One bite of this Copycat In-N-Out Vegan Burger with Spread will have anyone questioning its authenticity. The mayo-free spread paired with grilled onions even had me fooled. So beat that chemical burger craving with this healthier, cruelty-free option.
Growing up in So. Cal. there was an In-N-Out Burger right down the street. For anyone unfamiliar with In-N-Out, it’s a fast-food burger joint with only a few items on the menu and always a long line at the drive-thru. The locations were once limited to only California, but now there are locations in a few other states as well.
In my teen years I would frequently enjoy a grilled cheese with grilled onions and a boat of fries -with plenty of ketchup and powdered salt.
And don’t forget the spread! I always made sure to order extra packets on the side. I would slather it on every bite of the sandwich, not even the fries could escape the spread.
My favorite part of an In-N-Out sandwich had to be the grilled onions paired with the spread. I enjoyed it so much that the first few months of being vegan I still found myself in the drive-thru ordering a bun with grilled onions, lettuce, and tomatoes.
The confused look on the employee's face was always priceless. And their questions of disbelief didn’t stop me.
I would then take the sandwich home and proceed to create my own sauce with vegan mayo, ketchup, and relish. It only lasted a few months before my family and I completely cut out all restaurant/fast food and began eating only at home. That's when this amazing 'copycat' burger was born!
Copycat In-N-Out Vegan Burger with Spread
As you know, not that long ago I posted my No Crumble Black Bean Burger. Since then I’ve been thinking of other ways to enjoy my current love of these vegan patties.
A few days ago my husband questioned my ability to make a replica In-N-Out spread. After some thinking, into the kitchen I went… and this magical memory was created!
This Copycat In-N-Out Vegan Burger with Spread was so sinfully delicious! I couldn't believe how authentic the flavors were. And the mayo-free spread was exactly what I was looking for. It was sweet, savory, and tangy!
A perfect dip for the baked thin-cut fries!
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Copycat In-N-Out Vegan Burger with Spread
This Vegan In-N-Out Burger tastes like the real thing. A vegan burger patty is smothered in my homemade vegan spread for that authentic In-N-Out taste.
Ingredients
- black bean patties, or vegan burger of choice
- 1 white or yellow onion, grilled
- 4 burger buns
- Fresh lettuce
- Tomato slices
Spread Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic raw cashews soaked 2 to 4 hours, drained and rinsed (For a speedy soak, boil about a cup of water, turn off the heat and add the cashews. Let soak for 10-15 min. Drain and rinse with cold water.)
- 1/2 scant cup almond milk
- 1-2 Tablespoon fresh organic lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt or sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3-4 Tablespoons organic ketchup (start with 3 Tablespoons of ketchup, if needed, add more to taste.)
- 1 Tablespoon relish
Instructions
For the Spread
- I suggest prepping the spread first to give it time to chill in the fridge.
- Add your presoaked cashews along with the next 6 ingredients to a high speed blender or nutribullet. (leaving out the relish, that will be added after blending).
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the relish and place in the fridge to chill for 30 min.
- Taste and adjust ketchup and relish. If needed, add more almond milk to thin.
For the Burgers
- Prepare and cook your patties according to their directions. For an authentic patty, add mustard to one side and place that side down on the pan. Spread mustard on the other side of the patty before flipping.
- While the patties are cooking, grill the onions (directions below) and prep the veggies: wash and prep the lettuce and slice the tomato.
- Preheat your oven to 400º. Then toast the buns by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the buns cut side down. Toast for about 5 min or until browned to your liking.
For the Grilled Onion
- Chop your onion into small pieces.
- Add about 1/4 teaspoon refined coconut oil to a pan or skillet along with the chopped onion.
- Grill over medium-high heat until browned and caramelized, about 10-15 min. Stir frequently and lower the heat if needed.
Assemble
- Place your patty on the toasted bun. Add spread, lettuce, tomato and grilled onions. Serve with a side of thin cut, baked fries and of course extra spread.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 228Total Fat: 5gCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 7g
Tavia
Sweet or dill relish?
Where you get your protein
I use sweet. Dill will work, but I suggest adding a bit of sweetener to the sauce. Enjoy!
Shyla
I’m allergic to cashews. Is it possible to make this with another nut instead of cashews?
Marlena Luna
The cashews can be replaced with an equal amount of soaked sunflower seeds. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
Alice
Hi,
What brand did you recommend/use for your burger (black bean or veggie). Also, I can't stand coconut anything. I can always taste it, even in its subtlest form. Can I use another oil for the grilled onions, without skimping on the flavor?
Thanks!
Where you get your protein
I use my homemade black bean burgers, but you can use store bought as well. For grilling the onions, any neutral flavored oil you have on hand will work perfectly. Enjoy, Alice! :)
Nathan
After a flop attempt on my part with the BBQ ranch, I had an idea. And this one mentioned what I was thinking! I made this in our Nutri Ninja (basically the Nutri Bullet) and it worked out like a dream! Now I know what do when making sauces. This one turned out great! I might dial the ketchup back a smidge next time however. Still a nice sauce!
Where you get your protein
Awesome! I'm glad this recipe worked out. A high speed blender is definitely the key to a creamy dressing/sauce. Thanks so my for all your great feedback, Nathan!
Ali
It looks amazing! Unfortunately, we have tree nut allergies in our family. Do you know if there's anything I could use instead of cashews? So many creamy vegan recipes call for cashews and I'm always so disappointed because of that
Where you get your protein!
You can try to replace the cashews with sunflower seeds, but it will yield a slightly different taste. You can also try a vegan mayo. Replace the cashews and non-dairy milk with 1 cup of mayo.
