In-N-Out Burger Copycat Recipe: Secret Tips for the Perfect Homemade Burger

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a classic In-N-Out Burger—the juicy patty, fresh toppings, and that signature sauce. I’ve always adored their simplicity and incredible flavor, and I wanted to bring that experience right into my kitchen.

After many attempts and a few tweaks, I finally perfected a copycat recipe that captures everything that makes In-N-Out so special. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their delicious offerings, this recipe will satisfy your burger cravings without the long drive.

Let’s dive into the secrets of crafting the ultimate homemade In-N-Out-style burger that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

Burger Patties

• 1 pound fresh ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Buns

• 4 potato hamburger buns
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheese

• 4 slices American cheese

Toppings

• 1 tomato, sliced
• ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
• 8 leaves iceberg lettuce
• 8 pickle slices

Special Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

Additional

• Vegetable oil for grilling

Equipment

To recreate the iconic In-N-Out Burger at home, having the right tools is essential. Here’s a list of equipment that will ensure your cooking process is smooth and your burgers turn out perfectly every time:

• Grill or Griddle Pan

• A high-quality grill or a large griddle pan is crucial for achieving that signature sear on the patties.

• Cast-Iron Skillet

• Perfect for cooking the burger patties evenly and adding a delicious crust.

• Spatula

• A sturdy spatula is necessary for flipping the burgers without breaking them.

• Mixing Bowls

• Use these for preparing and seasoning the ground beef mixture.

• Measuring Spoons and Cups

• Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors in your special sauce and seasoning.

• Cutting Board and Knife

• Essential for slicing tomatoes, onions, and other fresh toppings with precision.

• Saucepan

• Ideal for heating and combining ingredients when making the special sauce.

• Tongs

• Handy for handling hot patties and buns safely on the grill or skillet.

• Burger Press

• Ensures uniform patty size and thickness for consistent cooking.

• Toaster or Oven

• Perfect for toasting the potato buns to a golden brown, adding that extra crunch.

• Oil Brush or Paper Towels

• Useful for applying a thin layer of vegetable oil to the grill or skillet to prevent sticking.
• Helps in checking the internal temperature of the burgers to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Having these tools on hand will make the process of crafting your homemade In-N-Out-style burgers efficient and enjoyable. Each piece plays a role in replicating the flavors and textures that make the original so beloved.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing the Beef Patties

1. Season the Meat: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of fresh ground beef with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Mix gently until the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a thin patty, about ¼ inch thick, ensuring they are slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink while cooking.
3. Chill the Patties: Place the patties on a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the patties maintain their shape during grilling.
4. Storage: Keep the patties refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Making the Special Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
2. Blend Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
3. Refrigerate: Transfer the special sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Preparing the Toppings

1. Chop Vegetables: Slice 1 large ripe tomato, 1 small onion into thin rings, and 4 leaves of fresh lettuce. If using pickles, slice them thinly if not pre-sliced.
2. Store Separately: Place each topping in separate airtight containers. Keep the tomatoes and lettuce refrigerated and use within two days. Store onions and pickles in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Toasting the Buns

1. Prep the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of the potato hamburger buns.
2. Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the buns until golden brown. This step is best done just before assembling the burgers to ensure they remain fresh and slightly crispy.

Organizing for Assembly

1. Label Containers: Clearly label each container with its contents and preparation date to keep track of freshness.
2. Group Ingredients: Store all make-ahead components in the refrigerator, keeping related items together for easy access during assembly.

Directions

Recreating the iconic In-N-Out Burger at home is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect, mouthwatering taste.

Prepare the Burger Patties

1. Season the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of fresh ground beef (80% lean) with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef into four equal portions. Using a burger press or your hands, shape each portion into a thin, uniform patty about ¼ inch thick.
3. Chill the Patties: Place the formed patties on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

Make the Special Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon of yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
3. Blend Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before using.

Toast the Buns

1. Prepare the Buns: Slice 4 potato hamburger buns horizontally.
2. Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill or griddle to medium heat.
3. Toast the Buns: Lightly brush the cut sides of each bun with vegetable oil. Place them on the grill, cut side down, and toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Patties

1. Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill or griddle is hot and ready for cooking.
2. Cook the First Side: Place the chilled patties on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes until the edges start to brown.
3. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on top. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through.
4. Remove from Heat: Take the patties off the grill and let them rest for a minute to retain their juices.

Assemble the Burger

1. Spread the Special Sauce: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread a generous amount of the special sauce.
2. Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, thinly sliced onions, and pickles.
3. Place the Patty: Position the cheesy beef patty on top of the toppings.
4. Top It Off: Cap the burger with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade In-N-Out-style burger while it’s warm and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Creating the perfect In-N-Out-style burger is just the beginning. To elevate your meal, consider these delicious serving suggestions that complement the rich flavors and hearty textures of your homemade masterpiece.

Classic French Fries

No burger experience is complete without a side of crispy French fries. Here’s how to make them just right:

• Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

• Instructions:

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into thin, even strips.
2. Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Drain and thoroughly dry the potato strips.
5. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Remove fries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Sprinkle with salt immediately and serve hot.

Creamy Milkshakes

A classic milkshake pairs perfectly with your burger. Choose from these flavors:

• Vanilla Milkshake:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Chocolate Milkshake:

• 2 cups chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

• Strawberry Milkshake:

• 2 cups strawberry ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries

• Instructions for All Flavors:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with whipped cream or a cherry, if desired.

Fresh Garden Salad

For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to your hearty burger.

• Ingredients:

• Mixed lettuce greens
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Carrots, shredded
• Your favorite dressing

• Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and carrots.
2. Drizzle with dressing of your choice.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve alongside your burger.

Pickle Spears

Crispy pickle spears add a tangy crunch that complements the savory flavors of the burger.

• Instructions:

1. Select your favorite brand of dill pickles.
2. Arrange pickle spears on a platter.
3. Serve chilled alongside the burger for an authentic touch.

Beverage Pairings

Complete your meal with a selection of beverages:

• Iced Tea: Refreshing and slightly sweet, perfect for balancing flavors.
• Soda: Classic choices like cola or root beer enhance the nostalgic feel.
• Bottled Water: Always a great option to stay hydrated.

By pairing your copycat In-N-Out burger with these thoughtful sides and beverages, you’ll create a meal that’s both satisfying and reminiscent of dining at the original favorite spot.

Conclusion

Making this copycat In-N-Out Burger has been a blast and I hope you have as much fun creating it at home. There’s something special about biting into a burger you crafted yourself with fresh ingredients and all the right flavors. Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying it for the first time, this recipe brings the classic taste right to your kitchen. Gather your tools fire up the grill and enjoy building your perfect burger masterpiece. Here’s to delicious homemade meals and enjoying the simple joys of great food with friends and family!