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I grew up with a mother who was born and bred in California and thus a huge fan of In-N-Out Burgers. I on the other hand was born in California but raised in Wisconsin, a state with no In-N-Out within a 1,000 miles or more. It wasn’t actually until I was an adult myself and on a trip to California that I experienced my first In-N-Out burger. If my mother ever took me as a child I don’t remember. From that time forward anytime I am in a state with an In-N-Out (California,Nevada, Utah and Texas) my internal hamburger radar manages to find one and I partake.
Several years ago I was in California with a friend from back East who had never experienced In-N-Out so I was able to introduce her and share her first In-N-Out experience with her – we are now bonded for life.
Given the fact that I live in Oregon and the closest In-N-Out is in another state I was pretty excited when I ran across a copycat recipe for an In-n-Out burger in the Food Network Magazine.
Now, I know there are those of you out there that don’t think In-N- Out is so great and I respect that but for you fellow In-N-Out fans, today’s post is for you!
I have no idea if this is how they really make their burgers but it is a good burger. In fact, my husband thought it was better than In-N-Out.
You start with the secret sauce – a combination of mayo, ketchup, pickle relish and a little white vinegar.
You must have the sauce. I use to order my burger without the sauce because I can be a bit of a plain jane. For years I ordered my burgers “dry” – that means only meat and the bun. Yes, I know, boring. But once I tried the sauce, I have never gone back!
Next I made the caramelized onions that go on top – unfortunately my photos for that got deleted – oops! Finely chop your onion and then cook them in vegetable oil. Cover them and allow them to cook slow for about 30 minutes until they are golden and soft. Watch your heat and don’t let them burn. Uncover them once they h ave started to brown and caramelize and cook for about 5 more minutes. Add in 1/2 C water and simmer until the water evaporates. These can be made ahead of time and set aside.
Next you will want to toast your buns. This is one of the things I love about an In-N- Out Burger – the buns are toasted. Heat up your electric griddle and brush it lightly with some vegetable oil. Place your buns split side down on the griddle
and toast until golden brown.
Then spread a tablespoon of the special sauce on the bottom bun.
Set these aside and it’s time to cook the burgers. The recipe calls for ground beef chuck (at least 60% lean) This is different than regular ground beef.
I made my patties thicker than In-N-Out does so if you want a more authentic experience, make then thinner.
Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to both sides.
Place your patties on your hot griddle (these hamburgers are not put on a BBQ grill) Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your patty and your desired doneness. Spread the patty with 1 1/2 tsp of mustard on the uncooked side and then flip.
Top the cooked side with a slice of cheese. In-N-Out uses American cheese and I just couldn’t bring myself to do that so I used Tillamook Cheddar Cheese. You decide how authentic you want to be.
Cook to your desired doneness.
Top the buns you have set aside with lettuce and tomato. Add the hamburger patty and top that with your caramelized onions.
Total Goodness!
For a more complete experience you can even put it into a little paper container and pretend you are in California eating the real thing.
Yea, I’m a happy camper! In-N-Out whenever I want. Maybe you could even eat it sitting in your car.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil and more for brushing griddle
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- salt
- 1/4 C mayo
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 2 lbs. ground chuck (60%)
- 4 hamburger buns
- pickles ( I left off)
- 1 C shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4-8 slices of tomato
- pepper
- 8 slices of American cheese (I used cheddar)
Instructions
- Heat oil in pan and add onions.
- Cook onions covered, over medium heat for 30 minutes or until onions begin to turn golden brown and caramelize. Watch them so they don't burn.
- Remove lid and cook for 5 more minutes and then add 1/2 C water. Allow water to evaporate.
- Set aside, onions can be made several days ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Mix together the mayo, ketchup, relish and vinegar in a bowl and set aside.
- Form meat into 8 patties about 4 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat griddle and lightly brush with vegetable oil.
- Toast the buns on the griddle, split side down.
- After they are toasted golden brown spread the bottom bun with 1 Tbsp of the mayo mixture.
- Top with tomato and lettuce.
- Salt and pepper both sides of hamburger patties and cook on the griddle for 3-5 minutes.
- Spread top of patty with 1 1/2 tsps mustard and flip.
- Top patty with cheese and allow to cook until desired doneness.
- Add hamburger to bun and top with caramelized onion.
