There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of a hearty breakfast that warms both the body and soul, especially when it comes in the form of a delightful Breakfast Poutine. Imagine the crispiness of golden fries, generously topped with savory cheese curds that ooze deliciously when drizzled with rich, luscious gravy. As I sat enjoying a plate of this comforting Canadian classic, the flavors danced harmoniously, transforming my typical morning routine into an extraordinary experience.
This dish isn’t just about indulgence; it’s customizable, allowing you to cater to your preferences, whether you want to keep it classic or opt for a vegetarian twist with a flavorful gravy that delivers on richness without the meat. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy morning at home, Breakfast Poutine is destined to become your go-to recipe, offering not just sustenance but also a burst of joy to kickstart your day. Let’s dive into this delicious twist on a true comfort food favorite!
Why is Breakfast Poutine a Must-Try?
Irresistible, this dish brings together crispy fries and creamy cheese curds for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Customizable to your liking, you can create a vegetarian option or jazz it up with your favorite toppings. Crowd-pleaser for brunch, it will impress family and friends alike. Quick and easy, this recipe is perfect for a busy morning. Plus, it makes breakfast feel like a cozy weekend treat!
Essential Breakfast Poutine Ingredients
For the Fries
• Large Potatoes – Cut these into fries for that perfect crispy base, or swap with sweet potatoes for a healthier option.
For the Cheese
• Cheese Curds – These add the classic creamy texture; if unavailable, cubed mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese works great as a substitute.
For the Eggs
• Eggs (for frying) – Cook these to your preference—whether poached, fried, or scrambled—adding richness and protein to the dish.
For the Gravy
• Butter – Essential for a rich flavor base in the gravy; you can replace this with olive oil for a lighter option.
• All-Purpose Flour – Thicken that gravy beautifully; use a gluten-free blend if sensitivity is a concern.
• Beef or Chicken Stock – This forms the flavorful foundation; opt for vegetable stock for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• Salt and Pepper – Key seasonings that enhance the flavors and make the dish sing.
How to Make Breakfast Poutine
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Fry the Potatoes: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F. Carefully add cut fries and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Gravy: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux and cook until slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 2 cups of beef or chicken stock while whisking continuously until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Assemble Poutine: On a serving platter, layer the crispy fries. Generously sprinkle cheese curds over the fries. Pour the hot gravy over the top to melt the cheese.
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Cook the Eggs: In a separate skillet, fry eggs to your preferred doneness—sunny side up, scrambled, or poached—about 3-4 minutes. Place the eggs on top of the assembled poutine.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Breakfast Poutine while hot, garnished with optional chives, paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Optional: Top with fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Breakfast Poutine components are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy mornings! You can fry the potatoes and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, maintaining their crispiness by reheating them in a hot oven. Additionally, prepare the gravy ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days; simply gently reheat on the stove before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian option, make the gravy using vegetable stock to keep it deliciously rich. When it’s time to enjoy, assemble the fries, cheese curds, and warm gravy, and top with freshly cooked eggs for that comforting Breakfast Poutine experience, just as delightful as if made fresh!
Expert Tips for Breakfast Poutine
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Hot Oil Check: Always ensure the oil is at 350°F before frying the potatoes for that perfect crispy texture. This helps avoid soggy fries.
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Continuous Whisking: When preparing the gravy, stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming, creating a smooth and velvety sauce for your Breakfast Poutine.
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Gravy Thickness: If your gravy is too thick, gradually add more stock until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, a thinner gravy can soak into the fries beautifully.
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Savory Cheese Choices: If cheese curds are unavailable, don’t stress! Cubed mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese are excellent substitutes, providing a similar creamy melt.
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Customize Your Eggs: Experiment with cooking styles for the eggs—try poached for elegance, or sunny-side up for a rich runny yolk right on your poutine.
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Garnish Options: For added flavor and presentation, consider garnishing with chives, paprika, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick to your Breakfast Poutine.
Breakfast Poutine Variations
Feel free to make this delightful dish your own by adding your favorite twists!
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Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and healthier base. Their natural sweetness beautifully contrasts the savory elements.
