Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise

Bringing together the rich indulgence of creamy hollandaise, the comforting crunch of golden fries, and the savory satisfaction of crispy bacon, this Breakfast Poutine is not your average morning fare. Topped with soft-poached eggs and gooey cheese curds, this Canadian-inspired brunch dish is a decadent way to start your day. The warm hollandaise cascades over every element, turning each bite into a savory delight. Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself, this recipe balances flavors and textures with bold creativity. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or a mimosa, this Breakfast Poutine brings restaurant-style indulgence right to your kitchen table no passport required.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen French fries

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 1 cup cheese curds

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 2 tbsp chopped chives

Hollandaise Sauce:

• 3 egg yolks

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy.

2. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.

3. To make the hollandaise, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice over a double boiler until thickened. Slowly drizzle in melted butter while whisking until fully incorporated. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.

4. Poach the eggs by bringing a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add vinegar. Crack each egg into a small bowl and gently slide into water. Poach for 3–4 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon.

5. To assemble: place fries on a plate, top with cheese curds, bacon, and poached eggs. Spoon hollandaise sauce generously over everything. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 645 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Decadent Brunch Worth Waking Up For

When it comes to elevating breakfast, few dishes command attention quite like Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise Sauce. This indulgent creation blends the rustic, satisfying elements of Canadian comfort food with the refined elegance of classic French cuisine. What results is a rich, layered dish that is hearty enough to fuel your day, but fancy enough to impress your brunch guests.

At its heart, breakfast poutine takes the iconic Quebecois dish and gives it a morning twist. Instead of the traditional gravy, it features luscious hollandaise sauce draped over crispy fries, smoky bacon, gooey cheese curds, and perfectly poached eggs. Each bite is a blend of textures and flavors crispy, creamy, salty, and silky that make this dish unforgettable.

The Origins of Poutine and Its Breakfast Evolution

Poutine originated in rural Quebec in the late 1950s and has since become one of Canada’s most beloved comfort foods. Traditionally composed of fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy, poutine has evolved into a canvas for creative culinary interpretations across North America.

The breakfast version of poutine swaps out the heavy gravy for something more suited to the morning table: hollandaise sauce. This adaptation transforms the dish into a sophisticated brunch entrée without losing its soul. It’s a bold combination, yet it works incredibly well, honoring the poutine’s indulgent roots while offering a lighter, brighter flavor profile thanks to the tangy, buttery hollandaise.

Why Hollandaise Sauce Makes the Perfect Match

What sets breakfast poutine apart is the hollandaise sauce. One of the five French mother sauces, hollandaise is traditionally served with eggs Benedict, vegetables like asparagus, or delicate proteins such as salmon. It’s known for its silky texture and slightly tangy, buttery taste.

In breakfast poutine, hollandaise takes on the role of the “gravy,” acting as a luxurious binder that pulls together all the dish’s elements. It coats the fries, melts into the cheese curds, and adds a velvety contrast to the crispy bacon and soft poached eggs. The sauce elevates the dish from a simple fry-up to a true gourmet experience.

The Key Components That Make It Shine

Though the dish might appear indulgent (and it is), each component plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s how each element contributes:

• French Fries: Golden and crispy, they provide the crunchy base that supports the richness of the toppings. Homemade or frozen fries both work, as long as they’re cooked to perfection.

• Cheese Curds: These mild, slightly squeaky cheese bites are a hallmark of poutine. They soften slightly from the heat of the fries and sauce, adding gooey, cheesy pockets of joy.

• Bacon: Salty and crispy, bacon adds a smoky depth and a bit of chew to contrast the soft elements like the poached egg.

• Poached Eggs: The runny yolks enrich every bite and combine harmoniously with the hollandaise, creating a custard-like quality that makes the dish unforgettable.

• Hollandaise Sauce: The star of the show smooth, lemony, and rich ties everything together while adding its own unique identity.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Breakfast poutine is incredibly versatile and lends itself to customization depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few popular variations and additions:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or avocado slices for an equally hearty yet plant-based version.

• Southwestern Twist: Add chorizo, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cheddar, then drizzle with chipotle hollandaise for a spicy take.

• Smoked Salmon Style: Replace bacon with smoked salmon and garnish with capers, dill, and red onions for a Nordic brunch option.

• Loaded Brunch Poutine: Include breakfast sausage, caramelized onions, or even a fried egg for an extra layer of indulgence.

Additionally, this dish can be scaled up or down depending on how many you’re serving. It’s perfect for special brunches, weekend treats, or even an indulgent breakfast-for-dinner meal.

What to Pair With Breakfast Poutine

Because breakfast poutine is so rich and flavorful, pairing it with lighter sides or beverages can offer balance. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit salad: Offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the poutine.

• Sparkling water or fresh juice: Citrus juices like orange or grapefruit cleanse the palate.

• Coffee or espresso: The bitterness cuts through the creamy elements, enhancing the overall experience.

• Mimosas or Bloody Marys: If you’re hosting brunch, these classic cocktails complement the dish’s indulgence.

Keeping the accompanying items light and fresh ensures that the poutine remains the focal point of the meal without overwhelming the senses.

Tips for Making the Perfect Breakfast Poutine

While the dish may seem elaborate, it’s very manageable with a bit of planning. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success:

• Use high-quality cheese curds: Fresh cheese curds melt slightly and retain their “squeak” a hallmark of authenticity.

• Master your hollandaise: Whisk continuously while slowly adding the melted butter to avoid curdling. If it becomes too thick, a splash of warm water can help loosen it.

• Poach eggs just right: Use fresh eggs and add vinegar to the water to help the whites coagulate. Don’t skip the gentle simmer boiling water will break the eggs apart.

• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. The contrast between hot fries and melted curds is part of the experience.

Health Considerations and Balance

While this recipe is undeniably rich, it’s okay to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle. You can make adjustments to suit dietary needs:

• Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives.

• Make hollandaise with ghee or plant-based butter for dairy sensitivities.

• Use sweet potato fries for added nutrients and a unique twist.

• Control portion sizes and pair with high-fiber or high-protein sides.

Making the dish at home also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and avoid excess sodium, preservatives, or hidden additives common in restaurant versions.

Conclusion:

Breakfast Poutine with Hollandaise Sauce is more than just a meal it’s a brunch experience that combines texture, flavor, and indulgence in every bite. This creative twist on a Canadian classic celebrates everything we love about breakfast: crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, rich eggs, and a creamy, buttery sauce that takes it all to the next level.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday brunch with friends, cooking for a special occasion, or just treating yourself, this dish offers both familiarity and a bit of culinary flair. It encourages experimentation while staying true to its comforting roots.