Save to Pinterest Prepare this iconic burger by making four beef patties, seasoning them well, and cooking until perfectly browned. During the final minute, add cheese to two patties to melt. Stack one cheese-topped patty with a plain patty to create double-patty stacks with cheese in the middle. Add your favorite toppings between patties for the ultimate Flying Dutchman experience.
My friend who worked at In-N-Out during college let me in on the Flying Dutchman secret after I complained about buns falling apart during backyard BBQs. The sheer genius of two patties fused by molten cheese, nothing between you and pure meaty satisfaction, changed how I think about burgers forever. Now whenever I'm craving something indulgent but want to skip the carbs, this is my go-to creation.
Last summer I made these for a group of skeptical friends who thought bunless burgers sounded sad. The kitchen went completely silent when everyone took their first bite, then someone actually said they'd never eat a regular burger again. Watching people pick them up with their hands, juices running down their wrists, completely converted to the Flying Dutchman philosophy, that's when I knew this recipe was special.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The 80/20 blend is crucial here, that extra fat keeps these juicy since there's no bun to absorb any moisture
- American cheese: It melts like nothing else and creates that perfect cheese glue between patties
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple but essential, don't skip seasoning both sides generously
- Butter or oil: Helps get that beautiful crust and prevents sticking
- Optional toppings: Pickles, tomato, grilled onion, and lettuce add fresh crunch and cut through the richness
Instructions
- Prep the patties:
- Divide your beef into four equal portions, then gently flatten each into a patty about 1/3 inch thick, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Season generously:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each patty, pressing lightly so the seasoning adheres.
- Heat your skillet:
- Get a skillet or grill ripping hot over medium-high heat, then add your butter or oil until it shimmers.
- Sear the patties:
- Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful brown crust and are cooked through.
- Add the cheese:
- During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on two of the patties and let it get perfectly melted.
- Stack them up:
- Place one cheese-topped patty on top of a plain patty, cheese side down, creating two double stacks with the cheese sealed in the middle.
- Add toppings:
- Slide any optional toppings between the patties before they're stacked together for layers of flavor throughout.
- Serve hot:
- Get these onto plates immediately while the cheese is still molten and everything is at its most irresistible.
Save to Pinterest These became my husband's requested birthday dinner, which says something considering he used to be skeptical about anything without a bun. There's something so satisfying about eating with your hands and getting that pure beef and cheese experience, nothing competing for attention.
Make It Your Own
While American cheese is traditional, swapping in sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, or go for pepper jack if you want some heat. The beauty of this format is that the cheese choice really shines since it's the star of the show.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I'll serve with roasted vegetables or even just some extra pickles on the side for that acid balance.
Leftover Logic
These reheat surprisingly well in a skillet over low heat, though they rarely last long enough in my house to become leftovers. If you do have extras, wrap them tightly and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.
- Make extra patties to meal prep for the week
- The cheese setup works for chicken or turkey burgers too
- Double the batch and freeze uncooked patties for future cravings
Save to Pinterest Once you go Flying Dutchman, regular burgers might just feel like they're missing something special.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this burger 'Flying Dutchman' style?
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The Flying Dutchman style features double beef patties with cheese layers, typically with cheese sandwiched between the patties rather than on top. This creates an extra-rich, indulgent burger experience.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
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Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Each cheese will create a unique taste experience.
- → How do I achieve the best beef patty texture?
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Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal juiciness. Don't overwork the meat when forming patties, and make sure to season both sides generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- → What toppings work best with this burger?
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Classic toppings like dill pickles, fresh tomato, grilled onions, and lettuce complement the rich beef and cheese. For extra flavor, try caramelized onions or special sauces.
- → Is this suitable for low-carb diets?
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Yes, this burger is naturally low-carb, especially when served without a bun. You can further reduce carbs by skipping tomato if desired, making it perfect for keto or low-carb eating plans.
