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Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe (In-N-Out Copycat)

This high-protein Flying Dutchman Burger is made with juicy seasoned beef patties, melty cheese, and thick caramelized onion โ€œbuns.โ€ Just simple ingredients and big flavour. Topped with a homemade Big Macโ€“style sauce that tastes like fast food but feels way cleaner.

Hands holding a high protein burger with white plate in background.

Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe

If youโ€™ve never ordered a Flying Dutchman before, buckle up. Itโ€™s basically the burger version of โ€œI donโ€™t have time for carbs today but I still want something ridiculous.โ€

Two beef patties. Two slices of melted cheese. No bun. Just pure, unhinged, greasy joy.

I swear every time I make this at home Iโ€™m likeโ€ฆ why is something this simple THIS good?

Itโ€™s giving lazy girl dinner. Itโ€™s giving high-protein and โ€œI cannot be bothered but I still want a treat.โ€ And honestly? Same.

You can toss it on a plate protein-style or wrap that baby in lettuce if youโ€™re feeling extra wholesome. Either way, it slaps.

If you love high protein dinners you may also enjoy my McChicken Smash Tacos or my Buffalo Chicken Crust Pizza.

Top down view of in-n-out flying dutchman burger recipe.

Simple Ingredients You Need For The Viral Onion-Wrapped Burger

You will need the full ingredient list below to make this easy recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

  • Large yellow or white onions โ€“ sliced into thick rounds; these become your โ€œbuns,โ€ so choose firm onions that hold their shape while cooking.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil โ€“ helps the onions soften, caramelize, and get those nice golden edges.
  • Lean ground beef โ€“ gives you the best flavour and that classic burger feel. You can swap in ground chicken or turkey, but it wonโ€™t taste quite the same.
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder โ€“ gives the patties that subtle savoury depth.
  • Onion powder โ€“ rounds everything out and makes it taste more โ€œburger-y.โ€
  • Cheddar or American cheese slices โ€“ melt beautifully and give that classic fast-food vibe. Use whatever cheese melts well.
  • Mayo โ€“ the creamy base that makes everything rich. Can use light mayo if desired.
  • Ketchup โ€“ adds sweetness and colour; sugar-free works perfectly.
  • Yellow mustard โ€“ gives that signature tang.
  • Sweet pickle relish โ€“ brings the sweetness and crunch.
  • White or apple cider vinegar โ€“ balances the richness and sharpens the flavour.
  • Garlic powder โ€“ adds savoury notes.
  • Onion powder โ€“ ties all the flavours together.
  • Paprika โ€“ adds colour and mild warmth.
  • Optional – pepperoncini, pickles, lettuce, tomatos, etc.
Thick onion slices in cast iron pan.

How To Make The Flying Dutchman Burger

  1. Make the burger sauce:
    Whisk together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth. Chill until serving.
  2. Prep the onion โ€œbunsโ€:
    Slice the onions into 1/2 inch thick rounds, keeping the rings intact. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper. It’s important to make sure they are thick slices so they stick together.
  3. Cook the onions:
    Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the onion slices for approx 2-4 minutes each side – until softened, golden, and caramelized on both sides. Set aside.
  4. Season the beef:
    Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the ground beef. Mix gently and form into thin patties slightly larger than the onion rounds.
  5. Cook the patties:
    Heat the skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned and charred, and add a slice of cheese to melt. I find it easier to cover the pan while allowing the cheese to melt.
  6. Assemble:
    Place one caramelized onion round on the plate, top with a cheesy patty, spoon on Big Macโ€“style sauce, add the second patty if youโ€™re doubling up, and finish with another onion round on top. Enjoy your flying dutchman burger!
Side angle of easy flying dutchman burger with onion slices on the top as the bun.

Tips And Tricks For Best Results

  • Slice the onions thick so they hold their shape.
  • Cover the skillet after adding the cheese for extra melt.
  • Donโ€™t overmix the beef โ€” it keeps the patties tender.
  • If onions are browning too fast, lower the heat so they soften properly.
Side view of flying dutchman burger on white plate wth burger sauce oozing out.
Hands holding a high protein burger with white plate in background.
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Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe (In-N-Out Copycat)

This high-protein Flying Dutchman Burger is made with juicy seasoned beef patties, melty cheese, and thick caramelized onion โ€œbuns.โ€ Just simple ingredients and big flavour. Topped with a homemade Big Macโ€“style sauce that tastes like fast food but feels way cleaner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 double burgers
Calories: 536kcal

Ingredients 

BURGER SAUCE

  • ยผ cup light mayo
  • ยผ cup plain greek yogurt can use all light mayo if desired, just won't contain as much protein
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tsp white vinegar
  • ยฝ tsp garlic powder
  • ยฝ tsp onion powder
  • ยฝ tsp paprika

SMASH BURGERS

  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp worcestershire
  • 8 slices american cheese
  • Pepperoncini or banana peppers

Instructions

  • Make the burger sauce:Whisk together the mayo, plain greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth. Chill until serving.
  • Prep the onion โ€œbunsโ€:Slice the onions into 1/2 inch thick rounds, keeping the rings intact. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper. It's important to make sure they are thick slices so they stick together.
  • Cook the onions:Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the onion slices for approx 2-4 minutes each side – until softened, golden, and caramelized on both sides. Set aside.
  • Season the beef:Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and worcestershire to the ground beef. Mix gently and form into thin patties slightly larger than the onion rounds.
  • Cook the patties:Heat the skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties on each side for 2-3 minutes until browned and charred, then add a slice of cheese to melt. I find it easier to cover the pan while allowing the cheese to melt.
  • Assemble:Place one caramelized onion round on the plate, top with a cheesy patty, spoon on Big Macโ€“style sauce, add the second patty if youโ€™re doubling up, and finish with another onion round on top. Enjoy with pepperoncinis and/or banana peppers, this adds acidity to the dish and really elevates it!

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 1734mg | Potassium: 726mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 516mg | Iron: 4mg

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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Other Easy Dinner Ideas You May Want To Try!

IF YOU TRIED THESE CHEESEBURGERS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER RECIPE WITH ONION BUNS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails

bailey

About Bailey

I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. Itโ€™s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. Itโ€™s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…

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