The sizzling sound of onions caramelizing on the stovetop might just be the most comforting symphony in my kitchen. If you’re looking to elevate your burger game, the Flying Dutchman Burger is an exciting twist on the traditional cheeseburger, featuring rich, melty cheese and seasoned beef nestled between sweet, golden onions instead of a bun. This low-carb delight not only satisfies your cravings but also gives you a guilt-free indulgence, perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—mix up the cheeses or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch. Are you ready to dive into this savory masterpiece? Let’s make some magic happen! Why is the Flying Dutchman Burger a Must-Try? Unique Twist: The Flying Dutchman Burger flips the traditional burger on its head by using sweet, caramelized onions in place of a bun. Rich Flavor: The combination of seasoned beef and melty cheese creates a savory explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Low-Carb Delight: Perfect for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, you can enjoy this burger without any guilt. Customization Galore: With options to swap in different cheeses or add your favorite toppings, each burger can be uniquely yours. Quick & Easy: Ideal for a busy weeknight, this recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect meal for friends or family. For more delicious burger inspiration, check out my Butter Beef Cheeseburger and One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipes! Flying Dutchman Burger Ingredients • To create this delightful Flying Dutchman Burger, gather these flavorful ingredients! For the Onion “Buns”: Yellow Onion – Essential for the “buns”; contributes sweetness when caramelized. Substitution: Can use red onions for a touch of sharpness. Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and depth to the onions. No direct substitution recommended, but soy sauce can be an alternative. Olive Oil – Used for caramelizing the onions; provides a rich flavor. Can substitute with avocado oil. For the Beef Patties: Ground Beef – The main protein, seasoned generously for flavor; choose high-fat content for juiciness. Turkey or chicken can serve as lighter alternatives. Tony Chachere’s Seasoning – A unique blend for seasoning beef that adds spice; substitute with Cajun seasoning or a homemade blend. For the Melty Cheesy Goodness: American Cheese – Melts beautifully on the beef; provides creamy texture. Substitute with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for an added kick. For the Special Sauce: Mayonnaise – Base for the special sauce that adds creaminess; Greek yogurt or sour cream can replace it for a lighter version. Relish – Offers a sweet and tangy element in the sauce; substitute with finely chopped pickles if needed. Dijon Mustard – Adds sharpness to the sauce; can be replaced with yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Enhances flavor; can be omitted if necessary. Smoked Paprika – Provides a smoky depth to the sauce; regular paprika can substitute if needed. Cayenne Pepper – Adds heat to the sauce; adjust to taste or omit for a milder version. Sugar – Balances flavors in the sauce; honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener. Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the joy of creating the Flying Dutchman Burger, where each bite is a savory delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Flying Dutchman Burger Step 1: Prepare the Onions Begin by slicing yellow onions into half-inch thick rounds. Drizzle them with Worcestershire sauce and olive oil, then sprinkle Tony Chachere’s seasoning and brown sugar for added depth. Allow the onions to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors, creating a sweet base that will enhance your Flying Dutchman Burger. Step 2: Caramelize the Onions In a medium pan over medium-low heat, caramelize the seasoned onion slices for about 10 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them, stirring occasionally, until they are richly browned and soft, developing that wonderful sweetness. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside, letting the flavors deepen while you prepare the patties. Step 3: Prepare the Patties While the onions are cooling, take ground beef and season it generously with Tony Chachere’s seasoning. Shape the beef into thin patties, pressing down firmly to ensure a nice crust forms while cooking. This will help lock in the juiciness of your patties, ensuring your Flying Dutchman Burger will be both flavorful and satisfying. Step 4: Cook the Patties Heat your pan to medium-high and place the prepared patties directly onto it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, monitoring for a nice brown crust to form. During the last minute of cooking, add slices of American cheese on top of the patties, allowing them to melt into gooey perfection before removing from the heat. Step 5: Make Special Sauce In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that will perfectly complement your Flying Dutchman Burger. Step 6: Assemble the Burgers To create your Flying Dutchman Burger, place a caramelized onion slice on a plate. Add a cheeseburger patty on top, then dollop with your freshly made special sauce. Finish by topping it with another slice of caramelized onion. Repeat this process for each serving, building a deliciously savory masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Expert Tips for the Flying Dutchman Burger Caramelization is Key: Take your time with the onions; low heat for longer ensures they develop a rich sweetness without burning. Patty Perfection: Press the patties down when cooking to create a nice crust, locking in juiciness for your Flying Dutchman Burger. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor profiles; gouda or pepper jack can add extra flair! Don’t Rush Resting: Let the patties sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain the delicious juices. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust spices and add favorites like hot sauce to the special sauce to suit your taste preferences. Make Ahead Options These Flying Dutchman Burgers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the caramelized onions up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Also, form your beef patties and season them ahead of time, keeping them tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours prior to cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply heat your skillet, cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes per side, add the cheese during the last minute, and assemble with your prepped onions and special sauce. This ensures a delicious burger experience with minimal effort on serve night! What to Serve with Flying Dutchman Burger Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that complement the savory, indulgent layers of your Flying Dutchman Burger. Crispy Oven Fries: These golden, crunchy fries provide a satisfying contrast to the juicy burger, making each bite a textural delight. You can season them with paprika for an extra kick! Tangy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a perfect crunch and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the burger. The crisp veggies and creamy dressing are an ideal pairing. Sweet Potato Chips: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the Flying Dutchman Burger while offering a delightful crunch. Baked or fried, they bring a comforting vibe to the table. Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Juicy, sautéed mushrooms in garlic butter bring a luscious, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, beefy notes of the burger. They make a luxurious addition to your plate! Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve zoodles alongside your burger to maintain that low-carb theme. Toss them with olive oil and herbs for a burst of freshness. Craft Beer: Skinny up your meal with a refreshing craft beer; its carbonation enhances the flavors of the burger while cutting through its richness. With these delightful pairings, your Flying Dutchman Burger will surely shine at any gathering or cozy dinner at home! Flying Dutchman Burger Variations Let your imagination run wild as you personalize this delightful burger experience! Cheese Swap: Use gouda or Swiss for a richer flavor. Each cheese brings its own unique character to the burger. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat. This adds a tantalizing zing that elevates every bite. Herb Infusion: Top with fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, for a fresh pop of color and taste. The herbs will brighten the whole dish! Different Meats: For a lighter option, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This keeps the flavors intact while catering to different dietary preferences. Sliders Idea: Form smaller patties and use mini onion slices to create sliders. Perfect for gatherings and great for a fun appetizer! Avocado Cream: Replace mayonnaise with smashed avocado for a creamy twist. It adds a delightful creaminess with a touch of healthy fat. Sweet Twist: Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish. This unexpected element surprises the palate beautifully. Pickle Lovers: Swap relish with finely chopped dill pickles for an extra crunch and tang. It’s a classic touch that never disappoints! With these variations, I encourage you to make this Flying Dutchman Burger your own. For even more delicious burger ideas, be sure to check out my Butter Beef Cheeseburger and One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipes! How to Store and Freeze Flying Dutchman Burger Fridge: Store leftover components, such as the cooked patties and caramelized onions, in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: Thaw the patties in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side to restore their juicy goodness. Onion Storage: Store caramelized onions in the fridge for up to 3 days; they can also be frozen for quick use in future meals, adding flavor to your Flying Dutchman Burger. Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe FAQs What type of onions are best for the Flying Dutchman Burger? The recipe calls for yellow onions as they become wonderfully sweet when caramelized. If you prefer a bit more sharpness, feel free to substitute with red onions, which will also add a vibrant color to your burger. How do I store leftovers of the Flying Dutchman Burger? Leftover components like cooked patties and caramelized onions should be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method maintains their freshness and flavor until you’re ready to enjoy them again! Can I freeze the Flying Dutchman Burger patties? Absolutely! To freeze the patties, first ensure they’ve cooled completely. Individually wrap the patties in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will retain their quality for up to 2 months. When ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side for the best results. What if my onions aren’t caramelizing properly? If your onions are not caramelizing as expected, ensure you’re using low to medium heat. Remember, patience is key! Stir them occasionally and don’t rush the process; it usually takes about 10 minutes per side. If you see they are browning too quickly or even burning, reduce the heat and give them a bit more time to soften and develop that rich natural sweetness. Is the Flying Dutchman Burger suitable for gluten-free diets? Yes, it is! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any bread, focusing instead on the delicious caramelized onions as a substitute. Just make sure to check all labels on sauces and seasonings to ensure they are indeed gluten-free. Flying Dutchman Burger: Savory Low-Carb Delight Awaits The Flying Dutchman Burger is a low-carb twist on the cheeseburger with seasoned beef and melty cheese between caramelized onions. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 burgersCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 460 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Onion “Buns”2 pieces Yellow Onion Can substitute with red onions for a touch of sharpness.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce No direct substitution, soy sauce can be an alternative.2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.For the Beef Patties1 pound Ground Beef Choose high-fat content for juiciness; turkey or chicken can be alternatives.1 tablespoon Tony Chachere’s Seasoning Substitute with Cajun seasoning if needed.For the Melty Cheesy Goodness4 slices American Cheese Substitute with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for added kick.For the Special Sauce1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used for a lighter version.2 tablespoons Relish Substitute with finely chopped pickles if needed.1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Can replace with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Can be omitted if necessary.1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be omitted if necessary.1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can substitute if needed.1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste or omit for a milder version.1 teaspoon Sugar Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener. Equipment Panmixing bowlknife Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by slicing yellow onions into half-inch thick rounds. Drizzle them with Worcestershire sauce and olive oil, then sprinkle Tony Chachere’s seasoning and brown sugar for added depth.In a medium pan over medium-low heat, caramelize the seasoned onion slices for about 10 minutes on each side until richly browned.While the onions are cooling, take ground beef and season it generously with Tony Chachere’s seasoning. Shape into thin patties.Heat your pan to medium-high and place the prepared patties directly onto it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, adding cheese in the last minute.In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.To assemble, place a caramelized onion slice on a plate, add a cheeseburger patty on top, dollop with special sauce, and finish with another onion slice. Nutrition Serving: 1burgerCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesCustomize with different cheeses or favorite toppings for a unique twist. Let patties rest after cooking to retain juices. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
