In-N-Out’s Animal Style is the most famous secret-menu order there is – a mustard-grilled patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and extra spread. This copycat recipe decodes it so you can build that legendary burger at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mustard-grilled patty with a savory crust
Sweet caramelized onions and tangy spread
Decodes the famous secret menu
Better than the drive-thru

Copycat In-N-Out Animal Style Burger

A copycat of In-N-Out's Animal Style burger - a mustard-grilled beef patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and extra spread on a toasted bun.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Spread

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1/4 teaspoon white vinegar

Burger

1/2 pound ground beef
1 onion finely diced
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
2 slices American cheese
2 burger buns toasted
pickles
2 leaves lettuce
2 slices tomato

Equipment

Griddle or skillet

Method

Mix the spread ingredients and set aside. Caramelize the diced onion in a little oil over low heat until deep golden, about 10 minutes.
Form the beef into two thin patties. Spread mustard on one side of each.
Cook the patties mustard-side down on a hot griddle 2-3 minutes, flip, top with cheese, and finish cooking.
Toast the buns and spread with the sauce. Add lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Top with the cheeseburger patty and a pile of caramelized onions, then close and serve.

Notes

The signature move is spreading mustard on the raw patty before it hits the griddle, so it cooks into the crust. Caramelize the onions low and slow.

Tips for the Best Animal Style Burger

Spread mustard on the raw patty so it sears into the crust
Caramelize the onions low and slow for sweetness
Press the patties thin for crispy edges
Toast the buns and use plenty of spread

Storage & Reheating

Best fresh. Make the spread and caramelized onions ahead and refrigerate up to a week, then build burgers to order.

Variations to Try

Make it a Double-Double with two patties and two cheese slices
Add extra pickles for more tang
Use the spread on fries for Animal Style fries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Animal Style mean at In-N-Out?

It means a mustard-grilled patty with extra spread, pickles, and caramelized onions – a popular secret-menu order.

What is In-N-Out spread?

It is a Thousand Island-style sauce of mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish with a splash of vinegar.

Can I make Animal Style fries too?

Yes. Top fries with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and the spread for the classic secret-menu side.

Copycat In-N-Out Animal Style Burger (Secret Menu)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe