This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This classic grilled cheese has gone ANIMAL STYLE loaded with grilled onion and a special sauce!
Wow. Now that is a grilled cheese.
One of my all time favorite places to eat, In-N-Out. The sad news is, they are very limited in locations, there are not very many outside of the state of California. They are branching out more though, so maybe someday they will be everywhere! YAY!
The good news is, now that you have this recipe you can experience the taste in your own home!!
This grilled cheese is made in classic In-N-Out animal style with the grilled onions and that yummy to die for sauce. When I get my meal from In-N-Out I always get a few extra packets of that sauce. Even though my meal is already smothered and covered in cheese and sauce, I still need just a bit more of it.
The sauce is pretty much identical to In-N-Out’s. And now that I know how to make it, I do believe I will be using it on many, many more things!
Now, my husband is going to tell you that this sandwich was his idea. I, however, am convinced this was MY idea. I honestly don’t even remember which one of us came up with it (it was me by the way) but this sandwich turned out so bomb that neither of us will humble ourselves to give credit to the other.
This sandwich is so good it has turned us against one another! No, I’m just kidding. But seriously though…it was my idea.
Now, it’s time for some honesty from me. I’m not a fan of onions (you thought I was going to say it was my husband’s idea didn’t you?). Drives my husband nuts! He loves them! So guess who I made this sandwich for? My husband. I came up with this awesome idea and then let him eat it!
I did however sneak a bite. And I must say..it was DELICIOUS!! Even with the onions! The onions I will give the credit to the hubby for. He makes amazing grilled onions. And the recipe for those is included below!
Grilled Cheese Animal Style
Ingredients
Special Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp sweet pickle relish
- 2 tsp onion minced
Grilled Onion
- ½ cup onion diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
Sandwich
- 4 slices white bread
- 6 slices American cheese singles
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Special Sauce
- Stir all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined.
Grilled onions
- Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
- Add in the onion and soy sauce. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft.
Sandwich
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place all slices of the bread onto a heated griddle butter side down. Immediately place the cheese onto two slices of bread. Allow to cook on low heat to allow the cheese to melt and the bread to toast. Once the bread is toasted turn off the heat. Scoop half the grilled onions on top of the bread with the melted cheese. Top with the special sauce. Then place the other slices of toasted bread, toasted side up, on top to create the sandwich. Enjoy!
Equipment
- skillet
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Protip: if you use the same pan to grill the grilled cheese as you grilled the onions, you will win at life
You should be able to write this recipe off as a charitable contribution for how much it is going to CHANGE MY LIFE! Thanks- can’t wait to try it. 🙂
So funny!! Let me know what you think! 🙂
I’ve never been to In ‘n Out (I’m in Ohio) but I’ve heard so much about the “animal style” I made a copycat burger a few weeks ago at home. They were SO good! And considering how much I love grilled cheese, this is a fantastic idea I need to try as well. I’m stopping over from Marvelous Mondays. Pinned!
Thank you so much Jill! Take my word for it, this sauce is practically identical to In-N-Out!! And I would know! I’m addicted to their sauce. So if you make this it’ll be just like you were there 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
I love In-n-Out too! Thanks for bringing me back to my college days!
Thanks Heather! In-N-Out is the best!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
That IS a grilled cheese! I’m having a hard time handling that gooey middle and crusty edge. *swoon* You make amazing sandwiches Serene! I could drink that sauce!
Thanks Mary Frances! The sauce is AMAZING! Best part of the entire sandwich.
Oh yum!! This looks crispy and delicious on the outside… but oh-so-gooy on the inside! YUM! Happy Easter btw!
Thanks Cailee! Happy Easter 🙂
My mouth is already drooling. Too bad my oldest son hates onions. Oh wait, that just means there’s more for everyone else…lol.
Holy Moly . . . Can I just same YUM!!!!
Love grilled cheese and this recipe looks amazing!
I love In-N-Out! I haven’t had it since we moved away from CA. What a fun recipe!
Ginnie, In-N-Out is my favorite! I hope you try the sauce recipe! It tastes just like theirs!