Easy Copycat Recipe Tastes Just Like In-N-Out's Famous ‘Flying Dutchman’ Onion-Wrapped Burger

Isabelle Paquette
·3 min read

If you’ve never had the chance to visit In-N-Out on the West Coast, you’ve likely still heard of its legendary burgers and secret menu items. One such cult favorite is the ‘Flying Dutchman’ — a beef and cheese loaded delight wrapped in caramelized onion slices and secret sauce. But for those of us who can’t easily access this popular joint, this messy concoction might feel like a bucket list item … until now. I’ve found the perfect copycat recipe to recreate a ‘Flying Dutchman’ at home in 30 minutes. Plus, learn how to make their secret sauce and caramelize your onions perfectly. Get ready to bring the deliciousness of the In-N-Out 'Flying Dutchman' burger to your table.

What is the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman Burger?

You may have heard of mushroom, tomato or lettuce buns. But the ‘Flying Dutchman’ makes your burger a little more indulgent. This not-so-secret menu item consists of two beef patties sandwiched between slices of melted American cheese, wrapped in caramelized onions and the signature secret sauce. Watch the TikTok below to see the hype:

Love burgers? Try our Stuffed Burgers and Smashed Burger Tacos.

How to make the ultimate In-N-Out Flying Dutchman Burger

Recreating this iconic burger at home requires a few essential tips. But I made them myself and they tasted amazing.

1. Choose the right ingredients

Start with high-quality ground beef, preferably 100% beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful patties. I also recommend using American cheese slices for optimal melting.

2. Caramelize the onions

Slice the onions thinly (about ½-inch thick), then cook them on a hot and greased surface until they turn golden brown and caramelized. For enhanced sweetness, you can also sprinkle them with a pinch of sugar.

3. Make the secret sauce

While the exact ingredients of In-N-Out’s sauce remain a mystery, most people have figured out it includes mayo, ketchup, sugar, relish and white vinegar. But feel free to experiment or use your favorite condiments.

See also: Pro Tips to Build a Better Burger, Including the Throwaway That Adds Extra Flavor

Copycat In-N-Out Flying Dutchman burger recipe

I love this recipe from @moribyan and it did not disappoint.

Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise

  • 4 Tbs. pickle relish, drained

  • 3 Tbs. ketchup

  • 1 tsp. sugar

  • 1 Tbs. white vinegar

  • 1 onion, cut into slices (white or yellow)

  • Sugar and salt, for caramelizing

  • American cheese slices

  • 1 lb. 80/20 ground beef (or pre-made patties)

  • Salt and pepper

  • Yellow mustard, for frying

Directions

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Yield: 1 burger

  1. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, sugar and vinegar.

  2. Shape ground beef into 2 patties and flatten to desired thickness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.

  3. In a large pan or flat grill over medium heat, add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the onions and sprinkle with sugar and salt. Cook until the edges turn golden. Flip and caramelize the other side. Right before you take them off, add cheese to one onion.

  4. Over medium-high heat in a skillet, add vegetable oil. Add the patties in and add 1 tsp. of mustard on the raw side and spread evenly. Cook 2-3 minutes, until a brown crust forms. Flip over and add a slice of American cheese on top of one patty; cook for 1 more minute.

  5. Add the patty without cheese on top of the patty with cheese to create a double burger. Transfer this stack on top of a grilled onion and add the grilled onion with cheese on top. Serve with spread and enjoy immediately.

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