In-N-Out Cheeseburger
Juicy and flavorful cheeseburgers fresh off the grill! This copycat In-N-Out Cheeseburger recipe tastes just like the ones from the famous fast food chain!
I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing Memorial weekend. Ours was great! We took the kiddos to Las Vegas on Saturday. We spent the day shopping, eating, and hanging out. The best part was when we took them to the Mandalay Bay hotel. They have a shark reef inside that is filled with all kinds of exotic sea creatures. A golden crocodile, sea turtles, jelly fish. And of course sharks! eeek!! It was neat. The kids had a blast, so I was happy.
IN-N-OUT CHEESEBURGERS
For our Memorial Day barbecue today we fired up the grill and made us some In-N-Out Cheeseburgers! YUM! I ♥ that place. I would eat there everyday if my arteries wouldn’t clog from all the cholesterol and my butt grow bigger from the fatty goodness haha. But yes, we do like to eat there every once in a while. Their cheeseburgers are the greatest! This In-N-Out Cheeseburger copy cat recipe are delicious and close to the real thing.
Looking for recipes to pair with these Homemade In-N-Out Cheeseburgers? Try my Homemade Hamburger Buns, Utah Fry Sauce (delicious on both fries and burgers!), Garlic Parmesan French Fries, and Summer Fruit Salad. 🍔
Ingredients
Secret Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Cheeseburgers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg white
- 1 small yellow onion grated
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns seedless
Instructions
Secret Sauce
Mix all of the ‘secret sauce’ ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cheeseburgers
In a large bowl, add the ground beef, egg white, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt and pepper. Using your hands or a fork, gently mix together. Shape mixture into 4 thin patties.
Place patties on an outdoor grill or skillet and cook until no longer pink on the inside. About 3 to 5 minutes per side. Place one piece of American cheese over the burgers during the last minute of grilling.
Toast the hamburger buns. Spread the secret sauce on each inner bun. Place grilled patties on bottom bun and top with lettuce, tomato and onion. Enjoy!
Servings
Yields 4 burgers. Just double or triple the ingredients for more burgers, and prep your secret sauce in a larger batch ahead of time for large parties and family gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep any leftover sauce in a separate sealed container for freshness. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. If you’ve already assembled the burgers, it’s best to remove any fresh toppings before reheating and reassemble with fresh veggies and sauce after warming.
Holly’s Tips for The Best In-N-Out Cheeseburgers:
- Thin Patties, Big Flavor: In-N-Out burgers are known for their thin, crispy-edged patties. Flatten them out slightly more than usual so they cook quickly and develop that perfect sear.
- Toast The Burger Buns: Don’t skip this step because it adds texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy! A quick toast in a skillet with a little butter goes a long way.
- Assemble With Care: Layer your ingredients like the restaurant does—sauce on both buns, fresh lettuce and tomato on bottom, then patty, cheese, and grilled or raw onions on top.
- Double Up: Craving a Double-Double from In-N-Out? Replicate this popular menu item by doubling the patties and cheese, and stacking them high!
Frequently Asked Questions:
This recipe closely mimics the iconic taste of fast food chain In-N-Out’s cheeseburgers at home with its seasoned beef patty, sliced American cheese, toasted buns, and homemade secret sauce. Traditional In-N-Out cheeseburgers are topped with lettuce, tomato, sliced onion, and their signature spread. Make your burgers animal-style (In-N-Out’s secret menu) with mustard, grilled onions, extra spread, and pickles for the most authentic copycat experience.
Use lean ground beef (around 85–90% lean) for the best balance of flavor and texture. It holds its shape well while staying juicy and cooks quickly, just like the original.
Yes! A cast iron skillet or nonstick pan works great too. Just be sure to get a nice sear on both sides and melt the cheese during the last minute of cooking.
In-N-Out uses American cheese, which melts perfectly for that creamy, classic cheeseburger texture. Stick with classic sliced American cheese for an authentic copycat experience.
Skip the bun or swap it with a lettuce wrap, portobello mushrooms, or a low-carb bun alternative. Use sugar-free ketchup and pickle relish in the secret sauce, and check that your Worcestershire sauce is low in sugar (or substitute with coconut aminos). Stick with low-carb toppings like lettuce, tomato (in moderation), and onions (lightly used), or add extras like avocado or bacon for healthy fats. These easy swaps let you enjoy all the flavor without the carbs!
