Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

If you have never tried a burger without a traditional bun, get ready to have your taste buds blown away by the Flying Dutchman Burger. This innovative take swaps out bread for perfectly caramelized onion slices, creating a juicy, cheesy, and spiced masterpiece that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. Each bite delivers rich, savory flavors with a zesty kick, making it an unforgettable experience that will have you craving it over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is simpler than you might think, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the bold flavors and satisfying textures that define this burger. From the sweetness of caramelized onions to the smoky heat of Creole seasoning, every element shines in harmony.

• 1 large yellow onion: The foundation and bun substitute, caramelized to bring out natural sweetness and tender texture.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps caramelize the onion slices beautifully without burning.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami both in onion prep and sauce.
• 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning: Gives a gentle spicy kick while boosting overall flavor complexity.
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar: Balances savory notes with a subtle caramel sweetness.
• 12 oz 80/20 ground beef: Perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful burger patties.
• 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning: Incorporated into the beef for signature seasoning throughout.
• 4 slices American cheese: Melts flawlessly over the patties for creamy, cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the zesty sauce.
• 2 tbsp relish: Adds a slight tartness and crunch to the sandwich sauce.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, piquant flavor to brighten the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami in the sauce, tying all flavors together.
• 1 tsp sugar: Rounds out the sauce’s tanginess with subtle sweetness.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory warmth to the sauce mixture.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Reinforces onion flavors without overpowering.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky aroma in the sauce.
• 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s: Keeps the sauce lively and consistent with the burger’s spice profile.
• Cayenne pepper to taste: Adjust this to control how spicy your Flying Dutchman Burger gets.

How to Make Flying Dutchman Burger

Step 1: Prepare the Onion Bun

Start by peeling that large yellow onion and slicing it into four thick 1/2-inch rounds—the perfect size to hold all the meaty goodness. Drizzle each slice with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, Tony Chachere’s, and a pinch of brown sugar. Slowly caramelize these onion rounds on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes per side. This careful, slow cooking transforms them into luscious, tender disks that serve as the ultimate bread replacement, adding natural sweetness and a tender bite.

Step 2: Make the Burger Patties

Now for the star of the show! Mix the ground beef with a generous sprinkle of Tony Chachere’s. Divide into four equal balls, then press each into a thin patty—this ensures a nice crust and quick cooking. Sear the patties on a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through with a beautifully caramelized crust. The seasoning brings a flavorful punch that makes this burger stand out.

Step 3: Add Cheese

When the patties are almost done, lay one slice of American cheese on each. Let it melt until luscious and gooey, enveloping the patty in creamy comfort. This step adds that classic cheeseburger appeal, perfectly complementing the spice and sweetness that surrounds it.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. This sauce is a brilliant balance of creamy, tangy, smoky, and spicy – it elevates the Flying Dutchman Burger to a new level of deliciousness.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Place one caramelized onion round on your plate, add a cheesy burger patty on top, then spoon on some of that stunning sauce, and crown it with a second onion round. No buns needed here! This stack is as visually appealing as it is mouthwatering. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping and savor every bite.

How to Serve Flying Dutchman Burger

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a fresh slice of tomato, crisp lettuce, or pickles can add a delightful crunch and freshness to your Flying Dutchman Burger. Consider sprinkling a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and subtle earthiness that contrast beautifully with the rich, spicy meat and sweet onions.

Side Dishes

This burger pairs fabulously with classic sides such as crispy French fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a crunchy coleslaw. Each side brings a complementary texture and flavor that round out the experience without competing with the bold flavors of the Flying Dutchman Burger itself.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try stacking mini versions as sliders on appetizer trays, or serving your burger with a skewer holding it all together for a rustic, hearty presentation. You could also drizzle additional sauce artistically on the plate for an elegant touch. The absence of a typical bun makes this dish a great candidate for creative plating and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Flying Dutchman Burger leftovers, store the patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The caramelized onions are best stored tightly wrapped to avoid moisture loss. This way, flavors remain intact, and texture stays pleasing for up to 2 days.

Freezing

While fresh is always best for this burger, you can freeze cooked patties wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, the caramelized onion “buns” are best made fresh, as freezing affects their texture significantly.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm patties in a skillet or microwave, and reheat onion slices slowly in a pan to bring back some softness without drying them out. Avoid overheating to preserve that amazing balance that makes the Flying Dutchman Burger so special.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the Flying Dutchman Burger?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts perfectly and has a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda to tweak the burger’s profile to your liking.

Is Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning essential?

It adds a signature Southern spice and flavor that really makes the Flying Dutchman Burger pop, but if you don’t have it, any Creole or Cajun seasoning blend will work well. You can even make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.

Can I prepare the onion “buns” ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onion slices a few hours ahead and keep them wrapped in the fridge. Just gently reheat them before assembling to regain their tender texture.

Is the Flying Dutchman Burger gluten-free?

Yes! Since this burger swaps out traditional buns for onion rings, it’s naturally gluten-free—as long as all your seasonings and sauces are checked for gluten ingredients.

What’s the best way to prevent the patties from drying out?

Using 80/20 ground beef keeps the meat juicy. Also, don’t press down on the patties while cooking, and cook them on medium-high heat quickly to develop a crust without over-drying.

Final Thoughts

The Flying Dutchman Burger brings together simple ingredients with big, bold flavors in the most fun and unexpected way. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves a juicy, cheesy burger but wants something a little different. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be excited to serve it up for friends and family again and again. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!

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