Flying Dutchman Burger

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The Flying Dutchman Burger isn’t just a secret menu item. It’s a phenomenon that’s taken the low-carb world by storm. This bunless burger blends juicy beef, melty cheese, and sweet caramelized onions into a savory, unexpected package. Whether you follow a keto diet or just love beef and cheese, the Flying Dutchman delivers bold flavor without compromise.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of crafting your own Flying Dutchman at home. You’ll find plenty of tips for getting the best results, creative ways to customize your burger, and advice on storing leftovers. Let’s build the juiciest, most flavorful Flying Dutchman Burger you can imagine.

What Makes the Flying Dutchman Burger Special?

Forget traditional buns. The magic of the Flying Dutchman Burger is its simplicity. At its heart, you have two seasoned beef patties, cheese, and sauce—sandwiched between thick, caramelized onion rounds. These “onion buns” keep it low-carb, but offer so much flavor and contrast, you won’t miss the bread for a second.

Compared to a regular cheeseburger, this burger offers:

• Lower carbs—no bread, all flavor.
• Deep caramelized onion notes in every bite.
• A customizable base for sauces and toppings.

The Flying Dutchman is rooted in the In-N-Out Burger chain’s fabled secret menu. But now, at-home cooks are taking it in new—and delicious—directions.

Ingredients

Every part of this burger deserves attention. Here’s what you’ll need:

Homemade Burger Sauce

You can go classic with just ketchup and mustard, but mixing up a tangy, creamy sauce takes the burger to the next level. Here’s a quick recipe:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon dill relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Whisk these ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make a Flying Dutchman Burger

1. Make the Sauce

Prepare your burger sauce first so it’s chilled and flavors can meld. Store in the refrigerator while you make the rest.

2. Prep the Onions

• Peel two large onions. Cut them horizontally into thick slices, about ¾-inch wide. Aim for intact rounds that mimic a bun’s shape.

Tips for great onion “buns”:
– Choose onions that are large and firm.
– Keep slices uniform for even cooking.
– Don’t separate the rings—keep the rounds whole as they’ll shrink a bit.

Season both sides lightly with salt (and a pinch of sugar if desired).

3. Caramelize the Onion Buns

• Heat a wide skillet over medium-low. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
• Gently lay the onion rounds in the pan. Cook slowly, turning occasionally. The goal is golden, soft onions with slightly crisp edges. This can take 12 to 18 minutes, depending on your burner strength.

Tips:
– Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
– Flip carefully with a spatula to keep rounds intact. If needed, use toothpicks to hold layers together.

Once onions are browned and tender, transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Prepare and Cook the Patties

• Use 1 pound of beef to form 4 patties (¼-pound each), or make smaller, thin patties for a true double-stack effect. Shape into balls, then gently flatten to roughly the same diameter as your onion rounds.

• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of garlic powder.

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add patties in batches if needed.

• Sear for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip. Place a slice of cheese on each patty immediately after flipping.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through (medium is ideal for juiciness).

If you want to mimic In-N-Out’s “mustard grilled” effect, spread a thin layer of mustard on the uncooked side before flipping.

5. Assemble the Burger

Assembly is simple but a bit messy. Here’s the order:

• Place a caramelized onion “bun” on a plate.
• Add one cheesy beef patty.
• Spoon some burger sauce on top.
• Stack another cheesy patty.
• Top with a second onion round.

Serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side. Wrapping the burger in parchment or wax paper helps keep everything together as you eat.

Pro Tips for the Best Flying Dutchman Burger

• Use freshly ground beef for maximum juiciness and flavor.
• Caramelize onions with patience. Rushing will lead to burnt outside and raw inside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook onions and burgers in batches if needed.
• Get creative: Swap in different cheeses (pepper jack for heat, Swiss for a nutty note) or add jalapeños and pickles between the patties.
• Parchment wrap makes this burger far easier to eat and hold.

Variations and Serving Ideas

The Flying Dutchman is endlessly adaptable. Consider these twists:

Cheese and Protein

• Use two types of cheese for extra flavor. For example, pair cheddar and American.
• Try plant-based burger patties for a vegetarian “Dutchman.”

Sauce and Toppings

• Swap in spicy aioli or classic thousand island dressing.
• Serve with sliced pickles, hot peppers, or even crispy bacon.

Sides to Complement

Round out your meal with:

• Crinkle-cut or curly fries for a diner-style experience.
• Fresh side salad or roasted veggies for a lighter plate.
• Classic milkshake to channel drive-thru nostalgia.

Storing and Reheating

Homemade Flying Dutchman Burgers are at their best straight off the stove, but leftovers can be useful for meal prep.

Avoid freezing cooked onions—the texture can suffer when thawed. Assemble fresh for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the origin of the Flying Dutchman Burger?

The original “Flying Dutchman” was a secret request at In-N-Out: two patties, two slices of cheese, no bun, no toppings. Food fans eventually customized it further with caramelized onions as an edible wrapper. It’s now a staple for low-carb, keto, and anyone craving a meaty, cheesy fix.

Can I make this burger entirely plant-based?

Absolutely. Use your favorite plant-based ground “meat,” vegan cheese slices, and egg-free mayo for the sauce. Caramelized onions work beautifully with veggie patties, too.

How do I keep onions from falling apart?

Slice them thick, keep the rings intact, and handle carefully with a spatula or tongs. Wrapping the burger also helps hold everything together.

The Flying Dutchman Burger transforms a few humble ingredients into something memorable. Whether you keep it classic with just beef and cheese or pile on extra flavor with sauces and toppings, this burger delivers sides of comfort, protein, and fun—all wrapped in sweet, golden onions. Try it for your next weeknight dinner or backyard cookout; it’s easy to customize and a hit with everyone who digs into its juicy, savory layers.

Pair each burger with a handful of napkins—you’ll need them. Enjoy the adventure, one bite at a time.