Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to the Flying Dutchman Burger because it’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s also completely customizable — I can make it classic with cheese and onions or add sauces and pickles for extra punch. Since it skips the bun, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, which makes it great for when I want to keep things lighter without sacrificing taste. Plus, it only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 4 slices American or Swiss cheese

• 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• Optional: burger sauce, pickles, mustard

Directions

1. Prep the onions:
   I heat butter and oil in a skillet, then add the onion rings in a flat layer. I cook them for about 5–7 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden and caramelized. Once they’re soft and sweet, I set them aside.

2. Shape the patties:
   I divide the ground beef into four equal portions, roll them into balls, then flatten them into patties. I season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the patties:
   Using the same skillet, I sear the patties over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Right before removing them, I top each with a slice of cheese and let it melt over the hot patties.

4. Stack it:
   To assemble, I take one cheesy patty, top it with another cheesy patty, and finish it off with a generous scoop of caramelized onions right on top.

5. Serve hot:
   I serve it hot off the skillet, as is or with some burger sauce, pickles, or mustard on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–22 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I switch up the cheese — Swiss gives it a sharper bite, while American melts super smooth and creamy. I’ve also added a slice of tomato or a lettuce wrap if I want something fresh. For a spicy version, I mix some hot sauce or jalapeños into the burger stack. And when I want extra richness, I top it with a fried egg.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the patties and onions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm everything in a skillet over medium heat until hot. I avoid the microwave if I want to keep the texture just right — crisp edges and gooey cheese.

FAQs

What is a Flying Dutchman burger?

It’s a bun-less burger that features two beef patties with cheese in between and on top, usually finished with caramelized onions. It’s a protein-packed favorite made famous by In-N-Out, but I make it my own at home.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, I like using Swiss, provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack. As long as it melts well, it works beautifully with the beef.

Is this burger keto or low-carb?

Absolutely. Since there’s no bun, it fits perfectly into low-carb or keto meal plans. Just be mindful of any sauces added.

How do I get perfectly caramelized onions?

I cook them slowly in a mix of butter and oil, without stirring too much. I let them brown naturally over medium heat until they’re soft, sweet, and golden.

Can I make this on the grill?

Yes, but I usually use a grill pan or flat-top for the onions. The patties themselves grill up great — I just make sure the cheese is added during the last minute to melt properly.

Conclusion

The Flying Dutchman Burger is everything I want in a comfort food: rich, juicy, cheesy, and bold. It skips the bun but keeps all the flavor, and I love how easy it is to whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m going low-carb or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this burger always hits the spot.

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