You’re standing at the counter of an In-N-Out, the smell of salt and grilled onions hitting you hard. You could get a Double-Double. It’s the safe bet. But then you remember that viral video—the one where someone is holding a "burger" that has no bun, just two beef patties acting as the bread, sandwiching a thick layer of melted cheese. That’s the Flying Dutchman In-N-Out burger. It looks messy. It looks chaotic. Honestly, it’s a bit of a grease bomb, but it’s become one of the most talked-about "secret" items for a reason.
Most people think the Flying Dutchman is just a keto hack. It’s not. Well, it can be, but the origins are much more rooted in the actual history of the Snyder family, who founded In-N-Out back in 1948. This isn't some TikTok invention. Guy Snyder, the former president of the company, reportedly loved this specific, minimalist way of eating the beef. He wanted the protein. He wanted the fat. He didn't want the fluff of the bread.
What is the Flying Dutchman In-N-Out Burger, really?
It's basically the minimalist's dream. Two beef patties, two slices of cheese. That's it. No lettuce. No tomato. No bun to soak up the juices. When you order it, the cashier usually just punches it in as a "Flying Dutchman," and the kitchen knows exactly what to do. They stack the patties with the cheese in the middle so it melts into a singular, gooey core.
There’s a common misconception that this is part of the "Protein Style" menu. It’s not. Protein Style replaces the bun with large leaves of iceberg lettuce. The Flying Dutchman? It replaces the bun with... nothing. You’re literally holding meat in your hands, or more realistically, using a fork and knife if you’re trying to keep your shirt clean. If you've never had one, the texture is the first thing that hits you. It’s incredibly soft because there’s no toasted crunch from a bun. It’s just savory, salty, and very rich.
The Whole Grilled Onion "Hack"
Lately, the internet has collectively lost its mind over a specific variation. You might have seen it. Instead of just the meat and cheese, people are asking for the Flying Dutchman with whole grilled onions.
This changes the game.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
The cooks take two thick slices of onion and grill them until they are caramelized and slightly charred. They then use those onion rounds as the "bun." It’s a genius move, really. It adds a structural integrity that the standard Dutchman lacks, plus a massive hit of sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the American cheese. But here is the thing: you have to be specific. If you just say "with onions," you might get the chopped ones. You have to ask for "Whole Grilled Onions" to get that viral experience.
Why this item exploded on social media
It’s about the visual. Let’s be real. A standard burger is great, but a Flying Dutchman dripping with animal-style sauce and topped with yellow chiles is "content." In 2023 and 2024, the item saw a massive resurgence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, specifically because it looks so different from a traditional fast-food meal.
But there’s a deeper reason it stays relevant. In-N-Out has one of the most famously static menus in the world. They don't do seasonal promotions. They don't do limited-time bacon burgers. They do what they do, and they do it well. Because of that, the "Secret Menu" (which In-N-Out officially calls their "Not So Secret Menu") acts as the brand’s primary form of innovation. The Flying Dutchman feels like a reward for those who "know." It’s an insider's order.
The Logistics of Eating a Bunless Burger
You need napkins. A lot of them.
Because there is no bread to absorb the rendered fat from the 100% ground chuck patties, the Flying Dutchman is a liquid-heavy experience. If you’re eating in your car, you’re playing a dangerous game. Most veterans of the Dutchman order will tell you to get it "Animal Style" if you want the full flavor profile, which adds the spread (their version of Thousand Island), extra pickles, and mustard-cooked beef.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
Is it healthy? That’s a loaded question. If you’re on a strict ketogenic diet, the Flying Dutchman In-N-Out burger is a lifesaver. Each patty is approximately 100 to 150 calories, and with the cheese, you're looking at a high-protein, high-fat meal with very few carbs. However, it’s also high in sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, this probably isn’t the move for you. The American cheese used by In-N-Out is processed specifically to melt at a certain temperature, which adds to the sodium count quite a bit.
