Flying Dutchman Bunless Burger

Discovering the Flying Dutchman Burger was like stumbling upon a secret treasure for low-carb lovers like me. No buns, just bold flavors packed between juicy beef patties and melted cheese—every bite feels like a little indulgence without the guilt.

I still remember the night unexpected friends dropped by and I whipped these up in a flash; they never even missed the buns and wanted the recipe on the spot.

Ingredients

• Ground beef patties: I look for freshly ground to keep the patties juicy and skip fillers for pure flavor.
• American cheese: Melts perfectly and adds that creamy richness; feel free to swap with cheddar if preferred.
• Yellow onion: Thin slices caramelize beautifully and bring a natural sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: It adds richness to the onions without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the beef shine.
• Dill pickle chips, mustard, ketchup: Optional touches that bring extra zing if you like a bit of tang.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and prep your onions by slicing them thinly so they caramelize evenly.

Make the Onions Sing:

Melt the unsalted butter, then add the onions. Stir often as their natural sugars turn golden and fragrant, filling your kitchen with that irresistible caramel aroma. This takes about seven to eight minutes, so patience pays off.

Season the Beef:

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of your patties. Simple but essential for that perfect flavor kick.

Cook the Patties:

Place the patties in the skillet, sizzling for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch the edges brown—this is where magic happens.

Cheese It Up:

During the last minute of cooking, drape a slice of American cheese over each patty. Watch it melt and stretch—it’s almost too beautiful to eat.

Stack and Serve:

Build each burger by stacking two cheesy patties with those sweet caramelized onions in between. Add the optional pickles and condiments if you like, then carefully slide the stack onto a plate and serve hot.

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This burger isn’t just a quick meal; one evening it became a cozy tradition that turned an ordinary night into a shared celebration of comfort and flavor.

Keeping It Fresh

Adding fresh lettuce leaves transforms the burger into a crunchier, more refreshing bite that balances the richness perfectly. Plus, lettuce cups are a great low-carb alternative to buns when you want a crisp contrast.

When You're Missing Something

If you don’t have American cheese handy, Swiss or pepper jack works wonders and shifts the flavor profile just enough to keep things interesting. Grilled mushrooms or jalapeños can also add a spicy or earthy kick.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Serving these burgers with a side of dill pickle chips really brightens the plate. For last minute tips as you’re heading out:

• Warm your plates before serving to keep the burgers hot longer
• Don’t forget to have napkins ready—they get juicy and deliciously messy
• Offer mustard and ketchup on the side so guests can customize their stack

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Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—hope this recipe brings you as much joy and confidence as it does me every time I make it.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

American cheese is traditional, but Swiss or pepper jack can add different flavor profiles.

→ How do I properly caramelize the onions?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly in butter over medium heat until golden and soft, stirring often, about 7–8 minutes.

→ Can this be made keto-friendly?

Yes, by using sugar-free condiments and avoiding buns, this dish fits well into keto and low-carb plans.

→ How long should the beef patties be cooked?

Cook each patty 2–3 minutes per side on medium-high heat for a juicy finish.

→ What additions can enhance the flavor?

Try adding grilled mushrooms or jalapeños for extra depth and spice.