Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Ready for a burger experience that flips tradition right on its head? Enter the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe: no buns, just fiery, messy, flavor-packed, cheesy goodness sandwiched between caramelized onions that melt in your mouth. This classic is an unapologetically savory mashup of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and a zippy, spiced-up sauce, all wrapped up in a gluten-free, low-carb little package bursting with character. Whether you’re tired of the same old burger routine or craving something slightly outrageous, you can whip up the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe in about 30 minutes—and you’re about to fall in love at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this burger brings something absolutely essential to the party—from sweet, deeply caramelized onions for that unforgettable “bun,” to seasoned beef patties and a creamy, punchy sauce. Let’s break down what you need and how each ingredient elevates the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe.

• 1 large yellow onion: Sweet and mellow when caramelized, this makes for a surprisingly sturdy and flavorful stand-in for a traditional bun.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps coax out deep caramel notes from the onions as they cook.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds both umami and tang, amping up the savory factor on your onions (and sauce!)
• 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s (or Creole seasoning): Gives a smoky, peppery personality that keeps things interesting.
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar: Encourages the onions to caramelize into golden, sweet perfection.
• 12 oz 80/20 ground beef: Just enough fat for juicy, flavor-packed patties that sear up beautifully.
• 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s (or Creole seasoning): Mixed into the beef for a properly seasoned bite every time.
• 4 slices American cheese: Melty, creamy, classic—you want that satisfying ooze!
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The silky base for your burger sauce, keeping everything luscious.
• 2 tbsp relish: Brightens and sweetens the sauce like a secret weapon.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds just the right amount of zip and tang.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the flavor profile in the sauce—don’t skip it!
• 1 tsp sugar: Rounds out the sauce with a subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers real depth and an irresistible savory kick.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Bumps up the allium notes for a harmonious sauce.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings gentle smoke and color to the party.
• 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s: That signature Creole zing carries every bite.
• Cayenne pepper to taste: For those who love a little heat—add as much or as little as you dare.

How to Make Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Onion “Buns”

Start by peeling your large yellow onion and cutting it into four thick, half-inch rounds. Lay them out and drizzle each side with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, a generous pinch of Creole seasoning, and a little brown sugar. In a skillet over medium-low, gently caramelize the onion slices for about 10 minutes on each side—patience is your best friend here! You want them to turn wonderfully soft, deeply browned, and fragrant. Let them rest on a plate while you move on to the patties; they’ll hold together as your super-creamy “buns.”

Step 2: Prepare and Shape the Burger Patties

While your onions are doing their thing, season your ground beef with Creole seasoning in a bowl, mixing just enough to blend things together evenly. Divide the mixture into four equal balls, then press each one into a thin patty—thinner than your usual burger patty so they’ll cook quickly and stack with that beautiful cheese melt. Set these aside for a quick sear in the next step.

Step 3: Sear the Beef Patties

Heat your skillet to medium-high (reuse the onion pan for extra flavor), and lay down the beef patties. Sear each patty for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a burger with a crisp, brown crust, but still juicy at its core. When that side is perfectly caramelized and smells amazing, flip to cook the other.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

As soon as your burgers are almost done, place a slice of American cheese over each patty. Let it melt into a gooey puddle—don’t skimp and don’t rush this! The heat from the patties will do most of the work, so just a minute or so should give you that melt-to-the-edges effect. Once melted, slide them off the pan.

Step 5: Create the Signature Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s, and cayenne. This sauce is where the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe truly makes its mark: it’s creamy, tangy, just a tad spicy, and ready to bring all the elements together. Give it a quick taste and adjust for heat as you like—extra cayenne if you’re feeling bold!

Step 6: Assemble the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Now for the fun part! Lay a caramelized onion slice on a plate, nestle a cheesy burger patty on top, then spoon over a good dollop of sauce. Crown it all with another caramelized onion round as the “top bun.” Repeat for each burger. They’ll look rustic, messy, and completely irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe hot, with extra sauce on the side for enthusiastic dipping. Be prepared for sticky fingers, wide smiles, and zero leftovers. This burger refuses to be neat, and that’s exactly how you want it!

How to Serve Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprig of fresh parsley, chives, or even a few pickled jalapeño slices to jazz up your plate and cut through the richness. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top onion “bun” just before serving brightens flavors and makes everything pop visually. For some crunch, thinly sliced pickles are never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

The Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe loves classic diner-style sides: think crispy fries, tater tots, or a tangy coleslaw for cool contrast. If you’re going for a lighter touch, a fresh green salad tossed in vinaigrette offers crisp relief, while roasted sweet potato wedges pair up beautifully for a more wholesome spin.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your burgers on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of extra sauce, sliced pickles, and fresh veggies. For party appetizers, halve the burgers and skewer each with a long toothpick to make them extra shareable. Or, go over-the-top and assemble mini Flying Dutchman sliders using smaller onions and patties—perfect for a crowd and endlessly fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let everything cool to room temperature first. Store the caramelized onions, sauce, and burger patties in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents the onions from getting soggy and the sauce from watering down the texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked burger patties for up to a month—just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then stash in a freezer-safe bag. The onion “buns” don’t freeze well since their texture turns mushy, but the patties and sauce reheat beautifully for a quick Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe fix whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

Warm burger patties in a skillet over medium heat or zap them in the microwave (covered to prevent splatters) until heated through. The sauce is best used cold or at room temperature, while onions can be gently rewarmed in a pan. Once heated, assemble the burger as before and dig in!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of American?

Definitely! While American cheese melts smoothly and gives that signature creamy drizzle, feel free to swap in Swiss, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little extra kick or sharpness. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese so you still get the right ooey-gooey texture in your Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe.

Is the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe spicy?

It’s customizable! The level of heat depends on your Creole seasoning and how much cayenne pepper you add to the sauce. If you love a mild burger, go easy on the spices, or dial it up for a real kick if you’re craving the heat.

Can I make this Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to keep keto-friendly. Make sure your sauce ingredients, especially the relish and sugar, are low-carb or sugar-free substitutes. The absence of a traditional bun already keeps your carb count super low.

What’s the best way to serve the sauce?

Spoon some directly onto your burger during assembly, then serve extra in a little bowl for dipping. It’s also fantastic as a dip for fries, carrot sticks, or potato wedges—don’t be shy about using it beyond the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe!

Can I grill the patties and onions instead of using a pan?

You bet—grilling adds extra smokiness that complements the caramelized onions and spiced beef. Use a grill basket or tray for the onion “buns” so they hold their shape, and keep an eye on those patties for quick, even cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is an unforgettable contender: juicy, saucy, and fun, with every ingredient pulling its weight. So grab those onions, fire up your pan, and get ready to savor burger night like never before—messy hands and big smiles guaranteed!

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