In-n-Out Burger Recipe

This In-n-Out burger recipe gets excellent results! Tastes even better than the real thing.

Burgers are burgers but some are a lot better than others. The idea behind this In n Out burger recipe was not so much to copy the recipe but make it better.

Whenever I return home to California, where I grew up, In-n Out is always one of the first places I stop. I love the burgers there but let's face it... with a little effort, you can make all your favourite  restaurant burgers at home and they will be even more delicious. Busy restaurants just don't have the time to make their burgers to perfection every time!

About this recipe.

When I was growing up in California, the only In-n-Out Burger drive throughs were in LA. I was from the north so going to In-n-Out Burger was always a special occasion.

I remember while at university, my friends and I would all pile into a car with a case or two of beer and drive the five hours to LA to chow down on double doubles! Cheeseburgers have to be really good to do all that driving!

I had a friend who couldn't drink so he was our designated driver. I recently sent him this hamburger recipe. He lives about a five minute walk from an In-n-Out Burger and he put my recipe to the test.

I'm happy to say the recipe was a success. He even said it was better than the real thing so I really hope you give this In n Out burger recipe a try. No, it's not an exact copy. It's homemade deliciousness!

What makes Double Doubles so good?

It's the use of only the best quality meat and freshest vegetables and homemade buns that make the In-n-Out Double Double so popular. Don't forget the burger sauce! Back in the day, that was a real treat. Nowadays, there are a lot of great burger places that have upped their game.

So even though this isn't an exact copy, it is top quality. I think it's an example of what can be accomplished when you make it yourself at home. You're going to love this burger!

How do you know if you've got this In n Out Burger recipe right?

If you live near an In-n-Out Burger, you can compare and contrast yourself! Not only does this homemade In-n-Out burger taste like the real thing, it can be so much more.

If you don't live near an In-n-Out Burger and/or have never tried one of their amazing burgers, just make this In-n-Out burger recipe. It might inspire you to fly out to the US and try one or you might just be satisfied with the deliciousness you created and make this burger whenever you want one of the best.

How can homemade In-n-Out burgers be better than the real thing?

The In-n-Out Burger chain is much larger than it was when I lived in California. There are restaurants all over the West Coast, Arizona, Nevada and Texas and the restaurants are always very busy!

However, like any fast food chain, they do have their restrictions. The cooks need to follow the recipe exactly, while at home you can improve that recipe. Add more of what you like and even add additional ingredients that aren't on offer at In-n-Out.

Below you have the basic In-n-Out Burger recipe. I added lobster to it once and loved it so much I made three more! Take this In-n-Out burger recipe and make it your own!

How did this recipe come about?

During a recent trip back home, I purchased a few double doubles and took them back to my parent's house. I was determined to copy the recipe and I did. Now I can have In-n-Out Double Doubles whenever I want and you can too.

The photo below shows on of the Double Doubles I made that day. I thought it was perfect and it did give me a good few years of In-n-Out burger bliss even when I was in the UK, thousands of miles from the nearest In-n-Out Burger.

This updated recipe is now even better. 

 

How do you source the best ingredients for your burger?

It's very important to use the best quality beef you can find. Use a good butcher. The lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion all need to be fresh from the fridge. Real Cheddar cheese is  a must.

Here in the UK I use Walburton burger buns which are quite close to those used at In-n-Out. That or I make my own buns which is even better.

How important is it to stack the burger as shown in the photos below?

It's very important. For me it's that first bite that just plain gets it. Biting into the burger you get the soft, hot buttered bun, cheese and beef at the top of your mouth. At the bottom of you mouth you get the buttered bun, that amazing burger sauce, crispy lettuce, pickles, tomato, beef and cheese again.

It really is amazing how they decided to stack their burgers and it does make a big difference. 

How do you make the burger sauce?

You can make just enough burger sauce for this in n out burger by whisking the following ingredients together. That will get you enough burger sauce for about 4 burgers. I usually make burger sauce in bulk though as it keeps in the fridge for weeks. You might also like to try my Big Mac sauce on this burger as both are quite similar.

Mix 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill pickle, 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon French’s yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. You will have enough for four sandwiches.

How do you make this In n Out burger Animal style?

One of the popular options at In n Out is to order your burger animal style. All this is is onions that are slowly fried until golden brown and caramelised. They are added to the top burger and cheese.

When you don't order your burger animal style, you get a fresh slice of onion between the two patties as in this In n Out lettuce wrap.

Step by step photographs.

 

You will find many spicy and delicious recipes on my blog. Here are some you've got to try!

1. Curry house style base sauce - Make a curry just like those at the best curry houses using this sauce.
2. Lamb Bhuna from Scratch - This one is from my book 'The Curry Guy One Pot'
3. One Pot Chicken Dhansak - from my book 'The Curry Guy One Pot
4. Asian Honey Glazed Baked Salmon
5. Sri Lankan Black Chicken Curry
6. Peruvian Chicken - Pollo a la Brasa
7. Korean Braised Beef Stew
8. Dal Makhani - An Indian restaurant favourite!
9. Tonkotsu Broth - When only the best will do. This one takes some time but it is just like you find at the best ramen restaurants!
10. Tonkotsu Ramen - Use that homemade tonkotsu broth in this ramen!
11. The Best Butter Chicken - Try it and you'll agree.
12. Authentic Saag Recipe - This is so good
13. Thai Beef Green Curry - Authentic recipe with homemade curry paste
14. Air Fryer Chicken Biryani
15. Cajun Mac and Cheese - The creamiest mac on the planet!
16. One Pot Chicken Vindaloo
17. Chicken 65 - One of my favourites. You might also like to try this air fryer chicken 65.
18. One Pot Chicken Chilli Garlic Curry
19. Homemade Sriracha Sauce - So much better than any sriracha you can purchase!
20. Tandoori Chicken Tikka - Homemade is alway best and this recipe gets restaurant quality results.

Have you tried this In n Out Burger recipe?

If yes, please give it a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I love receiving your feedback and I’m sure other readers of my blog do too. Thank you.

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