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 Creole seasoning (or preferred Creole seasoning); 1/2 tsp brown sugar; 12 oz 80/20 ground beef; 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning (or 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a burger experience that’s bold, satisfying, and delightfully unconventional, the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is here to revolutionize your taste buds. This recipe swaps the regular bun for thick, caramelized onion slices that provide a sweet and savory cradle for juicy, seasoned beef patties smothered in melted American cheese. Topped with a vibrant, zesty sauce, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that are impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe, it will quickly become a new favorite worthy of any burger night.

A close-up image of a layered cheeseburger without a bun, placed on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is melted yellow cheese oozing over the edge, showing melted texture with some browned spots. Above the cheese is a thick, juicy beef patty with a grilled, browned surface. On top of the patty lies a creamy light sauce with green herb bits mixed in, giving a slightly lumpy texture. The top layer is a large, round grilled onion slice with dark char marks, giving it a caramelized golden-brown color. In the background, there are slightly blurred grilled onion slices and some colored cans. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe lies in its straightforward yet meticulously selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that come together perfectly in every bite.

Large yellow onion: Thick slices become caramelized “buns,” adding sweetness and tenderness.
Olive oil: Helps gently caramelize the onions, enhancing their natural flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami to both the onion rounds and sauce.
Tony Chachere’s (or preferred Creole seasoning): Brings that signature Creole spice punch to meat and seasoning blends.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of caramelized sweetness on the onion “buns.”
Ground beef (80/20): The popular ratio ensures juicy, flavorful patties with the right fat content.
American cheese slices: Melts perfectly for a creamy, nostalgic burger feel.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature burger sauce.
Relish: Adds texture and a burst of tangy sweetness to the sauce.
Dijon mustard: Injects slight sharpness and complexity into the sauce.
Sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper: These seasonings build layers of warmth, smokiness, and subtle heat in the sauce.

How to Make Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Bun

Start by peeling a large yellow onion and slicing it into four generous, half-inch thick rounds. These will replace your typical burger buns. Coat each slice with a combination of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of Creole seasoning, and a touch of brown sugar. Slowly caramelize the onion slices in a pan over medium-low heat, letting them become tender and richly browned – this slow cooking transforms them into a sweet-savory base that holds all the burger deliciousness.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

In a bowl, season 12 ounces of 80/20 ground beef with half a tablespoon of your chosen Creole seasoning for that irresistible Southern kick. Divide the meat into four equal parts and gently shape them into thin patties. Sear these in a hot pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful crust and are cooked through without losing their juiciness.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Just before your patties finish cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each one to melt. This cheesy layer adds a creamy texture that perfectly balances the savory beef and sweet onion rounds.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s seasoning, and enough cayenne pepper to your liking. This sauce is the crowning glory of the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe, fusing creamy, tangy, spicy, and smoky notes in every spoonful.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Lay one caramelized onion round flat on your plate as the bottom bun. Layer on a cheesy burger patty, then drizzle or spoon on the zesty sauce. Top it with another onion round to complete the “bun.” Repeat and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping, and prepare to savor the magic.

How to Serve Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh, crunchy garnishes like crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, or even a few rings of raw onion can bring an added dimension of texture and brightness that complements the richness of the burger. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.

Side Dishes

The Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides such as crispy French fries, sweet potato wedges, or crunchy coleslaw. For a lighter option, a fresh, tangy cucumber salad or a vibrant garden salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette will balance out the hearty burger perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board, allowing your guests to build their own with extra sauce and toppings. You can also stack two smaller patties with an extra onion round between for a towering double Flying Dutchman burger that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep burger patties and caramelized onion slices separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sauce should be stored in a small jar or container to preserve freshness and flavor. This separation keeps textures perfect for your next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked burger patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Onions and sauce freeze less well, so it’s best to prepare those fresh whenever possible for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat the patties gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain juiciness. Warm the caramelized onion rounds briefly in the pan, but be careful not to overcook. The sauce is best used cold or at room temperature, so add it fresh when serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of American cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and offers a creamy, mild flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss. Just keep in mind that the cheese should melt nicely to keep the iconic gooey texture of this burger.

Is this burger gluten-free?

Yes, the Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses onion slices instead of traditional bread buns. Just be sure the Worcestershire sauce and other seasonings you use are gluten-free to keep it safe.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian or vegan version, try substituting the beef patties with grilled portobello mushrooms or black bean patties, and use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo for the sauce. The caramelized onion “buns” remain a flavorful centerpiece regardless.

What’s the best way to caramelize the onions thoroughly?

Patience is key! Cooking the onion rounds over medium-low heat allows the sugars to develop fully without burning. Turn them gently halfway through until both sides are deeply browned and tender for the best flavor and texture.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?

You can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. The sauce can also be made in advance and kept chilled. For freshest results, cook the patties just before assembling the burgers.

Final Thoughts

The Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is such a fantastic way to shake up your burger routine and impress family or friends with something unforgettable. The combination of caramelized onions acting as buns and a flavorful, cheesy patty layered with a zesty sauce makes each bite a true celebration of taste and texture. Give this recipe a try and watch it earn a special place in your recipe rotation – you’ll be glad you did!