In-N-Out Dupe Grilled Onions and Secret Spread

I know this sounds kinda blasphemous because I live in Seattle, but let it be known that In-N-Out is superior to Dick’s, and frankly, I don’t care if that might ruffle some feathers, because there’s just something about a Double-Double Animal Style that hits different. The toasted bun. The crisp lettuce. The melted cheese. The tangy spread, and don’t even get me started on the grilled onions. I’ve tried a lot of regional fast food burger chains—Whataburger, Shake Shack, Five Guys, but through it all, In-N-Out is still the best in my humble opinion.

Now that In-N-Out has expanded into Oregon, you’d think it’d be easier to get my fix. But the closest one to Seattle is still over 200 miles away. That’s a full tank of gas and a whole day trip. So today, we’re doing the next best thing, and recreating In-N-Out’s iconic grilled onions and secret spread at home. This is for all my fellow Pacific Northwesterners (and anyone else) who find themselves dreaming about that classic West Coast burger magic. Whether you’re building your own Animal Style burger from scratch or want to level up your next cheeseburger night, these two components are non-negotiable and are what make an In-N-Out burger so delicious.

In-N-Out Grilled Onions

What makes them special?
They’re soft, sweet, deeply caramelized, and absolutely packed with umami. These aren’t just sautéed onions—they’re slowly cooked down until jammy and golden brown, kind of like French onion soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• Pinch of salt
• 3-4 tablespoons of water

Instructions:
Start by heating oil in a nonstick or stainless skillet over medium-low heat. Add your diced onions and a pinch of salt. Let them cook low and slow, stirring every few minutes to prevent burning. This process will take about 15-20 minutes, but trust me, it’s worth the patience. If the onions start sticking or browning too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and keep the mixture moving. Once the water has evaporated, continue adding water and repeat the process until the onions are tender. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft, golden brown, and jammy.

In-N-Out Secret Spread

What makes it special?
It’s like Thousand Island dressing, but tangier and more balanced—no overwhelming sweetness here. It ties the whole burger together, and honestly, at this point, it’s not really a secret anymore, is it?

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. It should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes before using so the flavors can meld together. This will keep in the fridge for up to a week, but you’ll probably eat it all in one sitting.