In-N-Out’s Animal Style Burger is all about the details—caramelized onions, a mustard-grilled patty, melty cheese, and a creamy, tangy sauce.
Making it at home is easier than you think. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful burger that tastes just like the real thing.
The key is to take your time with the onions and toast the bun just right. Follow this guide, and your burger will turn out perfectly.
What You’ll Need
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- ½ tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (divided into 4 patties)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (for grilling)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices tomato
For Assembly:
- 8 dill pickle slices
Pro Tips
- Cook onions low and slow – This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Use fresh beef – It makes the patty juicier and more flavorful.
- Spread mustard on raw patties before grilling – It gives them that signature taste.
- Lightly toast the buns – This helps them hold up to the sauce.
- Assemble while the patties are hot – The cheese melts perfectly this way.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Butter knife (for spreading sauce)
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese – Use cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Meat – Swap in turkey or a plant-based patty.
- Buns – Try brioche or potato buns.
- Low-carb – Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Make Ahead Tips
- Sauce – Make up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Onions – Cook them in advance and reheat when needed.
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar. Stir until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 10-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Add a tablespoon of water if they start to dry out. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Season ground beef patties with salt and black pepper. Spread yellow mustard on one side of each patty. Place patties mustard-side down in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cover the skillet for 30 seconds to melt.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Place burger buns cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 30-60 seconds until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Spread sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add a layer of lettuce, a tomato slice, and two pickle slices. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, then spoon caramelized onions over it. Finish with the top bun.
Leftovers & Storage
- Sauce – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Onions – Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet.
- Burger patties – Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet.
Final Thoughts
Now you can make an Animal Style Burger at home. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out.