Hope
THIS TURNED OUT PERFECTTTTT! We moved to Italy from California and I constantly crave In N Out but of course as a vegan that's not attainable.. so thank you for giving me my favorite food back to me!!
Where you get your protein!
That's awesome to hear Hope! I'm so glad you're able to enjoy this vegan version!
calgal
Wow, I'm blown away by this spread! It tastes exactly how I remember the sauce at In-n-Out, which I had plenty of growing up in California. Gonna use this to make animal style veggie burgers and fries, thank you!!
Where you get your protein!
Animal style veggie burger and fries sounds ah-mazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Mom
Is organic necessary for everything? I'm about to move,and am unsure if what'll be available by me or prices. Which is super important(I'm about to be a single mom,and will only have about $50/week for groceries.)
Where you get your protein!
No, organic is not necessary. This is an older post from when I was aiming towards an organic vegan blog. I learned that organic is not always obtainable (even for myself). So use what you'd like/prefer as far as organic ingredients go. :)
Miya
LOVE this recipe! Just devoured it tonight!!
Thank you!
One question.... what is that bun? We eat/cook aoil-free vegan and would love to know if the bun is made or purchased!
Again, thank you so much! Awesome recipe!
Where you get your protein!
I'm so glad you love the recipe Miya!! I purchased the buns from a local health food store. They are Rudi's Hamburger Buns. However, they do contain oil. If you're looking to make your own I suggest doing a quick google search for "vegan oil-free sweet potato buns". I find adding sweet potato (or even pumpkin puree) to the dough really helps create a softer, oil-free bun. :)
Lea
This looks and sounds delicious. I can't wait to try it. I'm pinnin git.
Where you get your protein!
Thanks Lea! Enjoy! :)
Sally
Hi
Can I use a gluten free flour to replace the oat flour?
Where you get your protein!
Gluten-free flour should work just fine. You can also try fine ground cornmeal as well. Enjoy, Sally!!
Serena
I'm going to try this recipe this week. I'm going to add some vegan cheese and see if I can replicate "animal style fries". Wish me luck ☺️
Where you get your protein!
Enjoy, Serena! :)
Katie
I feel bad that I've been using this recipe for months and have never left a message. I make these once a week for my family and we LOVE them! The sauce is amazing and spot on. Even better than the original. Anyway, thanks for making our tummies really happy. My favorite recipe, hands down.
Where you get your protein!
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Katie! I'm so happy to hear your family loves this recipe and you enjoy it weekly. I've always thought the sauce was better than the original as well, but then I thought maybe I'm being bias. Thanks for confirming my unbiased love for the sauce! :)
Trisha
This looks absolutely delicious! I definitely want to try it because my boyfriend and I have been craving in n out for awhile now. I'm vegan and he's vegetarian. However, I am allergic to some types of nuts, cashews included. So I was wondering if there was a way to sub for this, or be able to leave it out altogether?
Where you get your protein!
Hi Trisha,
The cashews are used to thicken the spread, but they can easily be replaced by sunflower seeds. Otherwise, a vegan mayo option can replace the nut/seed altogether. If using a vegan mayo, I would omit the non-dairy milk as well. And, if needed, only add enough to thin the spread a bit. I'm sure you guys will love them! Enjoy! :)
Trisha
Thank you very much for your response, can't wait to try these! :)
Rhonda
These vegan replicas of In-N-Out burgers are insane!
I use to enjoy them back in my teen years too. The best
part was the fresh lettuce, tomato, onion and dressing.
Now I will be making these and sharing the love!!
I heard a rumor a while ago that In-N-Out was considering
a veg burger. If we want to see it happen, we have to use
our voices. I suggest writing to them a brief "Please add
a good vegan burger and dressing to the menu."
It could make a difference as other fast food places are adding
a veg burger to their menus. We have to keep asking and this
gets the ball rolling.
Tara
This looks awesome! You are not alone, I have also ordered lettuce, tomato, and grilled onion at in n out!
Where you get your protein!
Nice to know I'm not alone! :) Now I can just make this when I'm craving In-N-Out!
Caroline
This spread tastes JUST like in n out. Made homemade buns and these ( http://www.hotforfoodblog.com/recipes/2014/7/28/the-best-damn-vegan-burger ) patties... the family didn't even notice they were eating a vegan dinner! TRY it
Where you get your protein!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Caroline! :)
Caroline
This burger is DELICIOUS ! Pretty easy to make, (I made my patties ahead of time and kept in the fridge about 11-6:30), and made some homemade buns as well. SERIOUSLY, you gotta taste this burger.
Mya
These burgers were delicious! Better than the original not to mention healthier! Thank you for this wonderful creation!
Where you get your protein!
Thank you for your kind words, Mya! I'm so glad you enjoyed them! :)
Jenn
Made these last night along with your baked seasoned fries. SOOOO GOOD! The sauce was amazing and so happy it is mayo and oil free. I made it as is and after sitting in the fridge, it thickened up perfectly. The burgers were great and so happy to have them not crumble everywhere. Just amazing and had to be the best vegan burgers we have ever had! Definitely will be making these again!
Where you get your protein!
Awesome Jenn!! I'm so thrilled you loved them as much as we do! They have become a weekly must in our house! :)
Dianette
Thank you so much for the recipe, I cannot wait to try it. I have an In and Out Burger near my house but stopped eating meat 3 years ago, so now I just order a In and Out Burger with only cheese and no meat and add all the extras (tomatoes, pickles, special sauce, lettuce, grilled onions) and it fulfills that craving. Your recipe adds more protein, which I like, and just sounds delicious!
Andrea
Made this tonight, it was really good. I added in more relish and some mustard as well, I may omit or at least reduce the almond milk next time so that it is thicker. Thanks for the great mayo free recipe.