To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Similar Recipes
Looking for something similar? Sink your teeth into The Best Ever Cheeseburgers.
Craving something bite-sized? Try my Cheeseburger Sliders, ideal for parties and gatherings.
Looking to turn up the heat? My Chipotle Ranch Burgers deliver bold, smoky flavor with a kick.
Craving a twist on the classic burger? My French Onion Burger is juicy and loaded with sweet caramelized onions topped with melty provolone cheese.
In the mood for something more hearty? My Western Cheeseburger Sliders are piled high with BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and crunchy onion strings for juicy flavor in every bite.
Have you made this In-N-Out Cheeseburgers recipe? 🍔
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #HomemadeInNOutCheeseburger #CopycatCheeseburgerRecipe #CheeseburgerRecipes #SummerGrilling #InNOutCopycatRecipe #LifeInTheLofthouse
In-N-Out Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
Secret Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Cheeseburgers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg white
- 1 small yellow onion grated
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns seedless
Instructions
Secret Sauce
- Mix all of the ‘secret sauce’ ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cheeseburgers
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, egg white, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt and pepper. Using your hands or a fork, gently mix together. Shape mixture into 4 thin patties.
- Place patties on an outdoor grill or skillet and cook until no longer pink on the inside. About 3 to 5 minutes per side. Place one piece of American cheese over the burgers during the last minute of grilling.
- Toast the hamburger buns. Spread the secret sauce on each inner bun. Place grilled patties on bottom bun and top with lettuce, tomato and onion. Enjoy!
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Oh fun! I have always wanted to go to the shark reef at the Mandalay bay! So glad u guys had so much fun! Holly this burger looks AAaaaamazing! Looks just like the real deal!
I’m beginning to wish we had an “In-and-Out-Burger” here! Ive never seen one, but the burger sure looks delicious. 🙂 The shark reef sounds like fun!
Dallas, Tx is the farthest east i have ever seen one, they are all over the west coast, Arizona and Nevada
Steak and Shake is our Favorite
But In and Out is the true king
The secret sauce looks yum! Shall make ot soon. My kids are going to love it!!!
I love Vegas! I’ve been out there twice now, and still haven’t made it to In N Out Burger unfortunately. If that sauce is anything like Big Mac secret sauce I’m sure it’s amazing!
– Maggie
Yum! I have never had the pleasure of eating an in-n-out burger but will def have to try these at home!!!! Glad you had a nice time in Vegas!
I had in-n-out burgers once when we visited my brother when he was stationed in California. Fell in love. Love these secret recipes! lol
I seriously live for In N Out burgers. YUM
I love In N Out burgers. I never thought of making my own at home, though. Delicious!
What a great sounding weekend. I love those family day trip adventures. This recipe looks so yummy. My mouth was watering looking at the pictures.
This I am trying – tonight maybe. I missed In-N-Out. sniff sniff
I grew up eating In N Out and I was thrilled when they put one in where I live in Texas! Thank goodness… I’d really missed them!
I love a good burger from the grill. And this “special sauce” sounds good. Looks like I’ll be giving this one a try this weekend! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jennifer
Those burgers look delicious. In n out burgers are so good 🙂
I’ve never had an In-N-Out Burger. (I think I just heard you gasp. But it’s true! I’ve never had one. Where are they?!) This looks delicious!
Mmmmmmm nothin like an In-n-Out burger!! And it looks just like the real thing!
Wow, you’re gonna put In-n-Out outta business with those burgers of yours.
I’ve never had an In-n-Out burger. But this looks so good, your presentation is gorg! We have been grillin out lately and I love a good grilled burger. Definitely trying this one!
Wow yes! I love in-n-out too! There is a new one being built in 10 min drive distance. We already have 3 in 30 mins distance. Thanks for sharing the recipe. We can cook it at home!
Never had In & Out but I tried these. I don’t eat beef very often so I did make these with ground turkey (I bet the beef would have been so tasty). It was still flavorful and juicy. The sauce was nice, like a thousand island dressing flavor. My husband asked for seconds. My kids tried it (that was a miracle to see them eating anything other than PB & J, haha!) and seemed to really like it. My only thing is I despise grating onions but it really made the burgers juicy and yummy so it was worth it. I will make these again, a great burger recipe to have on file. Thanks Holly!
Making these as we I type. Great idea we love our In-n-Out. I will let you know how it was if I am not in a happy burger induced coma.
