Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger
Ever had a burger so good it made you question why buns exist at all? The onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger isn’t just another viral recipe it’s a low-carb, flavor-loaded marvel where juicy beef meets caramelized onion in every bite. With no bread in sight, this onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger is all about bold, unapologetic satisfaction that hits just right whether you’re keto or just craving something different.

I still remember the first time I tried a version of this burger at home. I’d seen it flooding my social feed and decided to give it a shot one lazy Sunday afternoon. There was something oddly therapeutic about slicing onions thick and slow-cooking them until golden. By the time I stacked those cheesy patties between the sweet, seared rings, I knew I’d struck burger gold. It was messy, it was indulgent and it instantly became a household favorite.
If you’re into fun twists on classics, you might also enjoy this heart-shaped pizza for your next themed dinner night.
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Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
The onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on a classic fast food favorite, featuring juicy beef patties, melty American cheese, and caramelized onion rings in place of buns.
Ingredients
- 12 oz 80/20 ground beef
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions
- Peel and slice the yellow onion into four 1/2-inch thick rings. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Caramelize the onion slices in a skillet over medium-low heat for 10 minutes per side until golden and soft. Add water and cover to steam if needed.
- Form ground beef into 3 oz balls and smash into thin patties. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes on each side. Add cheese slices and let melt.
- Assemble each burger by placing one onion ring as the base, stacking two patties, adding a spoonful of sauce, and topping with another onion ring.
- Wrap in parchment paper for easier eating, if desired.
- Combine all burger sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Use for topping or dipping.
Notes
- Use large yellow onions for better caramelization and structure.
- Use 80/20 beef for juicier patties.
- Wrap the burger in parchment to keep it together and reduce mess.
- Let onions cook slowly to achieve the perfect sear and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger, In-N-Out Flying Dutchman copycat, keto Flying Dutchman burger, bunless burger, cheese-stuffed onion burger, low-carb Flying Dutchman
Why You’ll Love This Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger
This In-N-Out Flying Dutchman copycat delivers everything you love about a burger without the bun.
- It’s low-carb and keto-friendly: Perfect for those cutting back on carbs.
- Big on flavor: Juicy patties, caramelized onions, and a tangy burger sauce.
- High-protein meal: Great for muscle-building diets.
- Fun fast food copycat: Recreates the magic of In-N-Out’s Flying Dutchman at home.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday staples like ground beef and onions.
And while this burger is indulgent, you can pair it with something lighter like these breakfast oatmeal cupcakes for a balanced meal plan throughout the day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Keto Flying Dutchman Burger
This delicious Flying Dutchman protein style burger is all about simple prep and big flavor. With layers of cheesy goodness wrapped in rich onion, it’s a bold take on the low-carb Flying Dutchman trend.
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting, gather all your ingredients to keep the process smooth:
- 80/20 ground beef (12 oz)
- American cheese slices (4 slices)
- Large yellow onion (1 whole)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sugar
- Olive oil
Burger Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until fully combined.
Step 2: Equipment Needed
Making a proper onion wrapped cheeseburger calls for the right tools to ensure both texture and presentation come out perfectly.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle: Needed for caramelizing onions and searing patties evenly.
- Burger Press or Spatula: Essential for smashing beef into thin patties.
- Mixing Bowl: For preparing the burger sauce.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the onion into thick rings.
- Tongs or Spatula: For flipping onions and patties.
- Lid or Cover: Helps steam and soften onions while caramelizing.
Step 3: Cooking
Let’s bring this cheese-stuffed onion burger to life with a sizzling sear and slow-cooked onions that hold everything together.
Caramelize the Onions
- Peel and slice the yellow onion into four 1/2-inch rings.
- Drizzle each with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Heat skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook onion rings for about 10 minutes on each side until soft and golden brown.
- If onions aren’t soft enough, add a bit of water and cover with a lid to steam.
Cook the Patties
- Roll ground beef into 3 oz balls.
- Smash them into thin patties using a burger press or spatula.
- Season each with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat pan over medium-high and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
- Add American cheese slices to each patty and let melt.
Step 4: Assembly
Assembling this carnivore Flying Dutchman burger is where everything ties together into a juicy, no-bun masterpiece.
- Place one onion slice on the bottom.
- Stack two patties on top of the onion.
- Add a generous spoonful of burger sauce.
- Top with another onion slice.
- Optional: Wrap in parchment paper for easier handling.
Looking for a sweet contrast after a savory meal like this? These chocolate crepes are a decadent dessert option worth bookmarking.
Also, if you’re planning a brunch gathering, don’t miss these elegant fig and brie crostini to round out your menu.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Flying Dutchman Burger
1. Cutting the Onions Too Thin
Getting the structure right is key in a Flying Dutchman protein style build, and slicing the onions too thin can quickly lead to a mess. Thinner slices fall apart during cooking. Stick to 1/2-inch thickness for structure.
2. Over-flipping the Onions
To create the perfect onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger, avoid too much flipping—let the onions sear and soften slowly for that rich flavor. Minimal flipping helps the onion hold its shape and develop deep caramelization.
3. Using Lean Ground Beef
A proper cheese-stuffed onion burger thrives on juicy fat content. Don’t compromise by using lean meat. Go for 80/20 beef. Higher fat content ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
4. Skipping the Lid While Caramelizing
This critical step helps steam and soften the onions—especially important in any bunless Flying Dutchman recipe where onions replace bread. Covering the pan with a lid helps steam and soften the onions perfectly.
5. Assembling Too Early
Let all elements cool just enough for proper stacking. This helps maintain structure in your carnivore Flying Dutchman burger without falling apart. Wait until all components are fully cooked and warm before stacking.
Tips for Making the Best Onion Wrapped Cheeseburger
Even a simple low-carb Flying Dutchman can become spectacular with a few well-timed tips.
Crafting the ultimate keto Flying Dutchman burger is easier when you know a few secrets from the grill.
- Use large yellow onions: They caramelize beautifully and hold shape well.
- Smash patties thin: The thinner, the better for that classic fast food texture.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Melt cheese fully: Gooey cheese makes each bite better.
- Don’t rush the onions: Patience is key to that golden brown sear.
- Wrap for easier eating: Use parchment to hold it together.
FAQs About the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger
Still curious about this bunless Flying Dutchman burger? Here are the answers to some popular questions.
Yes! It’s a viral twist on the original In-N-Out Flying Dutchman, using grilled onion slices as buns.
Large yellow onions are ideal due to their sweet flavor and caramelization quality.
Ask for the Flying Dutchman with grilled onions. However, full onion “buns” may not be available in all locations.
Absolutely. While American cheese is traditional, cheddar or Swiss also work great.
Yes! No bun, high-fat beef, and low-carb onions make it keto-approved.
Two beef patties and cheese pack in protein, making it a great option for low-carb or high-protein diets.
Yes, but use a grill mat or tray to prevent onions from falling apart.

Conclusion
Whether you’re into keto meals or just love bold creations, this Flying Dutchman protein style burger is a must-try.
The onion wrapped Flying Dutchman burger is more than just a viral food trend it’s a flavorful, protein-packed, keto-friendly meal that satisfies like no other. With juicy beef patties, melty cheese, and sweet caramelized onions, this burger redefines fast food copycats. Best of all, it’s easy to make right in your kitchen.
So whether you’re craving a cheese-stuffed onion burger or need a new low-carb dinner idea, give this homemade Flying Dutchman burger a shot. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or tag us with your delicious creations. Happy grilling!
