The Flying Dutchman Burger: Low Carb Burger Option

The Flying Dutchman Burger is famous for its simplicity and bold flavor. Instead of a traditional onion bun or bread, thick onion rings act as the base, making it naturally low carb without sacrificing texture.

The combination of thin patties, a slice of American cheese, mozzarella, and rich sauce makes this burger crave-worthy.

Cooking everything on a flat-top or griddle also allows you to control doneness while building layers of flavor. The result is a burger that’s juicy, cheesy, and loaded with caramelized onion goodness.

Flying Dutchman Burger.
Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram: @the_salted_bite)

Ingredients You’ll Need for Flying Dutchman Burger

Burger Ingredients

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, cut into thick slices
  • 2 tablespoons burger seasoning
  • 4 slices of American cheese
  • 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil (for the griddle)

Burger Sauce

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon relish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make the Flying Dutchman Burger

Step 1: Prep the Onion Slices

Start by slicing the yellow onion into four large rounds, keeping each onion slice intact. These will replace the bun and act as the base of your burger. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Burger Sauce

In a bowl, combine mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set aside—this burger sauce is what ties everything together.

Baconnaise Sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Heat a griddle or flat-top over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with olive oil. Add the onion slices and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they develop char marks.

onions cooking on a griddle.

Add a splash of water, cover, and let the onions steam for another 3–4 minutes over medium heat until tender and slightly sweet. This process creates a perfectly caramelized onion texture.

Step 4: Smash the Burger Patties

Divide the ground beef into four ¼-pound balls. Place them on parchment paper and smash them into thin pattiesusing a burger press or spatula. Thin burger patties cook quickly and create crispy edges.

burgers being smashed on a griddle.

Season both sides generously with burger seasoning.

Step 5: Cook the Beef Patties

Place the patties on the griddle over medium-high heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes until a crust forms, then flip.

Burger patty being seasoned.

Immediately add a slice of American cheese to each patty and let it melt while the beef finishes cooking.

American cheese on a burger.

Step 6: Toast the Cheese Base

Once the onions are fully softened, lower the griddle to medium heat. Place four slices of mozzarella cheese directly on the griddle. When the cheese begins to bubble, set one onion slice on top of each cheese pile.

After about 2 minutes, the cheese will be toasted and golden brown, creating a crispy cheese base that holds everything together.

Assembling the Flying Dutchman Burger

To assemble:

  1. Start with the cheese-and-onion base.
  2. Add a generous spoonful of burger sauce.
  3. Stack two cheesy beef patties for a true double cheeseburger.
  4. Add more sauce and finish with another onion slice on top.
Flying Dutchman Burger.

This onion “bun” delivers incredible flavor while keeping things low carb and satisfying.

Tips for the Best Onion-Wrapped Burger

  • Use 80/20 beef for juicy patties.
  • Keep patties thin for crispy edges.
  • Don’t rush the onions—proper steaming is key.
  • Mozzarella adds structure, while American cheese delivers classic melt.

Final Thoughts on the Flying Dutchman Burger

This Flying Dutchman Burger is everything a burger lover wants—crispy edges, melty slices of cheese, savory beef, and sweet onion flavor—all without a traditional bun.

Whether you’re chasing the latest viral trend or looking for a great option for low-carb eating, this onion-wrapped burger deserves a spot on your griddle.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this burger has become an internet sensation.

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Flying Dutchman Burger.

Flying Dutchman Burger

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Flying Dutchman Burger is the perfect low carb option. Smash Burger patties, cheese and burger sauce in a cheesy onion bun.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 burgers 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Large Yellow Onion
  • 4 slices American Cheese
  • 4 slices Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 tbsp burger seasoning

Burger Sauce

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp relish
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the yellow onion into 4 large slices keeping the shape of the slices together.
  • Author: Nick Nesgoda
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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