Name: Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning); 1/2 tsp brown sugar; 12 oz 80/20 ground beef; 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning); 4 slices American cheese; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp relish; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s; Cayenne pepper to taste

Craving a burger that’s savory, juicy, a little wild, and completely bun-less? The Flying Dutchman Burger is a legendary creation that captures everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—rich, melty cheese, seasoned beef, and a knock-your-socks-off special sauce—sandwiched not with bread, but with sweet, caramelized onions! This is my go-to “burger with a twist,” and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it bite after glorious bite.

Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Flying Dutchman Burger lies in the simple—but absolutely crucial—ingredients. Each one brings a unique layer of flavor, texture, or pop of color, so take the time to gather the best versions you can and let them all shine!

Large Yellow Onion: Sweet, juicy, and robust, these are your “buns” and the heart of the burger’s flavor.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize to perfection without burning.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings tangy depth and that irresistible umami hit to both onions and sauce.
Tony Chachere’s Seasoning: A savory blend full of zippy character—sprinkled throughout for a signature kick.
Brown Sugar: Just a hint to encourage sweet caramelization on your onions.
80/20 Ground Beef: The ideal fat blend ensures juicy, flavorful patties every time.
American Cheese: Rich, creamy, satisfyingly melty—this cheese is classic for good reason.
Mayonnaise: Serves as the creamy, tangy base for your burger sauce.
Relish: Adds zesty sweetness and crunch to the sauce—don’t skip it!
Dijon Mustard: Its mild spice and tang balance out the sauce beautifully.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the sauce’s acidity.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These bring earthy savoriness to every bite.
Smoked Paprika: Provides warmth and a subtle smokiness that lingers.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust to your taste for a fiery, lingering finish if you like it hot!

How to Make Flying Dutchman Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Onion “Buns”

Start by peeling your large yellow onion and slicing it into four thick, half-inch rounds. Each slice will become one half of your burger “bun.” Drizzle each with Worcestershire sauce and olive oil, sprinkle with Tony Chachere’s and a touch of brown sugar, then let them hang out so the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onion Slices

Heat a large pan over medium-low. Gently lay each onion slice flat in the pan, letting them caramelize slowly—about 10 minutes per side. You want a deeply browned, sweet exterior, with the inside turning meltingly soft. Once perfect, remove from the pan and get ready for assembly.

Step 3: Form and Season Your Patties

Season the ground beef generously with Tony Chachere’s. Roll the meat into four equal balls, then press them down firmly to make thin, even patties—smash burger style. This helps create a crave-worthy crust when they sear.

Step 4: Sear the Burger Patties

Turn the heat up to medium-high and place the patties in the hot pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. Just before they’re finished, lay a slice of American cheese on each patty so it melts lusciously over the sides. Remove from heat when the cheese is gooey and irresistible.

Step 5: Mix Up the Secret Sauce

In a bowl, combine your mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s, and cayenne pepper (to taste). Whisk until super smooth. This sauce is the soul of the Flying Dutchman Burger—creamy, tangy, smoky, and just a touch spicy.

Step 6: Assemble the Flying Dutchman Burger

To assemble, place one onion “bun” on a plate, top with a cheesy burger patty, add a generous dollop of the special sauce, then cover with another onion slice. Repeat for the rest of the burgers. Grab a napkin—this is juicy, saucy perfection!

How to Serve Flying Dutchman Burger

Garnishes

A Flying Dutchman Burger is a showstopper as-is, but a sprinkling of chopped fresh chives or parsley over the top can add beautiful color. If you’re a heat-seeker, a few sliced pickled jalapeños or a dash of extra smoked paprika takes things up a notch.

Side Dishes

This burger pairs beautifully with crispy oven fries, a pile of sweet potato chips, or even a tangy, classic coleslaw. The caramelized onion “bun” means you don’t fill up on bread, so feel free to go hearty with your sides—and don’t forget a pile of crunchy pickles.

Creative Ways to Present

Go playful and serve each Flying Dutchman Burger stacked tall with little skewers to hold everything together. For a fun party twist, make mini versions as sliders. Or arrange the burgers on a platter surrounded by a rainbow of raw veggie sticks and extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, store the cooled caramelized onion “buns,” cooked patties, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

Freezing

The burger patties (without cheese) freeze excellently—just wrap them individually and pop in a freezer bag. You can also freeze the sauce in small portions, but the onions are best enjoyed fresh for the perfect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet until hot, and give the onions a quick sauté to revive their sweetness and softness. Microwave the sauce for just a few seconds if it’s too thick from chilling.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese is traditional for its meltiness, sharp cheddar or pepper jack are fantastic if you want a bolder flavor in your Flying Dutchman Burger.

Do I have to use Tony Chachere’s?

If you don’t have Tony Chachere’s, substitute with your favorite Cajun or Creole seasoning, or even a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a similar flavor profile.

Is the Flying Dutchman Burger really low carb?

It sure is! Skipping the bread entirely makes this burger a hit with low-carb and keto eaters, and it still delivers huge on taste and satisfaction.

Can I grill the onions instead of pan-caramelizing?

Definitely! Grilling adds a slight smokiness to the onions, which can make your Flying Dutchman Burger even more irresistible. Just brush them with oil so they don’t stick.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

You can absolutely scale up—just use a couple of large pans or a griddle to caramelize a batch of onions and cook several patties at once. Let guests build their own Flying Dutchman Burger at a DIY burger bar!

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood to shake up burger night, the Flying Dutchman Burger is pure fun, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a go, and see why this breadless beauty has so many fans!