In-N-Out Style Double Cheeseburgers with Fries

Bring the legendary West Coast fast food experience into your own kitchen with these In-N-Out Style Double Cheeseburgers paired with indulgent animal-style fries. Featuring juicy seared beef patties, classic American cheese, crisp vegetables, and the signature tangy-sweet “secret sauce,” this copycat recipe is everything you crave—homemade to perfection. Complete the meal with golden fries smothered in caramelized onions, cheese, and sauce for a true animal-style feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe perfectly captures the nostalgic, crave-worthy flavor of an In-N-Out meal. From the buttery toasted potato buns to the melt-in-your-mouth American cheese, every layer is crafted to deliver satisfaction. The homemade animal-style sauce elevates both the burgers and fries with its creamy, tangy-sweet punch, while the slowly caramelized onions add rich depth. Whether you’re planning a burger night, game-day menu, or weekend treat, this recipe brings fast food indulgence to a whole new level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 4 potato buns
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 slices tomato
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions (from 2 onions, cooked down slowly)
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Animal-Style Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 1/2 tsp sugar for a sweeter kick

For the Fries:

• 1 pack frozen French fries (or 200g fresh potato, cut and fried)
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• 1/2 cup prepared animal-style sauce
• 1 slice American cheese, melted
• Optional: 130g mashed potatoes for loaded version base

For the Buns (optional, from scratch):

• 560g bread flour
• 45g granulated sugar
• 12g salt
• 8g instant yeast
• 70g unsalted butter
• 275g milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Make the Sauce:
   In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir until smooth and refrigerate.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   Thinly slice onions and cook with butter over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
3. Prepare the Buns (optional):
   Mix bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Warm the milk and combine with softened butter and egg. Mix wet and dry ingredients, knead into a dough, and let rise. Shape into buns, proof again, brush with egg wash, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.
4. Cook the Fries:
   Bake or deep-fry the fries until golden. For the loaded version, place a scoop of mashed potatoes at the base, then layer with fries, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and drizzle with animal-style sauce.
5. Cook the Patties:
   Divide the beef into four equal portions and flatten into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook on high heat in a skillet or griddle for 2–3 minutes per side. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute to melt.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
   Toast the buns in butter until golden. Spread animal-style sauce on both halves. On the bottom half, layer shredded lettuce, tomato, a cheeseburger patty, caramelized onions, and top bun.
7. Serve:
   Plate burgers with animal-style fries on the side. Serve immediately with extra sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 burgers + fries
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 750 kcal

Variations

• Single Patty Option: Use one patty per burger for a lighter serving.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the beef patties with plant-based burger alternatives and use veggie gravy or sautéed mushrooms on the fries.
• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy upgrade.
• Mini Sliders: Make smaller buns and patties for a party-style platter.
• Bun Swap: Use brioche or whole wheat buns for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store all components separately in airtight containers. The sauce and caramelized onions can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Cooked patties and fries are best consumed fresh, but can be stored for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Patties: Reheat in a skillet or oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Fries: Best reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
• Do not microwave to preserve the texture of the buns and fries.

FAQs

Can I make the animal-style sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

What kind of beef should I use?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.

Are homemade buns necessary?

Not at all. While they elevate the dish, store-bought potato buns work just as well for convenience.

Can I bake the fries instead of frying?

Yes, baking or air-frying the fries will reduce oil content and still give you great results.

Can I use a different cheese?

American cheese is classic for this recipe, but you can substitute with cheddar or your preferred meltable cheese.

What’s the best way to caramelize onions?

Cook sliced onions on low to medium heat with a bit of butter, stirring occasionally for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns, certified gluten-free fries, and check all condiments for gluten content.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cheese and butter, and use a plant-based mayonnaise for the sauce.

How long do the fries stay crispy?

Fries are best served immediately. If you must reheat, use an air fryer or oven to restore crispness.

Can I grill the patties instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. A grill adds a smoky flavor that complements the sauce and toppings well.

Conclusion

This In-N-Out Style Double Cheeseburgers with Animal Fries recipe is the ultimate homemade fast food experience. It delivers rich, juicy, and flavorful bites balanced by fresh toppings and a tangy-sweet sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re recreating your favorite drive-thru order or hosting a burger night, this meal brings iconic West Coast flavor to your table—crispy, cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying.

In-N-Out Style Double Cheeseburgers with Fries

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Recreate the West Coast classic with this In-N-Out Style Burgers & Animal Fries at Home recipe. Juicy double cheeseburgers with all the fixings and golden fries smothered in caramelized onions, melty cheese, and the signature animal-style sauce — it’s the ultimate homemade fast food feast.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers + fries
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling / Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• 4 potato buns

• 4 slices American cheese

• 4 slices tomato

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

• 1/2 cup caramelized onions (from 2 onions)

• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Animal-Style Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Optional: 1/2 tsp sugar

For the Fries:

• 1 pack frozen French fries (or 200g fresh potatoes, cut and fried)

• 1/2 cup caramelized onions

• 1/2 cup prepared animal-style sauce

• 1 slice American cheese, melted

• Optional: 130g mashed potatoes (for loaded version)

For the Buns (optional, from scratch):

• 560g bread flour

• 45g granulated sugar

• 12g salt

• 8g instant yeast

• 70g unsalted butter

• 275g milk

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

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Instructions

• Make the Sauce: Combine mayo, ketchup, relish, vinegar, and salt (plus sugar if using). Chill in fridge.

• Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions in butter for 25–30 minutes until golden and soft.

• Make the Buns (optional): Mix and knead all ingredients. Proof twice, shape into buns, egg wash, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes.

• Cook the Fries: Bake or fry until crispy. Optional: add mashed potato layer. Top with cheese, caramelized onions, and sauce.

• Cook the Patties: Form 4 thin patties. Season and sear 2–3 mins per side. Add cheese during final minute to melt.

• Assemble Burgers: Toast buns in butter. Spread sauce, layer lettuce, tomato, patty, onions, and top bun.

 

• Serve: Plate burgers with animal fries and extra sauce on the side.

Notes

• For that true “smashed” burger style, press the patties flat while cooking.

• Buns can be store-bought for a quicker version.

• Keep extra sauce in the fridge for dipping or future use (lasts 5–7 days).