If you’re like me, sometimes you just crave In-N-Out—but a 40-minute drive for a burger isn’t always realistic. My boyfriend loves In-N-Out, so I had to try making it at home. And let me tell you, it’s worth it. From the juicy, mustard-seared patties to the crispy, cheese-covered animal-style fries, this homemade version is every bit as satisfying as the original.
The real game-changer? Homemade potato buns. I used Sheldo Kitchen’s recipe from this video, and they were incredible—soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for holding all the burger’s juicy goodness. Instead of the honey glaze in the original recipe, I went with a simple egg wash of 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk, which gave them a beautiful golden finish. If you’ve never made homemade buns before, this recipe is a great place to start—I highly recommend it!
Make It Your Own
One of the best parts about making In-N-Out at home? You can customize everything.
- Burger Size: Want a classic Double-Double? Use 2 oz beef patties. Prefer a single? Go for a 4 oz patty.
- Sauce: Love extra sauce? Slather it on!
- Cheese: I stuck with American cheese for that nostalgic melt, but feel free to experiment.
- Buns: Homemade potato buns are next-level, but store-bought brioche or classic burger buns work great too.
- Fries: Air fryer for convenience, deep-fried for extra crispiness—it’s up to you!
When you make it yourself, you get to skip the drive, enjoy a fresh burger, and tailor every bite to your taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- The Secret to the Patty: Smashing your burger thin on a hot pan gets you that crispy, caramelized crust just like In-N-Out. Don’t forget to slather mustard on one side before flipping—it adds the signature tangy kick.
- Perfect Caramelized Onions: Low and slow is the way to go. Give them time to turn golden and jammy.
- Ultimate Animal-Style Fries: As soon as your fries are hot, layer the cheese first so it melts perfectly, then top with sauce and onions.
Ready to Cook?
Below is the full recipe for homemade In-N-Out burgers and animal-style fries, plus the fluffy potato buns that take them to another level. Trust me, once you try this, you may never want to make that drive again!
In-n-Out Burger and Animal Style Fries
Description
Craving In-N-Out but don’t want to drive? Make the iconic In-N-Out burger and animal-style fries at home with this easy recipe! Featuring juicy mustard-seared patties, melted American cheese, signature secret sauce, and golden caramelized onions, this homemade version is just as good—if not better—than the real thing. Plus, fluffy homemade potato buns take it to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Double-Double or just want the ultimate fast food-style cheeseburger, this recipe delivers all the flavors you love, straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Potato Buns
potato buns - mashed potato
potato buns - Dough
potato buns - egg wash
Burgers
caramelized onions
In-N-Out sauce
Animal Style Fries
Instructions
Make the Potato Buns
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Quick Mash: Place potato chunks in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tsp water. Cover with plastic wrap, vent with a small hole, and microwave for 5-6 minutes until soft.
I used Sheldo Kitchen’s recipe on youtube! Check out his video for more detailed video instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzcmDjpA-_A&ab_channel=sheldoskitchen -
Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Set aside.
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Dough: In a stand mixer, combine mashed potatoes, flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, egg, and milk. Mix on medium-low until combined.
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Reduce speed and knead for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic (dough should pass the windowpane test).
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Shape dough into a ball, lightly oil the mixing bowl, and let proof 1-2 hour, until doubled in size.
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Divide dough into 12 equal portions (85-90g each) and shape into smooth balls. Flatten slightly and place on a lined baking sheet.
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Cover and proof for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush buns with egg wash.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and the interior reaches 200°F.
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Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Make the Caramelized Onions
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Heat a pan over medium-low heat and melt butter. Add chopped onions and cook slow and low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Secret Sauce
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In a bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and 2 tbsp of the caramelized onions. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Make the Burgers
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Divide ground beef into four 4 oz balls or eight 2 oz balls for double-doubles.
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Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
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Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, season with salt and pepper, and smash them flat using a burger press or spatula.
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Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard on one side of each patty.
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Once the first side has a deep brown sear (about 1-2 minutes), flip and cook the other side.
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Turn off heat, place American cheese slices on top of each patty, and let them melt.
Toast the Buns
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Slice potato buns in half and brush with melted butter.
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Toast on a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
Assemble the Burgers
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Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun.
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Layer tomato, iceberg lettuce, burger patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and more sauce on the top bun.
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Close the burger and enjoy!
Make Animal-Style Fries
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Cook frozen fries according to package instructions (air-fryer or deep-fryer recommended).
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While hot, layer American cheese slices on the fries. If the cheese needs to be more melty microwave for 10-20 seconds until melted.
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Top with caramelized onions and a generous drizzle of secret sauce.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