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Vegetarian Gravy: Use vegetable stock in place of beef or chicken stock for a rich, vegetarian-friendly gravy that still delivers deep flavor. Cooking with mushrooms can add a hearty touch!
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Different Cheeses: Substitute cheese curds with cubed mozzarella or feta for unique flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its own special twist that can elevate your poutine experience.
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Protein Swaps: Instead of eggs, add crispy turkey bacon or breakfast sausage to keep it hearty yet playful. You could also use tofu scramble for a plant-based protein option!
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Spicy Kick: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapeños into the mix. This will give your dish a zesty edge that spice lovers will adore.
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Herbed Gravy: Boost the aroma and taste by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy while it simmers. The fragrant notes will linger beautifully as you enjoy your dish.
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Loaded Style: Go the extra mile by piling on additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers for bursts of flavor and texture!
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Bottom Layer: Instead of fries, place a layer of creamy polenta as the base. This offers a unique twist, adding a smooth and cozy element to your Breakfast Poutine.
What to Serve with Breakfast Poutine?
Elevate your Breakfast Poutine experience with complementary sides and drinks that enhance its comforting, hearty flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright medley of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich poutine, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon adds a savory element, making every bite a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese curds.
- Simple Green Salad: A light and zesty salad with a vinaigrette serves as a crisp counterpoint to the warmth and heaviness of the poutine.
- Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits bring a comforting feel to your meal, inviting you to savor each bite alongside your silky gravy.
- Herbed Toast: Crunchy toast topped with fresh herbs creates a delightful textural experience while soaking up any leftover gravy.
- Mimosa: A bubbly brunch classic, this citrusy drink adds a touch of brightness and celebration, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Spicy Tomato Juice: This zesty drink offers a refreshing spicy kick, complementing the rich flavors of the poutine for a balanced meal.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a sweet twist, a warm drizzle of maple syrup over your poutine plays wonderfully with the savory elements.
How to Store and Freeze Breakfast Poutine
Fridge: Store leftover Breakfast Poutine in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: You can freeze leftover fries and gravy for up to 3 months. Reheat them separately to restore their original textures before assembling again.
Reheating: To reheat fries, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until crispy. Warm the gravy on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Assembly Tip: It’s best to reheat the components separately before combining them for the ultimate Breakfast Poutine experience, keeping each layer delicious and fresh.
Breakfast Poutine Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for fries?
For the best results, choose large starchy potatoes like Russets. They fry up crispy and hold their shape beautifully. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, sweet potatoes can be used—they’ll add a deliciously sweet flavor to your Breakfast Poutine.
How should I store leftover Breakfast Poutine?
After enjoying your Breakfast Poutine, store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Fries can be kept for up to 2 days, while the gravy can last about the same time. Keeping them separate helps to maintain the crispiness of the fries when you reheat them!
Can I freeze the components for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftover fries and gravy for up to 3 months. To do so, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. For reheating, bake the fries in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until they get crispy again, and warm the gravy on the stovetop, stirring until heated through.
What should I do if my gravy is too thick?
If your gravy turns out too thick, no need to worry! Simply add a little more stock gradually, stirring continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, the gravy should be smooth and pourable to perfectly coat your fries and cheese curds in the Breakfast Poutine.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily customize your Breakfast Poutine. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of beef or chicken stock, and ensure your cheese curds are rennet-free if avoiding animal products. Additionally, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I use alternative proteins instead of eggs?
Very! If you prefer not to use eggs, consider topping your Breakfast Poutine with crispy turkey bacon, sausage, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty touch. Adjust the toppings to fit your taste and dietary preferences while keeping the deliciousness intact!
Irresistible Breakfast Poutine: A Cozy Morning Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F. Carefully add cut fries and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux and cook until slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 2 cups of beef or chicken stock while whisking continuously until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- On a serving platter, layer the crispy fries. Generously sprinkle cheese curds over the fries. Pour the hot gravy over the top to melt the cheese.
- In a separate skillet, fry eggs to your preferred doneness—sunny side up, scrambled, or poached—about 3-4 minutes. Place the eggs on top of the assembled poutine.
- Enjoy your Breakfast Poutine while hot, garnished with optional chives, paprika, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.