounds if not pre-sliced.
- Ready the hamburger buns by slicing them in half if they are not pre-sliced.
- Measure out 1/4 cup each of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish for the sauce.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Make The Animal Style Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
- Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to assemble the burgers.
Cook The Burger Patties
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan if necessary.
- Place the patties onto the hot surface. After 1-2 minutes, spread 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard evenly on the uncooked side of each patty.
- Flip the patties and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired doneness.
- Place a slice of American cheese on each patty during the final minute of cooking and allow it to melt completely.
- Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Caramelize The Onions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2 cups of finely chopped onions and stir to coat them in the oil.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if they start to brown too quickly.
- Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
Assemble The Animal Style Burger
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns on a toaster or in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Spread a generous layer of the Animal Style sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and a few pickle slices.
- Place the mustard-cooked patty with melted cheese on top of the pickles.
- Top each burger with a spoonful of caramelized onions and close with the top bun.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Animal Style Burger!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Sometimes preparing components in advance can save time and let you enjoy the cooking process. Here’s how I prepare the elements of the Animal Style Burger ahead of time without losing any of the signature freshness.
Caramelized Onions
I cook the onions up to two days in advance. After caramelizing them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, I allow them to cool completely. Then, I transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to assemble the burger, I reheat the onions in the microwave or a skillet for 1 to 2 minutes to bring back their softness.
Animal Style Sauce
The sauce is another element that can be made ahead. I mix equal parts mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish, making sure the flavors are well combined. After that, I store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days, and I give it a quick stir before spreading it onto the buns.
Vegetables
I slice the lettuce, tomato, and pickles a few hours before meal prep. I store the lettuce and tomato separately in resealable plastic bags with a piece of paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep everything crisp. For the pickles, I leave them in their brine and pull them out just before assembly.
Burger Patties
While I don’t recommend fully cooking the patties in advance, I do portion and shape the ground beef into patties ahead of time. After seasoning both sides with kosher salt and black pepper, I stack the patties between sheets of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped plastic wrap in the fridge. This keeps them ready to cook without sticking together.
Hamburger Buns
I like to keep the buns fresh until just before serving. However, if I won’t have time to toast them when assembling the burgers, I pre-toast them lightly. Once cool, I wrap the buns in foil and reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes when it’s time to use them.
Tips And Tricks
Making the perfect In-N-Out Animal Style Burger at home takes a bit of practice, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll have no problem nailing the flavors and textures every time.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients makes all the difference. Opt for fresh ground beef with at least 20% fat for juicy patties. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and soft hamburger buns will elevate your burger to the next level.
- Don’t Skip the Mustard-Grilled Patty: Spreading mustard directly on the patties while they cook ensures you achieve that signature tangy flavor. I like to do this just after flipping the patty for even cooking and maximum flavor.
- Perfect Caramelized Onions Take Patience: Cook your onions over low heat, stirring occasionally, to achieve that golden sweetness. Rushing this step over high heat could lead to burning rather than caramelizing.
- Master the Sauce Recipe: To replicate the authentic Animal Style sauce, stick to the exact measurements provided. A small adjustment in the sweet pickle relish or ketchup can significantly change the taste.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting your hamburger buns enhances the texture and prevents them from getting soggy when layered with sauce and toppings. I like to toast mine in the same skillet I used for the patties for added flavor.
- Melt Cheese Properly: After flipping the patties, place a slice of American cheese on each while they finish cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid to create steam and help melt the cheese quickly and evenly.
- Assemble Quickly: Once your components are ready, put the burger together without delay. A freshly assembled burger ensures the cheese is gooey, the buns are warm, and the toppings retain their crunch.
- Keep Everything Organized: Before starting, set up an assembly line with your ingredients. Having everything prepped and in place will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.
Adopting these tips ensures each bite of your homemade Animal Style Burger delivers the same indulgent, savory satisfaction you’d expect from the original.
Conclusion
Recreating the In-N-Out Animal Style Burger at home is such a rewarding experience. There’s something special about bringing those bold, iconic flavors to life in your own kitchen. With the right ingredients, tools, and a little patience, you can enjoy every juicy, savory bite without leaving your house.
Whether you’re perfecting the sauce, nailing the mustard-grilled patties, or savoring the sweetness of caramelized onions, each step adds to the magic of this homemade version. So roll up your sleeves, get your tools ready, and treat yourself to the ultimate burger night. Trust me, it’s worth every effort!
