Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise Sauce
Is there anything more indulgent than waking up to a plate piled high with crispy potatoes, savory toppings, and a river of creamy hollandaise sauce? I don’t think so! This Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise Sauce takes the beloved Canadian classic and gives it a brunch-worthy makeover. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and elegant breakfast fare, ideal for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or simply treating yourself.
If you’ve ever had poutine and wondered, “Why isn’t this a breakfast thing?”, well… wonder no more. Let’s dive into how to make this epic dish—and avoid the common pitfalls that turn a great idea into a soggy mess.
Where Many Breakfast Poutine Recipes Go Wrong
Many online breakfast poutine recipes look beautiful in photos but fall apart on the plate. Here’s why:
| Problem | Why It’s Bad | How I Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy fries | Fries soak up liquid and lose texture | Use oven-baked or air-fried fries and drain toppings well |
| Bland hollandaise | Makes the whole dish taste flat | Add a pinch of cayenne, mustard, or lemon zest for brightness |
| Poor layering | Cheese clumps instead of melting | Layer cheese curds evenly and pour sauce while hot |
| Weak toppings | Not filling enough for breakfast | Include bacon, sausage, or poached eggs for protein |
What is Breakfast Poutine?
Let’s get on the same page:
- Poutine: A Canadian dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
- Breakfast Poutine: A brunch version of poutine, swapping gravy for hollandaise sauce and adding breakfast toppings like bacon or eggs.
- Hollandaise Sauce: A creamy sauce made with egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice, often served over eggs Benedict.
Ingredients for Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need for my ultimate breakfast poutine:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen French fries or homemade potato wedges | 1 bag (or ~1.5 lbs) | Choose thick-cut for crispiness |
| Cheese curds | 1 cup | White cheddar is classic |
| Cooked bacon | 6 slices | Chopped |
| Eggs | 4 large | Poached or soft-fried |
| Fresh chives | 2 tbsp | For garnish |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential for balance |
For the Hollandaise Sauce:
- 3 egg yolks
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Hollandaise Sauce
Don’t be intimidated—hollandaise is easier than you think!
- Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl until thick.
- Place the bowl over simmering water, whisking constantly.
- Slowly drizzle in melted butter until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and cayenne.
Tip: Keep the sauce warm but not too hot, or it will split.
How to Assemble Breakfast Poutine
Step 1: Prep the Fries
- Cook fries according to package instructions or air-fry until golden.
- Season with salt immediately after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare Toppings
- Cook bacon until crisp and chop.
- Poach or fry eggs, leaving yolks soft.
Step 3: Layer It Up
- Spread hot fries on a plate.
- Sprinkle cheese curds evenly.
- Scatter bacon on top.
- Pour warm hollandaise sauce generously over the pile.
- Top with poached eggs.
- Finish with chopped chives and a crack of black pepper.
Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these delicious twists:
- Veggie Version: Swap bacon for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted peppers.
- Southwestern: Add chorizo, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Spicy Kick: Stir a bit of Sriracha into your hollandaise for heat.
- Mini Poutines: Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a brunch party.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Note: Values will vary depending on fries and toppings used.
Tips for Perfect Breakfast Poutine
- Always layer cheese curds onto hot fries to help them soften and melt.
- Keep hollandaise warm until ready to serve, but don’t overheat.
- Serve immediately to preserve crisp textures.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your breakfast poutine with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- A tall glass of orange juice
- Hot black coffee
- Herbal tea
Skip wine or beer for breakfast—this dish is indulgent enough on its own!
Q&A Section
Can I use store-bought hollandaise sauce instead of homemade?
Yes—but homemade tastes far superior and only takes a few minutes!
What’s the best cheese for breakfast poutine if I can’t find curds?
Chopped mozzarella or shredded white cheddar are good substitutes. They melt beautifully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend fully assembling ahead, but you can cook bacon and prepare hollandaise in advance. Reheat gently before serving.
Is there a healthier way to make breakfast poutine?
Definitely. Use oven-baked fries, skip the bacon, and keep your hollandaise portion light for a less indulgent but still delicious dish.
Why do my fries get soggy?
Fries absorb moisture from toppings if left sitting too long. Always serve immediately, and make sure to drain cooked bacon and eggs well.
My Final Thoughts
Now tell me—what’s YOUR favorite twist on poutine?
