Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe for Juicy Burgers

Last Updated June 2nd, 2023 at 02:25 pm by Lisa

Make one of the best burger sauces at home with this simple copycat of the classic In-N-Out spread from the iconic West Coast drive-through chain that began in Southern California. This tangy, creamy sauce is the finishing touch on a juicy burger and brings that familiar “animal style” flavor to your grill or kitchen.

In Southern California, ordering a Double-Double “animal style” with fries and a soda is practically a tradition. The real In-N-Out experience includes a few tricks—mustard-seared patties, melty American cheese, toasted buns, and that special spread. Below you’ll find a reliable copycat sauce recipe, storage tips, and ideas for building an authentic-style burger at home.

In-N-Out Sauce Copycat Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (avoid sweet relish for a more authentic tang)

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar (or regular white vinegar)

½ teaspoon sugar

In-N-Out Copycat Sauce Recipe

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until smooth: mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, white wine vinegar, and sugar. Taste and adjust vinegar or sugar to balance tang and sweetness to your preference.

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to a month. For convenient serving at cookouts, fill a clean squeeze bottle, but do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than an hour to keep it safe.

Tip: Using dill pickle relish instead of sweet relish preserves the tangy flavor that closely resembles the original spread. A small splash of vinegar brightens the sauce and helps balance the sweetness.

Perfect Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

To recreate a classic In-N-Out-style burger, start with quality ingredients and simple technique. The chain is known for keeping things fresh and straightforward.

• Form thin patties of American ground beef and season lightly. For an authentic sear, spread a thin layer of yellow mustard on the griddle or skillet before placing the patty; the mustard caramelizes and adds characteristic flavor.
• Use real American cheese and place it on the hot patty so it melts evenly.
• Toast the buns on the griddle until golden brown for a slightly crisp surface.
• Spread a couple of tablespoons of the copycat sauce on both the bottom and top buns.
• Layer 4–5 dill pickle chips on the bottom bun, then add a slice of tomato, a leaf of iceberg lettuce, and a raw or grilled onion slice if you like.
• Place the mustard-seared patty(s) with melted cheese on the stacked toppings.
• For “Animal Style,” top with extra spread and finely chopped caramelized onions.

Best Topping Ideas For Burgers

There are countless ways to dress up a burger. Here are favorite options that pair beautifully with the tangy copycat sauce:

• Crispy bacon
• Grilled or caramelized onions
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Pickle chips or quick refrigerator pickles
• Ketchup, mustard, or extra mayonnaise
• BBQ sauce or remoulade for regional twists
• Fresh jalapeños or roasted Hatch chiles
• Cheese variations: Pepper Jack, blue cheese, or sharp cheddar
• Guacamole or creamy horseradish sauce
• Fried onion strings for crunch

More Burger Recipes and Tips

Try these ideas for grilling season: seasoned burger patties, cheeseburger sliders, or baked mini burgers—each is enhanced by a good burger sauce. A simple homemade seasoning blend elevates plain beef into juicy, flavorful burgers ideal for backyard cookouts and gatherings.

In-N-Out Burger FAQ