Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

Let me tell you, the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe is one of those little culinary gems that feels like a hug wrapped in every bite. What makes this recipe truly special is the way the juicy double beef patties get sandwiched between those sweet, caramelized onion slices instead of regular buns. I absolutely love how the onions soak up all the savory flavors and add a tender, slightly sweet contrast that you just don t get from a classic hamburger bun.

This recipe has become my go-to when I want a low-carb, yet ridiculously satisfying burger experience. It s perfect for casual weekend dinners or when guests come over and you want to impress without fuss. You ll find that the mix of the creamy, tangy spread with the melty American cheese and perfectly cooked patties makes every Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman bite a little celebration in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to build layers of flavor – from the creamy spread to the melt-in-your-mouth beef patties and the sweet, caramelized onion bun. Plus, these are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store, making this recipe really accessible.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings richness to the spread.
• Pickle relish: Adds a tangy crunch to keep the spread lively.
• Ketchup: Brings sweetness and depth to the spread.
• Sugar: Balances acidity in the spread and helps caramelize onions.
• White vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity to brighten the spread.
• Yellow mustard (optional): Adds a bit of tang and sharpness to the spread and patties.
• Ground beef (80/20): Perfect fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances meat s natural flavor.
• Butter and vegetable oil: Used for cooking patties and caramelizing onions – fat here is key for flavor and texture.
• American cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the patties and on the onions for extra creaminess.
• Large yellow onion: The star bun ingredient; caramelized to sweet perfection.

Variations

I love how versatile the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe is – it invites you to get creative! Feel free to tweak the cheese, swap out the beef for another protein, or add new flavors to the spread. It s all about what gets your taste buds dancing and what fits your lifestyle.

• Cheese Variety: I ve tried swapping American cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick, and both work beautifully.
• Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken can make it lighter but still tasty-just watch your cooking time since lean meats cook differently.
• Spicy Spread: Add a little hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the spread if you want some heat.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based patties, vegan cheese, and mayo alternatives for a cruelty-free take that doesn t skimp on flavor.

How to Make Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Flavorful Spread

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, pickle relish (make sure it’s well drained), ketchup, sugar, and white vinegar in a small bowl until you get a lovely pink spread. This mix brings brightness and a creamy zing that ties all the rich flavors together. Once it s ready, set it aside and let the flavors mingle while you move on to the patties.

Step 2: Shape and Season Your Beef Patties

I like to portion my ground beef into roughly 3 to 4-ounce balls-about the size of a deck of cards. Gently flatten them into circles, keeping them just thick enough to get a good sear while staying juicy. Don t overwork the meat; that can make them tough. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper right before cooking; seasoning early helps lock in the flavor.

Step 3: Caramelize Your Onion Buns

This is where the magic really starts. Heat vegetable oil over medium to medium-low heat, then carefully add your onion slices in a single layer. Sprinkle salt and a pinch of sugar over the onions to help bring out their natural sweetness. Watch closely-once the edges start turning golden, flip them gently to caramelize the other side. Right before you remove them, place American cheese slices on half of the onion circles to melt into gooey perfection. These replace your traditional buns and taste incredible.

Step 4: Cook and Assemble Your Flying Dutchman

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter and oil. Place your patties in the pan, and if you like mustard, spread some evenly on the raw side before cooking-it adds this nice tang that really wakes up the beef. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes to get a deep brown crust without overcooking the inside. When you flip, add American cheese on half the patties and let it melt for another minute. Now stack a cheesy patty with a plain patty on top to create that iconic double double. Place this juicy stack on a grilled onion and finish with the cheese-topped onion slice on top. The result? A juicy, cheesy, sweet, oniony burger that you ll want to savor slowly.

How to Serve Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep my garnishes simple. A bit of fresh lettuce or a crisp pickle on the side enhances the flavors without stealing the show from the onion-wrapped beauty. Occasionally, I add thin slices of tomato or a few rings of raw red onion for crunch and bite. But honestly, sometimes all you need is that creamy spread dripping over the caramelized onions for the full effect.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often go with classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory burger. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works wonderfully to balance the richness. If I m feeling indulgent, onion rings double down on the onion flavor theme, which my family absolutely loves.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a fun twist at a backyard party, I served mini versions of the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe as sliders – just thinner patties and smaller onion slices. They disappeared in minutes! Wrapping them with a toothpick and serving on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra spread and pickles makes it feel special and inviting. It s a great way to impress without complicated plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the onions from getting soggy and the beef stays juicy when reheated. The spread lasts well in the fridge too, so you ll have no problem enjoying a quick sandwich the next day.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you freeze the cooked patties flat and the onions separately, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. I recommend freezing portions individually so you can thaw only what you need. The spread doesn t freeze well, so it s better to make it fresh each time.

Reheating

When reheating, a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium-low heat works best to revive the patties and onions without drying them out. I like to cover the pan with a lid briefly to help melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the onions watery and patties tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe has become a beloved comfort meal for me and my family. It surprises people every time because it s so simple yet packed with flavorful layers that feel special. If you re looking for a burger that s juicy, cheesy, sweet, and savory all at once, you ll want to give this a try soon. I promise, once you make it, you ll start dreaming up all kinds of new ways to enjoy this fun twist on a classic cheeseburger.

Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 85 reviews

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 2 burgers
• Category: Burger
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

The Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman is a creative twist on the classic double cheeseburger, replacing traditional buns with caramelized onion rings layered with melted American cheese. This recipe features juicy ground beef patties cooked to perfection, topped with a tangy homemade spread and wrapped in sweet, golden onion slices, making for a rich and indulgent burger experience without the bread.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Spread

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons pickle relish, drained
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (optional)

Patties

• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, split in half
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Yellow mustard, for frying (optional)
• 2 American cheese slices

Caramelized Onions

• 1 large yellow onion, cut into circular slices
• Salt, to taste
• White sugar, to taste
• Vegetable oil
• 2 American cheese slices

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Instructions

1. Make the Spread: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, sugar, and white vinegar. Mix well until the mixture turns a light pink color. Set aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 portions, approximately 3 to 4 ounces each. Gently flatten each portion into round patties, ensuring not to overwork the meat to keep it tender. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then set aside.
3. Make Caramelized Onion Buns: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or on a flat grill over medium to medium-low heat. Add the onion slices in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and sugar. Let the onions cook undisturbed until the edges turn golden brown, then carefully flip to caramelize the other side. Just before removing from heat, place American cheese slices on half of the grilled onion rings and allow them to melt slightly.
4. Cook and Assemble the Burger: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and half the butter. Place the beef patties in the skillet, and optionally spread a teaspoon of yellow mustard on the raw side of the patties. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until a brown crust forms, then flip. Place American cheese slices on half of the patties and cook for another minute until melted. Stack a plain patty on top of each cheese-topped patty to create a double-layered burger. Finally, transfer the stacked patties onto a grilled plain onion ring, then top with a cheese-topped grilled onion ring to complete the onion-bun style burger.

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Notes

• The caramelized onion buns add natural sweetness and texture, replacing traditional bread buns for a lower carb option.
• Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy patties with enough fat for flavor and moisture.
• The spread adds a tangy and slightly sweet balance to the rich flavors of the burger and onions.
• You can adjust the sugar and salt on the onions to control the caramelization and flavor depth.
• Cooking the patties gently and avoiding overmixing helps maintain tenderness.
• Yellow mustard is optional but adds an extra layer of tanginess to the patties.
• The recipe yields two large double cheeseburgers wrapped uniquely in onion “buns.”

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 140mg