Oooh, I can’t wait to make these! I love In-N-Out, but when I moved up to Canada 12 years ago I was sad to see they don’t have it here. : ( I’ve always made the spread to put on my burgers though. I’d always order extra spread on my burger. Love it!! Now I’m happy to see I can recreate the actual flavor of the burger itself. Now it needs to warm up and stop raining so I can bbq.
Thanks for the recipe. I found your blog on Pinterest and will be following you there and on FB!
~ Catie
Looks great, cuz! I’ve also tried a 50/50 mix of thousand island and french salad dressings together with sauteed onions. Not as fancy, but it’s dang good too! Nom nom nom!
I was about to comment on the best rolls recipe on Weekend Potluck when I saw this: My husband and the boys are In-N-Out fanatics! The closest one is 2 and 1/2 hours from here. I’m going to make these and see if he notices………now, if I could just get the french fry recipe! 🙂 Thanks.
Looking forward to making these soon, maybe this weekend. We now live in Oklahoma. My hubby wears his In n Out shirts frequently. People often ask if their burgers are really as good as people say. Yes, yes they are! Maybe this recipe will prove it?
This recipe lives on…I found it on Pinterest when I was looking for something interesting to do with hamburgers. My husband and I both love In & Out, but live in Oregon…no such burgers up here 🙂
Anyway – made these last night and they were fabulous! Hubby had to restrain himself from grabbing another one 🙂 I used 2 lbs. of organic grass fed hamburger, doubled all the seasonings and made larger, thicker patties so they wouldn’t shrink up. I cooked them on our indoor grill, and they were juicy & delicious. I think the grated onion really puts the flavor over the top, and we love that special sauce!
I’ve saved the pin to my “Best Recipes” board – thank you for sharing it!
These burgers are so delicious! I have never had an in and out burger but the flavor of these was amazing!!! This is definitely a favorite keeper recipe! Thank you for sharing!!!
My boyfriend loves In n Out burgers. I made these for him and he says they tasted very similar. They turned out really good.
I have missed In and Out so much, we moved to Michigan from Encino, CA leaving behind all of the best burgers. Thank-you for the recipe!!!!!
I never tried an In-n Out burger, but this recipe was very good. The grated onions really added flavor. I also liked the sauce recipe. I will make these again.
I never tried an In-n Out burger, but this recipe was very good. The grated onions really added flavor. I also liked the sauce recipe. I will make these again.
I love the idea to use Worcestershire sauce in your cheeseburger recipe. My wife and I love to try new cheeseburger recipes every week. I think we should try a new restaurant with our kids this weekend.
Oh Yes !! They were Delicious !! It’s a keeper for sure !!
Love the Sauce, it made it with the grated onion.
Thanks for sharing !!
I live 4 minutes away from an In & Out here in Southern California and I can honestly say that this is EXACTLY like a real Double Double. I won’t make hamburgers at home any other way now. I literally had these burgers 3 times in one week after I made them the first time.
looks so amazing! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe, I’ve never made a burger like this. It didn’t taste like an in n’ out burger to us, but it was just as delicious, even more so to me!
Thank you, Amy! 🙂
I never heard of an In-N-Out Cheeseburger…we’re from Ohio…but they sound delicious with the grated onion, worcestershire, and special sauce. Just wondering why add egg white? I will be making this as soon as I get some dill relish…Thanks Holly!
I made these hamburgers last night fOr my family & they loved them. I think this is gonna be my go to recipe.
Just a hint for grating onions. I place the piece of onion…!/2, 1/4 Whatever in the freezer. When It is frozen I grate it. so easy and no tears!
I can’t wait to try your recipe for In n Out burgers. we just got back from Las Vegas and ate at the in n out burger it was so delicious. that was our first time eating there. i know your recipe will be great as every recipe i tried from you has. thanks for sharing.
Don’t forget to butter and grill the buns.
These burgers were absolutely delicious! Loved the secret sauce too! A keeper, thank you!
We frequently eat burgers, but my family said these are the best – save this recipe! My 12 year old said its like fast food but better and healthier. Very easy to make too. Thank you for a great recipe.
I prepared this exactly as this recipe is written…..verbatim. These burgers turned out perfect! I stopped some frozen fries in a deep fryer and made a nice garden salad. My daughter said the burgers made her feel like she was eating in a restaurant lol. This is great recipe! Very quick prep/cook time with easy clean up! I’m actually making these again tonite!