Flying Dutchman Onion Burger 

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This copycat viral flying Dutchman onion burger from In-N-Out will be your go to the next time you want to skip the bread. 

Thick onions are caramelized to perfection wrapped around a double cheeseburger and topped with burger spread or sauce. 

I’ll show you step by step how easy it is to make at home with a smashed beef patty or a veggie patty. 

Jump to:

• How To Make A Flying Dutchman Burger
• Choosing An Onion
• Copycat In-N-Out Burger Spread 
• Step By Step Photos and Directions 
• Flying Dutchman Onion Burger

How To Make A Flying Dutchman Burger

This onion burger from In-N-Out went viral all over TikTok. It’s kind of messy to eat but the flavor is worth it.

It starts by caramelizing thick cut onions, this will be the bread. Cooking a single or double smash burger then topping with American cheese. 

Make the copycat burger spread or sauce as a delicious dip or spoon on right before you take a bite. Yum. 

Check out the TikTok Big Mac Smash Burger Tacos that went viral last year.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Ground Beef - I recommend 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef, but any ground meat would be delicious, turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb.

Veggie Patty - This is a great alternative, choose your favorite pre-made frozen brand. I love Dr. Praeger's Southwest flavor. 

Onions - Choose a large size of your favorite variety. 

Spices and Seasonings - Season your ground beef or meat to your preference with any spice blend. I keep it simple with onion powder, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.  

Cheese - Sliced American, Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Swiss are popular.

Choosing An Onion

There are many varieties of onions at the grocery store. Each has a different flavor when cooked or eaten raw. I tested two, yellow and sweet onions. Hands down I recommend the sweet onion. 

The onion buns are caramelized on each side and not overcooked. It will still have a crisp texture to them, which will help the rings stay together.  

White Onions- Have a strong flavor with a very slight sweetness. It is milder than a Yellow onion. 

Yellow Onions- Flavor profile is strong, sharp and tangy. Very savory. 

Sweet Onions- Very mild and sweet taste. 

Red Onions - Mild with spicy notes. 

Copycat In-N-Out Burger Spread 

The In-N-Out spread or sauce is so popular and perfect to spoon onto the burger or over French fries. 

There is no mustard in this burger spread. You’ll only need five ingredients Mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, sugar and white vinegar.

It’s so good you’ll want to make extra to keep on hand to dip into everything. Leftover spread can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. 

Fried Mustard

Although the burger spread does not have mustard, In-N-Out has the option to add mustard to the patties.

You’ll have to order fried mustard, adding a bit of yellow mustard to the beef burger patty while it’s cooking on the grill. 

If you love mustard on your burgers, while cooking the smash beef patty spread some on right before you flip it. 

Tips and Suggestions

After layering the onion burger together, allow it to cool for 5-7 minutes before taking a bite. 

Serve with whole pickled pepperoncini’s or chili pepper’s for extra flavor. Squeeze or take a small bite of the pepper and let the juice drip onto the burger. 

If you only have white or yellow onions on hand, sprinkle a touch of sugar to balance out the sharp flavor. 

Try not to flip the thick onions too much to prevent the rings from coming apart. If they do don’t worry it will still be super yummy. 

Wrap the burger in parchment paper to help keep it together while eating. 

If the onions are cooking too quickly lower down the temperature and remove the beef or veggie patties so they do not overcook. 

Step By Step Photos and Directions 

Make Copycat In-N-Out Spread or Burger Sauce

1. In a small bowl mix together mayo, ketchup, sweet relish, white vinegar and sugar.

2. Keep the sauce refrigerated until ready to serve.

Make The Onion Burger with Smashed Beef Patties

3. Cut the onion into 2 thick slices. About 1 inch thick or your desired thickness, try to keep the rings in one piece.

4. Make the smashed beef patties. Portion the ground beef into 2 round balls, about 3-4oz each.

Smash them with your hand or between two squares of parchment paper. Try to smash them a bit larger than the onion slices. Season the beef patties with salt, black pepper, and seasoning of choice.

5. Place cast iron griddle on high heat and add a light drizzle of oil. Add the smashed beef patties and the onion slices.

6. (Optional) Fried Mustard - Spread ½ teaspoon of yellow mustard on each patty before flipping over. Sprinkle Worcestershire sauce for additional flavor and color.

7. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. After flipping over the patties and onions.

8. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook to your preferred doneness. If the patties are cooking too quickly remove and continue cooking the onions. Allow the onions to caramelize to a golden brown.

9. Stack the patties between the onion buns. Remove from the pan onto a plate or wrap between parchment paper.

Make The Onion Burger with Veggie Patties

10. Cut the onion into 2 thick slices. About 1 inch thick or your desired thickness, try to keep the rings in one piece.

11. Grab the veggie patties and sliced cheese.

12. Place cast iron griddle on high heat and add a light drizzle of oil. Add the veggie patties and the onion slices.

13. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes. After flipping over the patties and onions.

14. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook the veggie patties to a crisp brown. If the patties are cooking too quickly remove and continue cooking the onions. Allow the onions to caramelize to a golden brown.

15. Stack the patties between the onion buns. Remove from the pan onto a plate or wrap between parchment paper.

16. Allow the burger to cool for about 5-7 minutes before taking a bite. Enjoy with the copycat In-N-Out spread and whole pepperonchinis or hot chili peppers.