Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
Introduction
The Flying Dutchman Burger is a unique take on the classic burger, replacing traditional buns with thick, caramelized onion slices. Packed with flavorful Creole-seasoned beef and melted American cheese, this burger is elevated by a zesty, homemade sauce that ties all the elements together beautifully.

Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 12 oz 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s
- Cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the large yellow onion and slice it into four 1/2-inch thick rounds. Drizzle each slice with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle with a pinch of Creole seasoning and brown sugar. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and slowly caramelize the onion slices for about 10 minutes on each side, until they are deeply browned and tender. Set aside for assembly.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with Creole seasoning. Divide the beef into four equal portions and shape each into a ball. Press each ball into a thin patty.
- Step 3: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until cooked through and a crust forms.
- Step 4: When patties are almost done cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each and let it melt before removing the patties from the pan.
- Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s, and cayenne pepper to taste until smooth.
- Step 6: To assemble, place one caramelized onion round on a plate, top with a cheesy burger patty, add a spoonful of the sauce, and cover with another onion round as the top “bun.” Repeat for each burger.
- Step 7: Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Flying Dutchman Burger!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier burger, increase the cayenne pepper in the sauce or add sliced jalapeños inside the burger.
- You can substitute Tony Chachere’s with other Creole or Cajun seasonings to suit your preference.
- Use a cast iron skillet to get a better sear on the burger patties and onions.
- Try swapping American cheese for pepper jack for a smoky kick.
- If onions are too slippery as buns, place a leafy lettuce leaf under the bottom slice to add stability.
Storage
Store leftover burger patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out. Caramelized onion “buns” are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept refrigerated for 1 day. Assemble burgers just before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion instead of yellow onion?
Yellow onions work best due to their balance of sweetness and savory flavor when caramelized, but you can try sweet onions or red onions for a slightly different taste and color.
Is the Flying Dutchman Burger gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses onion slices instead of bread buns, this burger is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your seasonings and condiments are gluten-free as well.
PrintFlying Dutchman Burger Recipe
The Flying Dutchman Burger is a flavorful and unique take on the classic burger, replacing the traditional bun with caramelized onion slices. This recipe features juicy, Creole-seasoned beef patties topped with melted American cheese and a creamy, tangy sauce made with mayonnaise, relish, and a blend of spices. It offers a delicious low-carb alternative for burger lovers looking to mix up their routine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Onion Buns
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
Burger Patties
- 12 oz 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 tbsp Tony Chachere’s (or your preferred Creole seasoning)
- 4 slices American cheese
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Tony Chachere’s
- Cayenne pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Bun: Peel the large yellow onion and cut it into four slices, each about 1/2-inch thick. Drizzle each slice with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of Tony Chachere’s seasoning, and brown sugar. Place the slices in a pan over medium-low heat and caramelize slowly for about 10 minutes on each side until the onion rounds are deeply browned and tender all the way through. Remove and set aside for assembling the burgers.
- Make the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with 1/2 tablespoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning. Divide the beef into four equal portions and form each into a ball, then smash the balls into thin, even patties. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear each patty for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through with a nicely browned crust.
- Add Cheese: When the patties are almost fully cooked, place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Allow the cheese to melt completely before removing the patties from the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Tony Chachere’s seasoning, and cayenne pepper to taste. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Burgers: Take one caramelized onion slice and place it on a plate as the bottom ‘bun.’ Top it with a cheesy burger patty, then spoon on some of the prepared sauce. Finally, cap the burger with a second caramelized onion slice acting as the ‘top bun.’ Repeat for all burgers.
- Serve: Serve the Flying Dutchman Burgers immediately, with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this flavorful, bun-free burger alternative!
Notes
- For best caramelization, cook the onion slices low and slow to develop sweetness and tenderness.
- The recipe uses Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, but you can substitute with your favorite Cajun or Creole spice blend.
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy and flavorful patties.
- This burger is naturally low-carb and gluten-free by substituting onion slices for traditional buns.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Flying Dutchman Burger, caramelized onion bun, Creole seasoned burger, low-carb burger, unique burger recipe, no bun burger

