If you’re craving an incredible burger experience that’s both nostalgic and delightfully unique, the In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This recipe captures the iconic essence of In-N-Out’s secret menu, spotlighting perfectly caramelized onion rings as the bun and juicy, thin patties layered with melted cheese. It’s a flavorful, juicy, and satisfying bite every time — whether you’re grilling up a quick lunch or impressing friends at your next get-together. Let’s dive in and recreate this deliciously daring burger masterpiece right from your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward, these ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Each one plays a key role — from the savory beef’s juicy richness to the sweet, caramelized onions that replace traditional buns, plus a tangy, creamy burger sauce to round it all out.
- Ground beef (1.5 pounds, 80-85% meat/fat ratio): Perfect balance for juicy, flavorful patties that aren’t greasy.
- Large onions (2, sliced 1/2 inch thick): Caramelized to tender, lightly sweetened perfection and act as the unique “bun.”
- Cooking oil (1 tablespoon): Used to caramelize the onions perfectly without burning.
- American cheese slices (4-8 slices): Classic melty cheese that seals in flavor—pick your favorite cheese if you want to mix things up.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the best in beef and onions.
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers (optional): For a little zing and added crunch, if desired.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the homemade burger sauce.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds tang and sweetness to the sauce.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives the burger sauce a subtle bite and depth.
- Minced onion (2 tablespoons): Brings texture and additional savory notes to the sauce.
- Pickle relish or minced pickles (2 tablespoons): Adds a nice sweet and tangy crunch to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Elevates the umami flavor of the sauce with a little extra kick.
How to Make In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
Step 1: Make the Homemade Burger Sauce
Start by blending together the mayo, ketchup, yellow mustard, minced onions, and pickle relish in a bowl. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami punch. Stir it all together until smoothly combined. Taste your sauce and adjust to your liking — want more tang? Toss in a little extra mustard or a splash of vinegar. Prefer sweetness? Add more ketchup. This sauce is truly the secret weapon in the In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe, so feel free to customize it to your perfect flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Slice your onions into 1/2-inch thick rings, keeping them intact as much as possible to create the perfect “bun”. Heat a large cast iron pan or griddle on medium-high and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon of oil. Lay the onion rings on the hot surface and season with salt and pepper. Let them caramelize gently for 2 to 4 minutes on one side until beautifully browned, then carefully flip them to caramelize the other side. The sweet, golden onions are the stars of this dish, bringing both texture and flavor you didn’t know you needed in a burger.
Step 3: Form and Cook the Patties
Divide your ground beef into 4 to 8 evenly sized balls, depending on your preferred patty thickness — In-N-Out patties are known for their thinness, about as wide as the onion rings after cooking. Avoid packing the meat too tightly; you want your patties loose for tenderness. Place each ball on your hot pan and smash it down with a spatula to form thin patties. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until almost done, then top each patty with a slice of cheese and let it melt to cheesy perfection.
Step 4: Assemble the Flying Dutchman Burger
Now for the fun part! Take an onion ring and use it as your “bottom bun,” placing 1 or 2 cheesy patties on top. Smother with a generous dollop of your homemade burger sauce, then cap it with another onion ring. It’s a beautiful, slightly messy creation that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t forget optional extras like pepperoncini or banana peppers for added zing or even a fresh slice of tomato or lettuce for a little freshness.
How to Serve In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
Garnishes
Because the In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe already packs serious flavor, you want garnishes that elevate without overpowering. Thinly sliced pickles or a few pepperoncini peppers add a tangy kick, while extra burger sauce on the side invites dipping. Fresh lettuce or tomato can also brighten up the plate if you seek a little crunch or color contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Flying Dutchman burger with classic sides that complement its juicy richness. Crisp shoestring fries or crunchy sweet potato fries are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Alternatively, a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance. For a low-carb option, roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus work wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try stacking the burgers open-faced on a sleek serving board, showing off the stacked patties between glossy caramelized onion rings. You can also serve them wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld, bun-free version. Serving with a side of dipping cups filled with extra homemade sauce makes the meal interactive and playful — just like enjoying a secret menu treasure!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — which might be rare because they’re so tasty — store the cooked patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The burger sauce can be stored in a sealed jar or container and will keep beautifully for up to one week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Caramelized onions can be frozen too but may lose some texture. Keep your burger sauce in the refrigerator only, as freezing can affect its creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out. Warm the caramelized onions separately, either in a pan or microwave. When ready to serve, reassemble your burger and add fresh cheese slices if you like a melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides American?
