Copycat In-N-Out Burger Animal Style

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5 from 16 votes

Published on December 5, 2022

, Updated on December 26, 2023

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by Carrie Barnard

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This Copycat In and Out Burger Animal Style Recipe is easy to make at home. Enjoy caramelized onions, sweet pickles and a special sauce. It all comes together for a delicious meal.

In and out burger animal style ready to eat.

Copycat In and Out Burger Animal Style

If you love ordering this popular menu item, this recipe is a must try. We are going to show you how simple it is to make an animal style burger at home. This copycat recipe is so delicious and a favorite fast food menu item.

What is animal style?

Animal style refers to the toppings on the burger. This type of burger is fried in mustard and topped with lots of cheese, grilled onions and extra spread. It is super messy but oh so delicious.

This can also be ordered double double animal style which simply means that it has a double patty with extra toppings.

For those history buffs that might find this interesting, the first Animal Style Burger was created in 1961.

As you can imagine, this is one serious burger! The sauce is really delicious. Some say it taste similar to thousand island dressing but it isn’t the same.

Why does In-N-Out call it animal style?

This style is called the “animal” method of preparation because the beef patty is mustard fried, topped with grilled onions and a generous portion of special sauce. It also has 2 slices of cheese for lots of ooey gooey flavor.

This secret menu item isn’t so secret and is frequently requested. Many people like to order animal style fries to go along with this burger.

Throw in a root beer and you are set for a great meal.

Ingredients:

FOR THE BURGER:

Ground Beef 80/20
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Mustard
Butter
White Onion, chopped
American Cheese
Large Tomato, sliced
Iceberg Lettuce Leaves
Hamburger Buns

THE SAUCE:

Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Sweet Pickle Relish
White Vinegar

How to make In and out burger animal style:

Step 1 – Make the sauce. Mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.

Step 2 – Cook the onions. Melt the butter in a large skillet (or cast iron pan) over medium high heat. Then top the melted butter with the chopped onions.

Sauté the onions in the butter until they are caramelized (3-5 minutes). Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the patties. Form the ground beef into 4 balls approximately ¼ pound each.

Step 4 – Place oil in the pan. Drizzle the olive oil on a skillet, cast iron pan or griddle over medium high heat.

Step 5 – Toast the hamburger buns. Place the buns on the preheated pan for 2 minutes to toast them and then set them aside while you prepare the beef.

Step 6 – Cook the burgers. Then place the beef balls on the pan. Then top each one with a piece on parchment paper and firmly press down to smash the beef into a thin patty with either a burger press or a large spatula and then discard the parchment paper. Season the patties with salt and pepper.

Step 7 – Cook the patties for 2 minutes. Cook until the juices in the beef start to raise to the top and the color starts to change. While the patties are cooking, top each of the patties with 1 tablespoon of mustard on the raw side.

Then scrape under the patty to get under the caramelized parts and flip the patty. Once flipped, do not smash down the patties again.

Step 8 – Add the cheese. Cook for 1 more minute and place 2 pieces of cheese on each of the patties. Cook for 1 more minute to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 9 – Then it’s time to assemble your burgers. Spread the sauce on the top and bottom of the bun. Then top the bottom bun with the lettuce, tomatoes, patty and sauté onions.

Then the top bun. Then the burgers are ready to enjoy!