Here’s a question vegetarians ask at every In-N-Out drive-thru: can you get something without meat? The answer is yes — and it’s been hiding on the not-so-secret menu for years. Here’s everything about the In-N-Out grilled cheese: what it is, what it costs, and exactly how to order it.
Does In-N-Out Have Grilled Cheese? Yes
In-N-Out’s grilled cheese is a real, orderable item — it’s just not printed on the menu board. It’s part of the chain’s famous not-so-secret menu (the company itself explains several of these hacks on its own website), and any location will make you one if you ask for it by name.
For the full rundown of off-menu items, see our In-N-Out secret menu guide.
What Is the In-N-Out Grilled Cheese?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a burger with no burger. The standard build is:
- Two slices of American cheese, melted
- Toasted hamburger bun (same fresh-baked buns as the burgers)
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion — the standard fresh toppings
- Spread — In-N-Out’s signature sauce
- No meat patty
Think of it as a cheeseburger with the patty removed. It’s simple, melty, and far more satisfying than it has any right to be.
How Much Is the In-N-Out Grilled Cheese? (2026 Price)
The grilled cheese typically runs around $3.50–$4.00 depending on your location (it was about $3.59 in 2025 menu roundups). Like everything at In-N-Out, prices vary slightly by state and even by store, and they’ve crept up modestly with inflation — but it remains one of the cheapest things you can order.
For context, that’s roughly a dollar less than a Cheeseburger, which makes it the go-to budget order for non-meat-eaters.
How to Order a Grilled Cheese at In-N-Out
Ordering is dead simple — the staff hears this request daily:
- Walk up or drive up and say “grilled cheese.” That’s it. No secret password needed.
- Specify any customizations (see below) — e.g., “grilled cheese, animal style.”
- Add fries and a drink if you want the full meal.
Best Grilled Cheese Customizations
The grilled cheese takes mods beautifully:
- Animal Style grilled cheese — the most popular upgrade: extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions. Highly recommended.
- Extra cheese — ask for 3 or 4 slices instead of 2.
- Grilled onions — whole or chopped, adds sweetness.
- Extra toast — a crispier bun (free).
- Protein Style grilled cheese — lettuce-wrapped, no bun (also gluten-free friendly).
- Cheesy Wiki — the extreme version: a grilled cheese with four slices of cheese. Cheese lovers only.
Grilled Cheese vs. Veggie Burger at In-N-Out
Note: In-N-Out doesn’t have a veggie patty. The “veggie burger” some secret-menu lists mention is just a burger with no patty and no cheese — basically a salad sandwich. The grilled cheese is the better order: you get the melted cheese, spread, and full toppings for a few bucks.
In-N-Out Grilled Cheese FAQs
Is the In-N-Out grilled cheese on the menu?
Not on the printed menu board, but it’s an official not-so-secret menu item. Just ask for it by name at any location.
How much is a grilled cheese at In-N-Out in 2026?
Roughly $3.50–$4.00 depending on location. Prices vary by state and store.
Can you get the grilled cheese Animal Style?
Yes — and you should. Animal Style adds extra spread, pickles, and grilled onions to the grilled cheese.
Is the grilled cheese vegetarian?
Yes, it’s meat-free (cheese, bun, vegetables, spread). Note the bun contains gluten and the spread contains egg.
Does In-N-Out have a vegan option?
Not really — the grilled cheese contains dairy and egg (in the spread). A bun with just vegetables is the closest vegan order, but it’s slim pickings.
