If you’re a big fan of In-N-Out like me, then you’re in for a treat! Today, I’m going to show you how to make the famous In N Out Flying Dutchman burger right at home – one of their best secret menu items. This burger is cheesy, beefy, and loaded with caramelized onions, all without the bun! It’s super simple, totally satisfying, and perfect for anyone who wants something low-carb or just really loves meat and cheese (hello, me!).
Method
Make the Special Sauce
Start by preparing the delicious In-N-Out-style sauce, which brings the whole burger together. In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, ⅓ cup of ketchup, ⅓ cup of sweet relish, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and fully blended. This sauce is tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. Once it’s mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge so it can chill while you cook the rest of the burger. The flavors blend even better when it’s cold!
Slice the Onion
Next, take one large onion and peel off the outer layer. Using a sharp knife, cut the onion into four thick, round slices each about ⅓ inch thick. Try to keep the rings together as best as you can. These thick onion rounds will act as the “bun” for the Flying Dutchman, so it’s important they stay whole and solid enough to hold the burger.
Cook the Onion Rings
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, gently place your onion slices flat in the pan. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little sugar over each slice to help caramelize them. Let the onion cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until it starts to soften and turn golden brown. Flip each slice carefully with a spatula so they don’t fall apart, and season the other side the same way with a little more salt, pepper, and sugar. Once both sides are nicely caramelized but not burned, remove the onion slices from the pan. Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of two of the hot onion slices so the cheese starts to melt. Set them aside on a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm. These cheesy onion rings will be the base for assembling your burger.
Cook the Beef Patties
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and turn the heat to medium-high. Place your frozen beef patties directly into the hot pan. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the top for seasoning. Let them cook for around 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip them using a spatula. Season the other side with more salt and pepper. Cook the patties until they’re nicely browned and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Once they’re almost done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty while they’re still in the skillet so the cheese melts over the hot beef. Once the cheese is melted, remove the patties from the pan and get ready to build your burger.
Assemble the Flying Dutchman
To put it all together, start with one of the cheesy onion rings as the bottom layer. Then stack two cheesy beef patties right on top. Finally, place one of the remaining caramelized onion rings (the ones without cheese) on top to complete the “burger.” Repeat this for the second Flying Dutchman. You now have two full bunless burgers that are cheesy, gooey, and packed with flavor.
Serve with Sauce
Grab that special sauce from the fridge and get ready to dig in. You can either serve the sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it right over the top of the burger for that true In-N-Out-style experience. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
Necessary Tools
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Foil (for covering)
- A plate for assembling
How to Make the In N Out Flying Dutchman Burger at Home
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Burger
4 frozen beef patties (your favorite brand works great!)
6 slices of cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper (just enough to season)
1 large onion
A pinch of sugar
Oil for cooking
For the In-N-Out Style Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup ketchup
⅓ cup sweet relish
2 Tbsp mustard
1 tsp white vinegar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Make the Special Sauce
Let’s start with that yummy In-N-Out-style sauce! In a bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until it’s nice and smooth. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. - Slice the Onion
Peel your onion and slice it into 4 thick rings, about ⅓ inch thick. Keep them whole, these will be our “buns”! - Cook the Onion Rings
Heat a bit of oil in a skillet. Gently place the onion slices in and sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and sugar on top. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, then flip them carefully with a spatula. Season the other side too. When they’re soft and golden (but not burned!), remove them from the pan. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on two of the rings while they’re still hot. Cover them with foil to keep warm. - Cook the Beef Patties
Add more oil to the skillet if needed. Place your frozen patties into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully done (160°F inside). When they’re almost ready, put a slice of cheese on each patty so it melts. - Assemble the Flying Dutchman
Now it’s time to build! Start with one cheesy onion ring at the bottom. Add two cheesy beef patties on top, then finish it off with one plain caramelized onion ring. Do the same for the second one. That’s it! - Serve with Sauce
Spoon that cool In-N-Out sauce on the side or drizzle it right over the burger for extra flavor!
Notes
- Don’t burn the onions! Keep the heat medium and flip gently.
- Make sure the patties are fully cooked 160°F is the safe temperature for beef.
- Use a wide spatula to keep the onion rings from falling apart.
- Add cheese while everything’s still hot so it melts perfectly.
- Let the sauce chill for at least 10 minutes it tastes even better cold!
Serving Suggestions
- Low-Carb Style: Serve it with lettuce wraps or a side salad.
- Keto-Friendly Meal: Pair it with pickles, avocado slices, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Snack Attack: Turn it into sliders using smaller patties and onion rings.
- Messy Tip: Use a fork and knife if things get too cheesy (in a good way!).
Fun Fact
Did you know the Flying Dutchman got its name from an old ghost ship legend? At In-N-Out, though, it’s just two beef patties with cheese in between no bun, just juicy goodness!
Conclusion
And there you have it, your very own homemade In N Out Flying Dutchman burger made right in your kitchen. It’s super easy, fun to prepare, and packed with bold, cheesy, meaty flavor. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just craving a copycat In-N-Out favorite, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy your own secret menu experience at home!
