Cheese-Crusted Flying Dutchman

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion (cut into 4 large, thick slices)
• salt (to taste for seasoning the onions)
• black pepper (to taste for seasoning the onions)
• 0.5 lb ground beef (divided into two 1/4 pound balls)
• burger seasoning (to taste for the patties)
• 2 slice American cheese (one slice per patty)
• 4 slice mozzarella cheese (for the onion crust)
• 1 cup mayonnaise (for the sauce)
• 2 tbsp ketchup (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp pickle relish (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for the sauce)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper (for the sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the yellow onion into 4 large slices, making sure to keep the shape of the slices intact.

2. 2

   Season the onion slices on both sides with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Prepare the burger sauce by combining the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, relish, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl; mix well until fully combined.

4. 4

   Place the onion slices on a hot griddle over medium-high heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly charred.

5. 5

   Add a splash of water to the griddle, cover the onions immediately, and let them steam for 3-4 minutes.

6. 6

   Take the 1/4 pound meat balls and smash them with a burger press or a spatula on the griddle. Ensure the patties are thin. Season with the burger seasoning.

7. 7

   Flip the patties after 3-4 minutes and place a slice of American cheese on each one.

8. 8

   Once the onions are soft, place the 4 slices of mozzarella cheese directly onto the griddle over medium heat.

9. 9

   Place each onion slice on top of a mozzarella slice. Remove from the griddle after about 2 minutes, once the cheese is toasted and golden brown.

10. 10

    To assemble the burger, place one onion slice (cheese crust side out) at the base, add sauce, the patties with cheese, more sauce, and finish with another onion slice on top.

Notes

This cheese crust technique is ideal for preventing the onions from falling apart when eating the bunless burger.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• burger
• keto
• gluten-free
• grill
• homemade fast food