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Serious Eats
In-N-Out Burger, a beloved West Coast institution, is famed for its fresh ingredients, simple menu, and incredibly loyal following. But beyond the classic Double-Double and Animal Style fries lies a realm of customization and secret menu items that can elevate your In-N-Out experience to legendary status. If you’re venturing beyond the main menu board, you’ve likely heard whispers of the “Flying Dutchman.” So, what is a Flying Dutchman at In-N-Out? It’s perhaps the most minimalist, meat-centric offering on the secret menu, and understanding it is your first step to mastering the art of In-N-Out customization. Let’s dive into the world of In-N-Out’s not-so-secret menu, starting with the iconic Flying Dutchman and exploring other hidden gems.
Decoding the Flying Dutchman: In-N-Out’s Meatiest Secret
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The Flying Dutchman is the epitome of simplicity at In-N-Out. Imagine stripping away everything but the core components of a burger: the beef and the cheese. That’s precisely what a Flying Dutchman is. It consists of two beef patties and two slices of cheese, nothing else. No bun, no vegetables, no spread – just pure, unadulterated burger goodness. It’s a favorite among those seeking a low-carb option or those who simply want to maximize their protein intake. Ordering a Flying Dutchman is straightforward; just ask for it by name. Be prepared for a truly unique, if slightly messy, eating experience!
The Animal Style Flying Dutchman: Taking it Up a Notch
For those who find the standard Flying Dutchman a bit too bare-bones, there’s the Animal Style Flying Dutchman. This variation adds a layer of In-N-Out’s signature “Animal Style” treatment to the meat and cheese core.
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Ordering a Flying Dutchman “Animal Style” means your patties will be mustard-grilled, and they’ll be topped with grilled onions and a generous scoop of In-N-Out’s famous spread. Pickles are usually served on the side, allowing you to customize each bite. The Animal Style Flying Dutchman offers a burst of flavor and texture that complements the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s still bunless and veggie-free, but definitely not flavorless!
Beyond the Dutchman: Exploring More In-N-Out Burger Customizations
Once you’ve conquered the Flying Dutchman, you’re ready to explore the wider world of In-N-Out secret menu hacks and customizations. From burger styles to fry variations, here’s a guide to enhance your next In-N-Out order.
Burger Personalization: Cook, Toast, and More
In-N-Out prides itself on customization, starting with the burger patty itself.
- Cooked to Order: Burgers are cooked medium-well by default, but you can request them medium-rare for a pink center or even well-done if you prefer.
- Toast Level: Buns are toasted, but you can ask for “no toast” for a softer bun or “extra toast” for a crisper, more robust bun that can handle juicy burgers.
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- Mustard Grilled Patty: For a tangy twist, ask for your patty to be “mustard grilled.” Mustard is squirted onto the patty before it’s flipped, searing in the flavor.
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Onion Options: Grilled, Whole Grilled, and Raw
Onions are a crucial burger component, and In-N-Out offers several ways to enjoy them.
- Grilled Onions: Finely chopped and caramelized on the grill, these add a sweet and savory depth.
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- Whole Grilled Onion: For a bolder onion flavor, opt for a “whole grilled onion,” a thick slice of onion grilled until tender.
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Cheese Variations: Cold Cheese and Cheese Ratios
Cheese lovers, rejoice! In-N-Out allows for cheese customization beyond the standard melted slice.
- Cold Cheese: For a different texture, order “cold cheese,” and your cheese slices will be added unmelted.
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- Cheese Quantity: You can adjust the meat-to-cheese ratio. Order a “2×4” for two patties and four cheese slices, or a “4×2” for four patties and two cheese slices – or any combination in between!
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Spice and Condiments: Chiles and Custom Sauces
Add heat or switch up your condiments with these options:
- Chopped Chiles: Spice lovers can request “chopped chiles” for hot sport peppers added to their burger.
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- Chiles on the Side: Control the heat yourself by ordering “chiles on the side,” receiving whole pickled peppers in a packet.
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- Mustard or Ketchup Only: Skip the spread and ask for “mustard and ketchup” or just one of them if you prefer classic condiments.
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Bun Alternatives: Veggie and Protein Style
For those avoiding meat or carbs, In-N-Out has options.
- Veggie Burger (Wish Burger): A bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, spread, and pickles – essentially a burger without the patty.
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- Protein Style: Replace the bun with lettuce wraps for a low-carb, “protein style” burger.
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- Side Salad: Get the veggie components as a “side salad” in a burger wrapper.
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Fry Customizations: From Light to Animal Style
In-N-Out fries, while fresh-cut, can be divisive. But customization can improve them.
- Fry Cook Levels: Order fries “light” for undercooked, “well-done” for extra crispy, or even specify cooking times like “two-minute fries” for a specific texture.
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- Cheese Fries: Add melted cheese for “cheese fries.”
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- Animal Style Fries: The ultimate fry upgrade – “Animal Style fries” come with grilled onions, spread, and melted cheese.
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Drinks and Extras: Shakes, Floats, and Swag
Complete your customized meal with these drink and fun extras:
- Neapolitan Shake: Combine all three shake flavors (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) in a “Neapolitan shake.”
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- Root Beer Float: A classic “root beer float” featuring root beer and vanilla soft serve.
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- In-N-Out Hat and Stickers: Ask nicely, and you might score a free In-N-Out hat or stickers to show off your fandom.
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Become an In-N-Out Secret Menu Master
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The In-N-Out “secret menu” is less of a secret and more of a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction and customization. From the protein-packed Flying Dutchman to customized fries and shakes, there’s a way for everyone to personalize their In-N-Out experience. So next time you visit, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the main menu and explore the delicious possibilities that await. You’re now equipped to order like a true In-N-Out insider!
