Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe (In-N-Out Burger)

If you’ve been craving an Flying Dutchman Burger Recipe at home, I’ve got you covered! My kiddos are absolutely obsessed with anything from In-N-Out. Since we no longer live in California, my daughter and I decided to recreate their famous In-N-Out burger. This copycat recipe is just like the real deal—juicy burger patties stacked without a bun, sandwiched between two golden, caramelized slices of onion. Add in gooey melted cheddar cheese and that signature In-N-Out sauce, and you’ve got the perfect homemade version of the Flying Dutchman!

Eating these delicious In-N-Out style caramelized onion burgers instantly takes me back to our 15 wonderful years of living in California. Every bite reminds me of warm evenings, quick stops at In-N-Out after a long day, and the comfort of sharing a simple meal with family. Recreating this burger at home not only satisfies the craving but also brings a little piece of California into our kitchen, wherever we may be.

What is an In-N-Out Flying Dutchman Burger

If you’ve ever heard whispers about the In-N-Out secret menu, then you know it’s full of fun surprises—and the Flying Dutchman Burger is one of the most unique! While the regular menu keeps things simple, the secret menu opens up a world of customizable options that fans can’t get enough of.

Here are some of the most popular secret menu items you can order at In-N-Out:

• 3×3 – Three juicy beef patties layered with three slices of cheese
• 4×4 – Four patties and four slices of cheese for the ultimate stack
• Animal Style – Mustard-grilled patties with extra spread, grilled onions, and pickles
• Protein Style – A low-carb option where your burger is wrapped in crisp lettuce instead of a bun
• Grilled Cheese – All the cheesy goodness, no meat required
• Animal Style Fries – Crispy fries topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and In-N-Out’s signature spread
• Flying Dutchman – Two burger patties with two slices of gooey cheese, no bun, no spread, and no veggies—just pure meaty, cheesy indulgence

And the fun doesn’t stop there—In-N-Out’s secret menu is endlessly customizable. From swapping buns for lettuce or tomato slices to adding grilled onions, pickles, or extra sauce, you can truly make your burger your own. That’s part of the magic of In-N-Out: a simple menu that’s endlessly adaptable to whatever you’re craving.

This CopyCat Flying Dutchman Burger with Grilled Onions

This recipe that my daughter and I created is a fun variation of the classic Flying Dutchman Burger from In-N-Out’s secret menu. Instead of using the traditional version—which is simply two patties and two slices of cheese—we added a delicious twist by using caramelized grilled onions in place of the buns. The sweet, smoky onions pair perfectly with the juicy beef and melted cheese, making this version extra flavorful.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home! If you want to stay true to the way In-N-Out serves it, simply caramelize thick onion slices whole, then use them as your “buns.” Place one slice on the plate, stack your cheesy burger patties on top, and finish it off with another caramelized onion slice. It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth every bite!

In-N-Out Burger Secret Sauce

Are you getting the gist that everything at In-N-Out feels like a secret? From the Flying Dutchman Burger to Animal Style fries, the whole “hidden menu” adds to the fun and mystique of their food.

And of course, no In-N-Out creation would be complete without their famous secret sauce. While the exact recipe has never been officially released, most fans agree that it’s a creamy, tangy mix that tastes like Thousand Island dressing, but with its special twist. The sauce ties everything together—it’s what makes Animal Style burgers irresistible and adds that signature flavor you can’t quite replicate with ketchup or mayo alone.

The good news? You can make a copycat version at home with just a handful of pantry staples. A base of mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish is elevated with a dash of vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Drizzle it over your Flying Dutchman Burger, smear it on

How to Make Carmelized Onions

To make this burger extra special, I caramelized whole slices of onions to use in place of the bun. I started by melting butter in a warm skillet and letting it slowly brown.

When browning the butter, keep the heat low and steady—burnt butter will turn bitter. Caramelization happens as the milk proteins in the butter begin to brown, creating little golden bits that release a nutty aroma. Once you see enough of those caramel-colored specks forming, it’s the perfect time to add your onion slices.

Next, I carefully added thick-cut onion slices to the pan, cooking them low and slow until the edges softened, turned golden, and developed that sweet caramelized flavor. Once the first side was perfectly browned, I gently flipped the slices and repeated the process.

Sides That Pair Well with Flying Dutchman Burgers (Try These Recipes!)

• Cornbread Recipe
• Cornbread Appetizers
• Homemade Breadsticks
• Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Thanks so much for joining me today! I hope you get a chance to try these delicious hamburgers at home; they’re such a fun twist on the classic In-N-Out style. And if you’re vegetarian, no worries! You can easily swap the beef patties for your favorite veggie burgers and still enjoy all the same flavors. I made mine this way, layering on the cheese, secret sauce, and those caramelized onions; the sweetness of the onions added so much depth and made it absolutely irresistible.

If you’re craving even more burger inspiration after making this Flying Dutchman Burger recipe, make sure to check out my blogging friends’ delicious hamburger recipes, too!

Cheers,

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