DIY In-N-Out Style Cheeseburger

best in n out burger recipe on dinner plate with animal style fries

5 from 6 votes

I make this when the craving hits and the nearest In-N-Out is too far to justify the drive. Cheaper than the counter, and honestly, I think it's better. Judge for yourself.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: burger

Calories: 1226kcal

Cost: varies

Ingredients

For the burger:

1/2 pound ground beef 80/20, divided into two 1/4-pound patties
Kosher salt
Black pepper freshly ground
2 tsp yellow mustard plus more to taste, for searing
2 tsp olive oil
2 slices American cheese use 1 for a Single cheeseburger
1 large soft hamburger bun
4 dill pickle chips
1 slice tomato about 1/4 inch thick
2 leaves iceberg lettuce torn to fit the bun
1 slice sweet onion raw, or caramelized (instructions below)

For the spread:

2 tbsp + 2 tsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
2 tsp sweet pickle relish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Arrange and assemble all of the ingredients.
Make the spread: mix spread ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Form beef patties, pressing 4 ounces of beef flat to 4 inches in diameter for each patty. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Sear patties on one side. Squirt mustard on them as they cook. After about 2 minutes, flip so the mustard cooks into the second side. Cover each patty with a slice of cheese. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
While patties are frying, place the closed bun in the hot oven for exactly 2 minutes.
To caramelize the onion, if using, chop finely and cook it in the meat juices left in the pan, stirring often so it browns without burning.
Open the bun and toast it, cut-side down, in the remaining meat juices. Watch it closely.
Spread 2 tablespoons of sauce on the toasted bottom bun. Top with pickle chips, tomato, and lettuce. Add one patty, then the onion, then the second patty. Close with the top bun.
Enjoy your Double-Double, In-N-Out style. For a Single, use one patty and one slice of cheese.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties.
Oroweat or Arnold is the closest bun match to the real thing.
This makes about 4 tablespoons of spread, enough for 2 burgers. Double it and keep extra in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition values are for one full Double-Double cheeseburger.

Nutrition