Comparing the Dutchman to Other Secret Items
| Item | What's in it? | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Style | Lettuce wrap instead of bun | Fresh and crunchy |
| Flying Dutchman | Just meat and cheese | Pure carnivore |
| 4x4 (Quad Quad) | Four patties, four cheese slices | Extreme hunger |
| Grilled Cheese | No meat, just melted cheese | Vegetarian comfort |
As you can see, the Flying Dutchman sits in its own category. It’s not trying to be a salad, and it’s not trying to be a massive mountain of food. It’s just the essence of In-N-Out.
Customizing the Dutchman (Expert Level)
If you want to go beyond the basic order, there are a few things you can do to make it better. First, ask for "well done" on the meat. Since there’s no bun, having a bit of extra crust on the patties gives the whole thing more "bite." Second, get the yellow chiles on the side. These are Cascabella peppers. They are vinegary and spicy, and they provide a much-needed acidity to balance out all that fat.
Also, don't forget the "Spread." In-N-Out's secret sauce is what ties everything together. If you get a Flying Dutchman without spread, you’re missing the soul of the restaurant. You can ask for packets on the side if you want to control the mess, or ask them to put it right on top of the patties.
The Cost Factor
One of the best things about the Flying Dutchman is the price. Since you aren't paying for the produce or the bun, it's often one of the cheapest ways to get a significant amount of high-quality protein. In most locations, it’s cheaper than a Double-Double. For people on a budget who still want a "real" meal that isn't loaded with fillers, it's a legitimate hack.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
In-N-Out prides itself on never using frozen beef. They don't have freezers, microwaves, or heat lamps in their buildings. This means the Flying Dutchman you get in a suburb of Phoenix is going to taste exactly like the one you get in Hollywood. That consistency is why people are so obsessed with it. You know exactly what you’re getting: fresh, never-frozen beef that was ground that morning.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often think the Flying Dutchman is a "new" secret. It's actually been around for decades. It's named after Guy Snyder's nickname. He was a big fan of racing and high-performance cars, and the "Flying Dutchman" moniker was a nod to his fast-paced lifestyle. When you order it, you're eating a piece of the company's legacy.
Another mistake? Ordering it through a third-party delivery app. In-N-Out famously refuses to partner with UberEats, DoorDash, or any of the others. They believe that their food—especially the fries—has a very short shelf life before the quality drops. If you want a Flying Dutchman, you have to go get it. And you should. The experience of the drive-thru or the white-and-red tiled dining room is half the fun.
How to order like a pro
Next time you’re at the window, don't overcomplicate it. Just say: "I'd like a Flying Dutchman, please." If you want the viral onion version, say "Flying Dutchman with whole grilled onions." If you want it spicy, add "with chopped chiles."
Wait for them to hand you that small paper boat. Yes, they usually serve it in a little paper tray because a standard wrapper just can't contain the heat and the grease. It’s messy. It’s unapologetic. It’s a 100% beef-and-cheese experience that proves you don't always need a bun to have a great burger.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the location: Ensure your local In-N-Out is open; some California locations have adjusted hours, while newer spots in states like Idaho or Tennessee might have massive lines.
- Be specific with the onions: If you want the "bun" replacement, you MUST use the phrase "Whole Grilled Onion."
- Grab the chiles: Ask for a side of yellow Cascabella peppers to cut through the richness.
- Mind the mess: Keep a stash of napkins or even a wet wipe in the car if you plan on eating this on the go.
- Eat it fast: The Flying Dutchman cools down quickly because it lacks the insulation of a bun; for the best experience, eat it within five minutes of receiving it.
The beauty of the In-N-Out experience is the simplicity. Even when you're ordering off-menu, the staff is trained to handle these requests with zero friction. It’s a testament to a business model that hasn't changed much in over 75 years. Whether you're doing it for the "gram" or just because you're hungry and avoiding carbs, the Flying Dutchman remains the gold standard of secret menu items. It’s weird, it’s greasy, and it’s absolutely delicious.