Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine: An Irresistible Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine offers a bold and exciting reinterpretation of the beloved Canadian classic (and please, our Canadian friends, forgive us for this delicious deviation from tradition!). This innovative dish features perfectly crispy waffle fries as its foundation, generously smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Instead of conventional cheese curds, it’s topped with the unique tang and heat of spicy pepper goat cheese, complemented by generous amounts of savory bacon. This recipe truly is where cherished old flavors boldly meet exciting new ones, culminating in every decadent, forkful of pure deliciousness. Get ready to experience a poutine revolution that combines comfort with a thrilling kick!
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Cypress Grove! While I was compensated and provided with product in exchange for this exciting collaboration, rest assured that all opinions and the delicious recipe shared here are entirely my own. Your support for the brands that champion Cake ‘n Knife is deeply appreciated!
Friends, I am absolutely thrilled to announce my triumphant return to the glorious, gravy-laden world of poutine! It’s been quite some time—actually, years—since I first graced the blog with that mind-blowing classic poutine recipe, which utterly captivated my senses with its comforting goodness. And then, about a year ago, I pushed the boundaries further with my Black Porter Chili Poutine, a dish so incredibly flavorful it was, to quote myself, “bomb diggity.” Each poutine creation has been more than just a recipe; it’s been a culinary adventure, an exploration into the endless possibilities of this iconic comfort food.
Since those delicious ventures, a persistent thought has lingered, a culinary siren call echoing in my mind: “How can I take poutine up another level?” This wasn’t merely about subtle modifications; it was about a complete reimagining, a quest to infuse new life and bold flavors into a dish already beloved by many. My goal was to create something that honored the soul of poutine – its satisfying warmth and decadent richness – while introducing unexpected elements that would elevate it to an entirely new gourmet experience. This pursuit for the next ultimate poutine has been a delightful obsession, guiding me towards a fusion of textures and taste profiles designed to surprise and deeply satisfy.
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While I’ve certainly mastered the art of smothering fries in luscious gravy and hearty chili, all delightfully adorned with traditional cheese curds, the true innovator within me felt a powerful pull to explore beyond these familiar confines. This time, I decided to depart significantly from the traditional poutine blueprint – well, mostly. The irreplaceable heart of any phenomenal poutine, the rich and savory gravy, remains largely untouched because, frankly, it’s sheer perfection. However, everything else underwent a complete transformation, becoming a fresh canvas for a new culinary masterpiece. I envisioned a poutine that would not only surprise and delight but also offer a sophisticated twist, delivering familiar comfort with an entirely novel and bold flavor profile. It needed to be impactful, memorable, and, above all, undeniably delicious, ensuring every element contributed to an elevated tasting experience.
The Secret Ingredient: Discovering Cypress Grove Cheese
So, from where did I draw my profound inspiration for this audacious culinary undertaking? The answer, unequivocally, stems from a single, extraordinary source: the artisanal excellence of Cypress Grove cheeses. My deep-seated admiration for Cypress Grove blossomed early in my food blogging journey. Like many enthusiastic home cooks and food lovers, I found myself utterly captivated by Jessica of How Sweet It Is (and honestly, my admiration borders on crazy fangirl status – no apologies needed!). It was her ingenious suggestion of topping avocado toast with Cypress Grove’s iconic Humboldt Fog that sent me scrambling out the door that very same day, determined to experience this culinary revelation for myself.
And holy YAS, was that a pivotal moment! Humboldt Fog was, and continues to be, among the finest cheeses I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. Its exquisite creaminess, the distinctive vein of edible ash, and its remarkably complex, earthy flavor profile instantly transformed me into a lifelong devotee. This initial, breathtaking discovery quickly propelled me into an obsessive quest to sample and savor every single cheese that Cypress Grove meticulously crafted. My profound obsession with their exceptional products is undeniably real and deeply rooted. Their unwavering commitment to unparalleled quality, innovative spirit, and dedication to crafting unique flavor combinations is simply unmatched, making them the quintessential partner for embarking on this truly groundbreaking and utterly delicious poutine adventure.
Introducing Sgt Pepper Cheese: The Ultimate Game Changer for Spicy Poutine
For this specific, revolutionary poutine recipe, the undeniable star of the show, gracefully stepping into the role typically held by classic cheese curds, is Cypress Grove’s absolutely magnificent Sgt Pepper goat cheese. This isn’t merely a substitution; it represents a significant, inspired upgrade, a bold culinary declaration that infuses every single bite with an incredibly vibrant punch of tangy and delightfully spicy flavors. Sgt Pepper is a fresh, creamy goat cheese meticulously blended with a dynamic quartet of peppers – vibrant red jalapeño, bright green jalapeño, fiery habanero, and sweet piquillo peppers. This carefully curated combination creates a complex, layered heat that is both exhilarating and profoundly delicious. The inherent creaminess and subtle tartness of the goat cheese masterfully provide a perfect, refreshing counterpoint to the peppers’ heat, ensuring an exquisitely balanced and truly exciting flavor profile that sets this poutine apart.
