Beef & Cheese Delight

My brother introduced me to this secret menu gem during a cross-country road trip through California. We pulled into an In-N-Out at midnight after eight hours of driving and he ordered two Flying Dutchmans like it was the most normal thing in the world. Watching him tackle that double-patty, cheese-smothered creation with zero bun made me realize sometimes the best things in life are the simplest ones.

Last summer I made these for a backyard cookout when my friend Sarah announced she was going gluten-free. Everyone else had their fancy brioche buns but she ended up with the most envious plate at the table. Now she requests these every time she comes over, bun or not.

Ingredients

• 2/3 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended): The extra fat content keeps these juicy and prevents them from drying out on the grill
• 4 slices American cheese: American melts better than anything else but cheddar works if you want extra sharpness
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Use kosher salt instead of table salt for better distribution and no metallic aftertaste
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper makes a huge difference in aroma and flavor depth
• 4 slices dill pickle, 2 slices tomato, 4 slices grilled onion, 2 lettuce leaves: These toppings add crunch and brightness to cut through all that richness
• 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil: Butter gives better flavor but oil has a higher smoke point for high-heat cooking

Instructions

Shape the patties:

Divide the beef into four equal balls, then gently press each into a patty about 1/3 inch thick. Do not overwork the meat or they will become tough.

Season generously:

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each patty, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere.

Heat your cooking surface:

Warm a skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot, then add butter or oil and let it shimmer.

Sear the patties:

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

Add the cheese:

Place a cheese slice on two patties during the last minute of cooking, covering with a lid to help it melt perfectly.

Build your stacks:

Place one cheese topped patty cheese side down on a plain patty to create the signature double layer.

Add your toppings:

Slide pickles, tomato, grilled onions, and lettuce between the patties if you want extra texture and freshness.

Serve immediately:

Plate them hot while the cheese is still molten and the beef is at its juiciest.

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My daughter now calls these her ninja burgers because they sneak up on you with how good they are. She made them for her college roommates last semester and got three text messages asking for the recipe within an hour.

Getting The Cheese Just Right

The secret restaurant trick is covering the pan with a lid or baking sheet for just 30 seconds after adding the cheese. This traps the steam and creates that perfect blanket of melted cheese that oozes down the sides. I learned this after years of ending up with cheese that was hot but not quite melted enough.

Making It Your Own

While the classic Flying Dutchman uses American cheese, I have discovered that pepper jack adds a nice kick without overwhelming the beef flavor. Some nights I will crumble some cooked bacon between the patties because everything is better with bacon.

The Perfect Sidekick

Since this burger is already rich and satisfying, keep the sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the fat beautifully.

• Try sweet potato fries for a colorful contrast
• Coleslaw adds a nice cold crunch against the hot beef
• Keep extra napkins nearby because this gets gloriously messy

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Sometimes the best things really do come in the simplest packages. No bun needed.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this burger 'Flying Dutchman' style?

The Flying Dutchman style refers to double beef patties with double cheese, but no other toppings. The cheese is placed between the patties rather than on top, creating that signature melty layer inside.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts perfectly, you can substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Just ensure it melts well for the best results.

→ Is this suitable for keto diets?

Yes, this burger is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. Each serving contains only 3g of carbohydrates, making it perfect for keto diets. You can skip the tomato if you prefer to reduce carbs even further.

→ How do I achieve the best beef patty texture?

Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for juiciest results. Don't overwork the meat when forming patties, and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still juicy inside.

→ What's the secret to great melted cheese?

Add cheese during the final minute of cooking. This allows it to melt perfectly without overcooking the beef. The residual heat will keep it melty even after assembling the burger.