Absolutely! While American cheese gives that classic melt and flavor, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for a different twist on the In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe.
What if I’m not a fan of onions as buns?
If onion rings as buns feel too adventurous, you can always switch back to traditional burger buns or lettuce wraps, but trust me, the onion-bun combo adds a sweet, savory depth you won’t want to miss.
How can I make this burger keto-friendly?
This recipe is already low-carb by replacing buns with onions, which makes it a great keto option. Just avoid adding ketchup to your sauce or choose sugar-free versions to keep carbs minimal.
Is it better to use a cast iron pan or a griddle?
Both work well! Cast iron holds heat beautifully for a nice sear, while a flat top griddle offers even cooking for multiple patties and onion rings at once. Choose based on your equipment and how many burgers you’re making.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! Making your homemade burger sauce ahead of time actually lets the flavors meld wonderfully. You can also pre-caramelize onions a day before and reheat when ready to assemble the burger fresh.
Final Thoughts
This In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and inventive cooking that brings your burger game to new heights. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a secret menu favorite for so many. So gather your ingredients, preheat your pan, and treat yourself to something special and seriously delicious today!
Print
In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–8 burgers 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This In-N-Out Copycat Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burger recipe features juicy thin beef patties sandwiched between caramelized onion rings instead of traditional buns. Enhanced with melted American cheese and a tangy homemade burger sauce, it’s a low-carb, flavorful twist on the iconic Flying Dutchman burger from In-N-Out. Perfect for a delicious, messy, and keto-friendly burger experience.
Ingredients
For the Onion Wrapped Flying Dutchman Burgers
- 1.5 pounds (680 g) ground beef (80-85% meat/fat ratio)
- 2 large onions, cut into 1/2” thick slices
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) cooking oil
- 4–8 slices American cheese, or your preferred cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to personal taste
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers (optional)
For the Homemade Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmann’s preferred)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) yellow mustard
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) minced onion
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) pickle relish, or minced pickles
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Homemade Burger Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, minced onion, and pickle relish in a bowl. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired. Stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more mustard for tanginess, ketchup for sweetness, or onion for extra zing. Set aside.
- Prepare Patties and Onions: Divide ground beef into 4-8 equal loose balls depending on desired patty thickness and quantity. Do not overpack to ensure tender texture. Slice onions into intact rings about 1/2″ (12mm) thick.
- Cook Onions: Heat a large cast iron skillet or flat top griddle over medium-high heat. Drizzle 1 Tablespoon cooking oil on the pan. Lay onion slices on the hot pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-4 minutes until caramelized, carefully flipping to keep rings intact. Remove caramelized onion slices and set aside.
- Cook Burger Patties: Using the same pan, place ground beef balls and smash with spatula(s) to form thin patties roughly the size of the onion rings after shrinking. Season patties with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until nearly cooked through.
- Melt Cheese: Add one or two slices of American cheese on each patty and allow it to melt fully. Remove patties from heat.
- Assemble Burgers: Use caramelized onion rings as buns. Place 1-2 cheesy patties on an onion ring, add a generous spoonful of the homemade burger sauce, then top with another onion ring. Optionally serve with pepperoncini or banana peppers, or add tomato or lettuce wrap for a lighter variation.
- Serve and Enjoy: This burger is delicious but messy; use utensils if needed. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy for the best experience.
Notes
- Use ground beef with 80-85% meat-to-fat ratio for a juicy but not greasy burger.
- Keep the ground beef loosely packed to retain tenderness when smashing patties.
- Caramelize onion slices carefully to keep rings intact for onion ‘buns’.
- The burger sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Adjust thickness and number of patties according to preference—In-N-Out tends to use very thin patties.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb by replacing traditional buns with onion slices.
- Optional toppings like peppers and lettuce wraps add flavor variation and freshness.
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