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Yummy! Looks delicious even at 9:45 am! I see a cheeseburger on the menu for lunch but, I’m in Indiana so I’ll have to settle for Culver’s:)
I love Culvers – especially their deep fried cheese curds!!!
I hear you I live in Minnesota & you hear people talking about these burgers all the time. I’ve never even seen one! Im making this tonight, thank you !
Let me know what you think Angie!!
I grew up in Calif (been an Oregonian since 1975) and i LOVE In-N-Out!! Can’t wait to try!! Tonight I think!!
This looks soooo authentic! I make a similar sauce for french fries, minus the relish. I am going to have to try this!
I love fry sauce! The relish gives it a bit of a tang
This is way better than In-N-Out burger
Jim – the home based husband
Thanks sweetie!
Had this for dinner tonight….they are SO yummy. The onions…….mmmmmmm!!! I had mine with a turkey burger and it was delicious!! Thanks!!
Yeah – so glad. You are right about those onions. I think they are the best part!!!
Don’t forget Arizona, we have in-N-out’s all over here. These look awesome, I am definitely trying this out!
Totally forgot about Arizona and I’ve even eaten at one in Arizona! You lucky girl!
I live in Utah and have never actually had an In-and-Out burger. Shameful, I know. But your version looks so yummy I’ll probably be trying it out first.
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Shame on you! Get yourself to In-N-Out girl!
That looks delicious. There is nothing like a good burger. I must say, that special sauce is exactly what Utah fry sauce is.
I have followed your blog foe quite a while, but have never commented. I just wanted to let you know I think your family is adorable and seems to have the relationships I hope my children grow up to have. You are a good mom.
Thank you so much Kathie for your sweet comment. I am so glad you enjoy the blog and thank you for leaving a comment!!
I will definitely have to try this! My hubby is from Northern California and loves him some In n Out!!!
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Let me know what he thinks – my husband thinks they are better than In-n-Out!
We love in and out in my house! Those look authentic! I can’t wait to them em out. Thanks for sharing!
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Chelsea – You’ll have to let me know what you think and how they compare after you try them! EnjoY!
I haven’t had an In & Out Burger in years. I might have to try this! I found you via Get Your Craft On. I’d love you to join my new creative meme which starts Friday.
Diana
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Made these……. we loved them,used 85/15 ground round and no cheese . Put them on focaccia bread. Delish !!!!!!
Love the idea of the focaccia bread! So glad you enjoyed.
I can’t wait to try this recipe out!! I am a huge In N Out lover. I was raised on them when growing up in California and am now lucky to have an In N Out within 1 mile of my home in Texas!!! Matter of fact I ate there yesterday. : )
I LOVE In-N-Out! I have one within 5 minutes of me, but it’s not always cost effective to run over there whenever I feel the craving…this is perfect! I can’t wait to try! We’d love for you to link this up at our party! http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/10/riverton-housewives-round-up-35.html
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We just finished eating and mmmmmm! I usually can’t stand homemade indoor burgers but we don’t have a grill and we have a cow in the freezer.
These definitely rival In-N-Out! They were the best burgers I have ever made and were among the best I’ve ever had…ever!! That includes eating out or homemade grilled. Thanks so much! My husband thanks you too. 
So glad you loved them as much as we did! They are better than the real thing!!
I never could understand the fascination with In-N-Out. Their burgers always seemed pretty routine tasting to me. To me, the most important part of a good burger is the taste of the meat. If I don’t enjoy the taste of a plain burger, meat and bun only, I’m probably not going to enjoy it with condiments either. Your burger does look great though, and I’ll give it a try! Heck, I might even give In-N-Out another try!!
You are a goddess. I’m probably going to move out of California soon. I will definitely miss In n Out. I gotta try this recipe. Thanks so much!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I lived in California for about 4 years and my husband and I were devoted In & Out fans. YUM.
Thanks for the post.
Hope you enjoy it!!
going to make this for dinner tonight, animal style burgers and fries yum o
Thanks for the recipe and great blog post! I made your recipe last night.
My family loved it!
You can read about my experience on my blog
http://thecheekymama.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/copy-cat-in-n-out-burger/
Cheers! Lisa
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So glad your family loved it! I checked out your post and it looks delicious!!
Stopping in to pin. If I can do this copy cat justice I will have a house full of happy campers!
Bliss