Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

If you love burgers but want to shake things up in the most delicious way, then this Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine swapping out traditional buns for perfectly caramelized onion rings that add a sweet, smoky depth to every bite, combined with juicy, cheesy patties and a tangy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. This burger brings a juicy, messy, and utterly satisfying flavor explosion that’s both simple to prepare and wildly impressive to serve. Trust me, once you try this twist on a classic, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the creamy tang in the sauce, the savory spice blend in the beef, or the caramelized onions acting as unique, flavorful buns. Let’s gather everything that makes this burger a standout creation.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the burger sauce lending a rich mouthfeel.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a hint of tang to balance the sauce.
• Relish: Provides a delightful texture and bursts of pickle flavor for zing.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
• Yellow mustard: Offers mild heat and complexity in the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the sauce with umami notes.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tangy ingredients in the sauce and on onions.
• 80/20 ground beef: Perfect balance of lean and fat for juicy patties.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for the beef and onions to enhance flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the patties.
• Garlic powder: Imparts savory depth to the meat.
• Large onions: Thickly sliced to create those irresistible caramelized ‘buns.’
• Olive oil: For cooking the onions to golden, crispy perfection.
• American or cheddar cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the patties for that classic cheeseburger appeal.

How to Make Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Sauce

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar in a medium bowl until the sauce is smooth and perfectly blended. This sauce is the magic that brings tang and creaminess, making each bite unforgettable. Cover it and pop it in the fridge while you get the rest ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Patties

Combine the 80/20 ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing gently to keep the meat tender. Divide the mixture into eight equal balls, then flatten them just a bit. This size and thickness cook evenly and develop a nice crust that’s so satisfying to bite into.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onion Buns

Cut your large onions into 8 rounds about half an inch thick, then sprinkle both sides with salt and sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. In a skillet warmed with olive oil over medium-low heat, cook the onion rounds gently, allowing them to soften and caramelize for about 5 to 8 minutes per side. The goal here is a balance of crispy edges with a tender, sweet center—perfect as bun replacements.

Step 4: Cook and Assemble the Burgers

Once the onions are tucked aside, crank the heat up to medium-high and add your patties to the pan. Smash them to about half an inch thick for that juicy, crispy-edge goodness. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, adding a slice of cheese on top after flipping. Once the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through, it’s time to assemble! Place one onion round on your plate, stack a cheesy patty, add a generous dollop of the tangy sauce, then repeat with another patty and sauce, finishing off with a final caramelized onion round to crown your burger.

How to Serve Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

Garnishes

Extra sauce on the side is a must because this burger is all about lush, gooey goodness. If you want to amp up the fun, add a few slices of pickles or a handful of fresh arugula for peppery crunch. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top brings it all home.

Side Dishes

This burger pairs wonderfully with classic fries or crispy sweet potato wedges. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasted Brussels sprouts or even a tangy coleslaw to add some brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Since this burger is a little messy and bunless, wrapping it gently in parchment paper not only helps hold it together but also showcases the layers beautifully. For a grab-and-go style party snack, serve mini versions with toothpicks to keep those delicious caramelized onions in place. Your guests will be impressed and thoroughly delighted.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover patties or sauce, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Patties last up to 3 days, while sauce can stay fresh for about a week. Just note that caramelized onions are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for a day or two.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked patties wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. The sauce and caramelized onions do not freeze well, as the texture and flavor can change.

Reheating

To reheat patties, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve juiciness. Avoid microwaving patties as it can make them tough. Reheat caramelized onions in a pan over low heat to maintain their mouthwatering texture. Sauce is best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! American or cheddar work best because they melt easily and complement the flavors, but feel free to experiment with Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack if you want to mix things up.

How do I keep the onion buns from falling apart?

Be gentle when flipping the onion rounds to maintain their shape. Cooking them over medium-low heat slowly caramelizes them without breaking apart. If needed, use a toothpick or skewer to hold everything together when assembling your burgers.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the beef patties?

You can substitute the beef patties with thick portobello mushroom caps or plant-based burgers. Just season and cook them similarly, and they pair wonderfully with the caramelized onion buns and sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes better if made ahead because the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What is the best way to eat a Flying Dutchman Burger without buns?

Since this burger replaces traditional buns with onion rounds, it can get messy but so worth it. Wrapping the burger in parchment paper helps keep everything together. Using hands is definitely part of the fun, so don’t be shy to dig in!

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully satisfying about this Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe that makes it stand out from the usual burger crowd. The sweet, caramelized onion “buns,” melty cheese, flavorful patties, and tangy sauce come together in perfect harmony to create a burger experience you’ll be excited to share and repeat. So next time you want to impress your family or friends with a burger that’s equal parts unique and utterly delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Easy Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

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4 from 58 reviews

• Author: Maggie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

The Easy Flying Dutchman Burger is a creative twist on a classic burger, replacing traditional buns with caramelized onion ‘buns’. This delicious American main course features juicy smashed beef patties seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, topped with melted American or cheddar cheese and a tangy, creamy homemade burger sauce. Perfectly caramelized onion rounds provide a unique, flavorful alternative to bread, making this burger both messy and irresistible.

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Ingredients

Burger Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2–3 tablespoons relish, to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

Patties

• 1 pound 80/20 lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Burgers

• 2 large onions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 slices American or cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar until smooth and thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
2. Make the Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Form the meat into 8 even balls of about 2 ounces each, then flatten slightly to prepare for cooking. Set aside.
3. Make the Onion Buns: Slice the onions into 8 thick rounds approximately 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle both sides of each onion slice with salt and granulated sugar to enhance caramelization.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion rounds in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side, until the edges are slightly crispy and the center soft. Carefully flip to keep the rounds intact, using a toothpick or skewer if necessary. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook the Patties: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the prepared beef patties and smash them down to about 1/2-inch thick. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, then flip each patty and immediately top with a slice of American or cheddar cheese. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
6. Assemble the Burgers: Place one caramelized onion round on a serving plate as the bottom bun. Layer one cheesy patty on top, then add a generous dollop of the burger sauce. Add a second cheesy patty followed by more sauce, and finish with another caramelized onion round as the top bun.
7. Serve: Present the flying Dutchman burgers with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. Due to the bunless and messy nature of this burger, wrapping it in parchment paper is recommended for easier handling.

Notes

• Carefully handle the caramelized onion rounds to keep them intact when flipping. Use a toothpick or skewer if necessary.
• Because this burger does not have traditional buns and can be messy, wrapping it in parchment paper helps keep everything together while eating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American