In-N-Out Cheeseburger by Iramsfoodstory

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef (80% meat, 20% fat)
• 1 tsp salt (for patties, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for patties, adjust to taste)
• 8 slices american cheese
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for sauce)
• 3 tbsp ketchup (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp relish (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or pickle juice (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp caramelized onions (for sauce)
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce (for sauce)
• 1/2 tsp sugar (for sauce)
• 1/4 tsp salt (for sauce, adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (for sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
• 6 soft hamburger buns
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1/3 cup caramelized onions (for assembly)
• 1/2 cup pickles
• 1 cup lettuce leaves, shredded
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for buns)

Instructions

1. Prepare the In-N-Out sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, white vinegar (or pickle juice), 2 tbsp caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
2. Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Divide the ground beef into 2-3 oz (approximately 2.5 oz) portions and form them into loose balls. Do not season the beef yet.
4. Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over high heat. Lightly oil the surface with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
5. Place beef portions onto the hot surface and immediately smash them into thin patties using a sturdy spatula. Season the patties generously with salt and pepper.
6. Cook the patties for 1-2 minutes until the edges are crisp and browned. Flip each patty and immediately place one slice of American cheese on top.
7. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the patties are cooked through. Stack two cheesy patties together to form each double portion.
8. Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet or griddle. Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
9. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous layer of the prepared In-N-Out sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with pickles, shredded lettuce, and tomato slices.
10. Place the stacked double patties on top of the vegetables, followed by the remaining 1/3 cup caramelized onions. Add additional sauce if desired, then cap with the top bun and serve immediately.