When this extraordinary cheese, cut into inviting 1/2-inch pieces, gently melts over the hot, crispy waffle fries and beautifully mingles with the rich, savory gravy and the irresistible smoky bacon, an alchemy of flavors and textures unfolds. The Sgt Pepper cheese doesn’t just passively melt; it actively integrates, becoming a luscious, creamy component that generously imparts its peppery notes and characteristic tangy brightness throughout the dish. Each and every forkful transcends a simple meal, transforming into a harmonious symphony of sensations: the deeply satisfying crunch of the expertly fried waffle fry, the comforting warmth and depth of the savory gravy, the salty, textural pleasure of the crispy bacon, and then, that thrilling, unexpected, yet utterly tantalizing kick from the spicy goat cheese. This dynamic interplay of flavors truly elevates the entire poutine experience, rendering it far more sophisticated, intriguing, and memorable than its more traditional counterparts. It’s a journey for your taste buds, from familiar comfort to an exciting, spicy frontier.
The Waffle Fry Advantage: Perfecting Your Poutine Base
Beyond the innovative cheese, the selection of waffle fries as the base for this poutine is a carefully considered choice that profoundly enhances the overall culinary experience. Waffle fries are not just visually appealing; their distinctive lattice-like structure is incredibly effective at creating more surface area, making them exceptionally adept at cradling and soaking up generous amounts of that rich, savory gravy. This unique design ensures that virtually every single bite delivers a perfectly balanced, maximum gravy-to-fry ratio, guaranteeing an explosion of flavor in every mouthful. In addition to their superior gravy-catching abilities, waffle fries boast a fantastic textural contrast. When prepared with a diligent double-frying technique, they achieve an unparalleled crispiness on the exterior, while retaining a delightfully fluffy and tender interior. This provides an exciting, satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the creamy, melted cheese and the smooth, warm gravy, adding another compelling layer of sensory delight to this already indulgent dish. Whether you choose to meticulously craft your own waffle fries from scratch using a mandoline – a truly rewarding endeavor for the dedicated chef – or opt for high-quality frozen ones for a more time-efficient preparation, the waffle fry base is crucial to the success of this extraordinary poutine.
Crafting the Perfect Spicy Gravy: The Soul of Your Poutine
No poutine, regardless of its innovative toppings, can truly be complete without an absolutely exceptional gravy. This recipe proudly features a gravy that masterfully balances a deep, comforting richness with a subtle, yet invigorating, spicy kick. The process begins with creating a classic roux, expertly made from melted unsalted butter and all-purpose flour, ensuring a velvety smooth and luxurious base. Finely minced garlic is then introduced, contributing an aromatic depth that forms the backbone of the gravy’s flavor. Rich beef stock provides the foundational savory notes, giving the gravy its hearty character. The addition of Worcestershire sauce is key, as it brings a complex umami layer that deepens the overall taste profile, while a hint of ketchup contributes a welcome touch of sweetness and a balancing acidity that brightens the entire composition. However, what truly distinguishes this gravy and elevates it to a perfect accompaniment is the thoughtful inclusion of chipotle powder. This secret ingredient infuses the gravy with a distinctive smoky aroma and a nuanced, mild heat that harmonizes exquisitely with the fiery kick of the Sgt Pepper cheese. This creates a cohesive and deeply satisfying flavor experience that ties all the elements of the poutine together seamlessly. Seasoned simply, yet effectively, with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, this gravy is meticulously designed to be the ultimate, irresistible companion to the crispy waffle fries and decadent, spicy toppings.
The Unbeatable Crunch of Bacon: Adding Savory Depth
Finally, to complete this symphony of flavors and textures, we introduce the utterly irresistible element of crispy bacon. Cooked until it reaches that perfect, golden-brown crispness and then expertly chopped into small, bite-sized pieces, the bacon plays a crucial role. It delivers a robust smoky flavor, a delightful salty edge, and a wonderfully textural component that elevates the entire poutine experience. Its savory notes don’t just exist in isolation; they significantly enhance the inherent richness of the gravy and perfectly complement the tangy, spicy notes of the Sgt Pepper cheese. Furthermore, the delightful crunch of the bacon provides an essential textural contrast to the soft, tender fries and the creamy, melted cheese, adding yet another layer of sensory pleasure to this indulgent dish. In this poutine, bacon isn’t merely a garnish or an afterthought; it is an indispensable and active player in the intricate tapestry of flavors and textures that defines this uniquely delicious and satisfying creation.
