Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe because it’s a playful twist on the classic double cheeseburger that doesn t need bread. Instead, sweet, caramelized onions become the buns, wrapping around juicy patties layered with melty American cheese. If you re looking for a rich, flavorful burger experience without the carbs – or just want to impress friends with a cool presentation – this recipe is definitely worth trying.

When I first made it, I was amazed at how the onion slices added both texture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balanced the savory beef. You ll find that this Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe works great for casual dinners or fun weekend cookouts when you want something hearty but a bit unexpected. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for this!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extra special. Fresh onions, quality ground beef, and that classic combo of ketchup and mayo in the spread give it a familiar yet elevated taste.

• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and tang to the spread; use full-fat for best flavor.
• Pickle relish: Adds texture and a slight tartness, make sure to drain well to avoid sogginess.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness to the spread and balances the savory elements.
• Sugar: Helps with caramelizing flavors in both the spread and onions.
• White vinegar: Brings brightness to the spread and cuts through the richness.
• Yellow mustard (optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth; great if you like a little kick in your burgers.
• Ground beef (80/20): The fat content keeps your patties juicy and flavorful-don t go leaner unless you want dry burgers.
• Butter: Adds richness when cooking the patties and onions-split the amount for best flavor effect.
• Vegetable oil: Prevents sticking and helps with even cooking.
• American cheese slices: Melts perfectly, creating that classic gooey cheeseburger texture.
• Large yellow onion: Thick sliced into circles, these become your “buns”-choose firm, fresh onions for the best caramelizing.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both patties and onions, bringing out their natural flavors.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often experiment by swapping condiments or adding herbs, and I encourage you to tweak it to your taste.

• Cheese Swap: I ve tried sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for a bolder flavor punch, and it worked beautifully.
• Spread Twist: Mixing in a little chipotle mayo adds a smoky heat I m crazy about on game days.
• Onion Options: Sometimes I use red onions for a slightly different sweetness and color contrast, especially in summer.
• Veggie Variant: For a lighter version, replace beef with mushrooms or plant-based patties-still delicious wrapped in caramelized onions.

How to Make Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Spread

Start by mixing mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, sugar, and white vinegar in a small bowl. I love how this spread gives a subtle tang and hint of sweetness that complements the beef perfectly. Once combined, set it aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Shape Your Beef Patties Gently

Divide your ground beef into 8 portions, about 3 to 4 ounces each. The trick I ve learned is to gently flatten them into circles without overworking the meat-this keeps the patties tender and juicy. Season both sides with salt and pepper and let them rest while you caramelize the onions.

Step 3: Transform Onions Into Sweet ‘Buns’

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium to medium-low heat, then add the onion rings. Sprinkle with sugar and salt to enhance caramelization. Watch carefully-the edges should turn golden before you flip gently to caramelize the other side. Right before you remove them from the pan, add cheese slices to half the onions so they melt slightly and stick like a bun s crown. This part takes patience, but it s totally worth it.

Step 4: Cook Patties and Build Your Burger Stack

Heat butter and oil over medium-high heat, then place the patties in the pan. For a little extra flare, I like to spread a teaspoon of yellow mustard on the raw side of the patties before cooking-it brings a nice tang. Let them brown for about 2-3 minutes without moving for a nice crust. Flip, add a slice of cheese on half the patties, and cook for another minute. Now stack one cheesed patty under a plain patty to create a double double. Transfer the stack onto a grilled onion and top with a cheese-topped onion bun. It s a fun presentation and absolutely delicious.

How to Serve Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this burger with a bit of extra pickle relish or a dash of freshly ground black pepper right before serving. A few crisp lettuce leaves or a slice of ripe tomato also add freshness and color, but the burger really shines simply wrapped in those luscious onions.

Side Dishes

Onion rings or sweet potato fries are my go-to sides because they echo the onion sweetness and add crunch. A crisp green salad or coleslaw also cut through the richness nicely, balancing out the meal. If you re feeling adventurous, try grilled corn or baked beans-they make the meal extra hearty and BBQ-ready.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling sliders using mini onions and smaller patties-perfect finger food for parties. Serving the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe on a wooden board with rustic picks through the stack adds charm and holds everything in place. Even just wrapping in parchment paper gives it a fun, food-truck vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover patties and caramelized onions store well separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them gently to preserve their texture-on low heat in a skillet or briefly in the microwave with a damp paper towel over helps keep the juiciness.

Freezing

I ve frozen cooked patties before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. They freeze well for about a month but I don t suggest freezing the onion buns since they can get soggy upon thawing. Just make fresh onions when ready to serve again.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture when reheating, warm patties on the stovetop with a little butter over medium-low heat. This helps refresh the crust and keeps them from drying out. Add cheese at the end to melt again. Reheat onions separately in a skillet for a few minutes-avoid microwaving the whole assembled burger since the onions lose their texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it takes the familiar comfort of a cheeseburger and turns it into something unexpectedly delicious and fun. If you re looking to impress guests or just want to change up dinner routine, I truly recommend giving it a try-it s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for company. I m confident you ll enjoy the combo of flavors and the wow factor that comes from using caramelized onions as the bun. Happy cooking, friend!

Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 135 reviews

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 2 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

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Description

The Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman is a creative twist on a classic double cheeseburger, substituting traditional buns with caramelized onion ‘buns’ that perfectly complement juicy double beef patties melted with American cheese. Enhanced with a tangy, sweet relish spread, this flavorful burger offers a rich and savory experience with a unique presentation.

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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
• 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, mix together mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, sugar, and white vinegar until the mixture turns a light pink. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 portions of approximately 3 to 4 ounces each. Gently flatten each portion into a circular patty, being careful not to overwork the meat. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, then set aside while you prepare the onions.
3. Make Caramelized Onion Buns: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or flat grill over medium to medium-low heat. Add the onion slices in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and sugar, and cook them gently. Allow the edges to turn golden brown on one side before carefully flipping to caramelize the other side. Just before removing from heat, place a slice of American cheese on half of the onion slices so it melts slightly, creating flavorful onion ‘buns.’
4. Cook and Assemble the Burger: Heat vegetable oil and half the butter in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and optionally spread about a teaspoon of yellow mustard evenly on the raw side. Cook each patty for 2-3 minutes until a brown crust forms, then flip. Immediately place a slice of American cheese on half of the patties and continue cooking for about 1 minute to melt the cheese. Stack a non-cheese patty on top of a cheese-topped patty to form a double-decker burger. Transfer this patty stack onto a caramelized onion slice, then top with a cheese-topped caramelized onion slice to complete the onion-wrapped Flying Dutchman.

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Notes

• Be gentle when forming patties to keep them tender and juicy.
• Cooking onions over medium-low heat allows for perfect caramelization without burning.
• Using yellow mustard on the patties before searing adds a tangy flavor but is optional.
• This recipe yields 2 substantial double-stack burgers.
• For a gluten-free option, verify all condiments are gluten-free and omit any bread if used.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 820
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 60 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg