Flying Dutchman Beef Cheese Delight

The first time I heard about a burger with no bun, I'll admit I was skeptical. Then my friend dragged me to try In-N-Out's secret menu item, and one bite of that Flying Dutchman changed everything. There's something incredibly satisfying about letting the cheese and beef take center stage without any bread distractions. Now it's become my go-to when I want something indulgent but still keep things low-carb.

Last summer, I made these for a backyard barbecue and watched everyone's skeptical expressions turn to pure delight. Even the bun lovers reached for seconds. There's something liberating about serving food that breaks the rules and tastes absolutely incredible for it.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20 blend): That 20 percent fat content is non-negotiable for juicy, flavorful patties that don't dry out
• American cheese: Trust me on this one, nothing melts quite like American cheese does
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the beef shine through
• Butter or neutral oil: Creates that beautiful restaurant style crust on the patties
• Optional toppings: Pickles, tomato, grilled onions, or lettuce add brightness and crunch

Instructions

Prep your patties:

Divide the beef into four equal portions, then gently flatten each into thin patties about 1/3 inch thick. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.

Get the skillet hot:

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot, then add the butter or oil and let it shimmer.

Sear the beef:

Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous brown crust and are cooked through.

Add the cheese:

During that final minute of cooking, lay a slice of cheese on two of the patties and let it melt into glorious pools.

Stack them up:

Place a cheese topped patty on top of a plain one, cheese side down, creating those signature double stacks with cheese sandwiched between.

Finish and serve:

Add any toppings between the patties if you like, and serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is perfectly melty.

Save

My husband actually declared these better than our favorite burger joint, which is saying something. The combination of searing hot beef with that molten cheese middle is something I never want to live without again.

Perfecting The Patty

I've learned that making a small indentation in the center of each patty helps them cook more evenly. Otherwise they tend to puff up in the middle, which makes stacking them a frustrating experience. Also, let the meat come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, you'll get a much better sear.

Cheese Choices

While American cheese is traditional because of its melting properties, I've experimented with sharp cheddar for extra tang and pepper jack for some heat. Just keep in mind that aged cheeses don't melt as smoothly, so you might need to tent the pan with foil to help them along.

Serving Suggestions

These are substantial enough to be a meal on their own, but I love serving them with crispy keto fries or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through all that rich cheese beautifully.

• Use a good quality spatula with a thin edge for easy flipping
• Have your toppings prepped before you start cooking, everything moves fast
• Let the patties rest for about 2 minutes after cooking if you can, though I know that's hard to do

Save

There's something wonderfully rebellious about eating a burger without the bun and enjoying it even more. Sometimes the best innovations come from breaking the rules.

Common Questions

→ What type of beef is best for this dish?

An 80/20 ground beef blend is recommended to ensure juicy, flavorful patties.

→ Can I substitute the cheese used?

Yes, American cheese is classic, but Swiss or pepper jack add interesting variations.

→ How do I achieve the best flavor from grilled onions?

Grill onions slowly until caramelized to bring out rich sweetness that balances the savory beef.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it naturally contains no gluten, but ensure cooking surfaces are free from cross-contamination.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Complement with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete satisfying experience.