The Ultimate Indulgence: A Spicy Poutine Experience You Won’t Share
The thoughtful combination of these meticulously chosen elements — the perfectly crispy waffle fries, the rich and subtly spicy gravy, the intensely smoky and savory bacon, and the distinctive tangy heat of Cypress Grove’s Sgt Pepper cheese — converges to create a poutine that is truly in a league of its own. It’s not just a meal; it’s a gourmet experience designed to tantalize every aspect of your palate, offering profound comfort, exhilarating excitement, and a touch of sophisticated indulgence all within a single, harmonious dish. The complex interplay of textures and flavors ensures that each mouthful is as compelling as the last, making it incredibly difficult to resist. Indeed, you might very well find yourself utterly incapable of sharing even a single bite before you’ve voraciously devoured the entire portion yourself… And let me assure you, I would absolutely not judge you for such an understandable act of pure culinary devotion. You do you. 😉
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
- For achieving the perfect fry, whether you’re double-frying or simply keeping things warm, I consistently recommend my Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round French Oven. Its superior heat distribution and retention are ideal for deep frying and simmering savory gravies.
- To serve this magnificent mountain of deliciousness with both style and functionality, the Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet is my absolute top choice. It ensures your poutine stays warm from the first bite to the last, looking as good as it tastes.
- And of course, for the true, transformative star of the show, you absolutely must experience this incredible cheese for yourself: secure a Sgt. Pepper 4 oz. (4 pack) from Cypress Grove. It’s truly a game-changer for any cheese enthusiast and the heart of this unique poutine!
Don’t forget to Pin this irresistible Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine recipe to your favorite boards so you can easily find it whenever your next craving for an elevated comfort food strikes!
Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine
ingredients
- 4 lbs Russet potatoes washed and thoroughly dried, preferably organic for the best flavor and texture
- Canola oil for frying or another neutral-flavored, high smoke point oil such as vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter essential for creating a rich and flavorful roux base
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour to perfectly thicken the gravy to a velvety consistency
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced, for aromatic depth and savory notes
- 2 cups beef stock preferably low sodium, for a robust and savory foundation
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce adds a crucial layer of umami complexity and depth
- 1 Tbsp ketchup for a subtle touch of sweetness and balancing acidity
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder for a distinctive smoky aroma and a pleasant, mild heat that perfectly complements the cheese
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the gravy is perfectly seasoned
- 4 to 5 slices bacon cooked until wonderfully crispy, then chopped into small, delightful pieces
- 1 4 oz package Cypress Grove’s Sgt Pepper cheese cut into approximate 1/2-inch pieces, designed to melt beautifully into a creamy consistency
- Garnish: freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of freshness and appealing color
instructions
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Using a mandoline fitted with a waffle blade, carefully and uniformly cut the washed and thoroughly dried Russet potatoes into distinct waffle fries. As you cut them, immediately transfer them to a large bowl and completely submerge them in enough cold water to cover. Refrigerate these soaking potatoes for at least 1 hour, or ideally up to overnight. This crucial step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which is essential for achieving the ultimate, desirable crispiness when fried.
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While your waffle fries are chilling and releasing their starches, begin preparing the rich and flavorful gravy. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it reaches a lightly golden hue. Incorporate the finely minced garlic and continue to cook for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and has softened slightly. Gradually whisk in the beef stock, ensuring a smooth mixture, then stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle powder, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, and allow it to simmer until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency, which typically takes around 6 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and keep the gravy warm while you prepare the fries.
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For the first frying stage, pour enough canola oil (or your chosen high smoke point oil) into a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring it reaches a depth of approximately 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until its temperature registers 325°F (160°C) on a deep-fry thermometer. While the oil heats, thoroughly drain the chilled potatoes and meticulously dry them completely with paper towels. This step is absolutely critical to prevent oil splatter and guarantee maximum crispiness. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully fry the potatoes until they become tender throughout and just lightly crisp, usually taking about 3-5 minutes per batch. At this stage, they should be cooked through but not yet golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the partially fried fries to a plate generously lined with fresh paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow these fries to cool completely for at least 20 minutes; this crucial cooling period is what enables the magic of the double-frying technique for ultimate crispness.
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For the second and final frying stage, increase the heat to medium-high and allow the oil to reach a hotter temperature of 375°F (190°C). Return the cooled, partially fried potatoes to the hot oil, frying them again in the same small batches. This time, fry until they achieve a beautiful, deep golden brown color and become exceptionally crispy, which typically takes approximately 2 minutes per batch. Immediately remove the perfectly golden fries to a fresh paper towel-lined plate and generously sprinkle them with salt. For an extra, exciting kick that harmonizes with the spicy cheese, consider mixing a dash of cayenne pepper with your salt before sprinkling it over the hot fries!
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To assemble your spectacular Waffle Fry Spicy Pepper Bacon Poutine, transfer the piping hot, crispy waffle fries to a large skillet (such as the recommended Le Creuset skillet for optimal presentation and heat retention) or your favorite deep serving bowl. Generously pour the warm, spicy gravy evenly over the mound of fries. Without delay, sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon and the 1/2-inch pieces of Cypress Grove’s Sgt Pepper cheese over the top. The residual heat from the hot fries and warm gravy will gently melt the cheese into a creamy, luscious, and slightly gooey consistency. For a final flourish and a burst of fresh color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and prepare to indulge in an unforgettable, elevated poutine experience that will excite every taste bud!