Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready for a burger experience that’s truly over the top, combining the best of two comfort food worlds. Today, we’re diving into the glorious Poutine Bacon Burger! Imagine a juicy beef patty, topped with squeaky cheese curds, crispy bacon, and rich, savory gravy, all nestled in a soft bun. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a decadent, flavor-packed celebration of all things delicious and comforting, inspired by Canada’s beloved poutine!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it takes two ultimate comfort foods – a classic burger and the indulgent poutine – and combines them into one epic meal. The interplay of textures and flavors is what makes this burger truly special: the tender beef, the salty crunch of bacon, the unique “squeak” and melt of the cheese curds, and that rich, savory gravy tying it all together. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in, a game day feast, or any time you’re craving something truly extraordinary. If you’re a fan of rich, savory comfort food, you might also enjoy my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo, my favorite bowl of Southern comfort!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your incredible Poutine Bacon Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is great for juicy burgers)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 cup cheese curds (fresh, squeaky curds are best!)
- 2 cups french fries (frozen, or homemade)
- 1/2 cup gravy (beef or chicken gravy, homemade or store-bought)
- 4 burger buns
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork for the patties.
- Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. This adds a crucial textural contrast to the soft ingredients.
- Cheese Curds: Fresh, “squeaky” cheese curds are ideal for authentic poutine flavor and melt. If you can’t find them, mozzarella (shredded or diced) is a decent substitute, though the texture won’t be quite the same.
- French Fries: While the recipe suggests serving the burger with a side of fries, you could absolutely put a small handful of fries inside the burger as well for extra poutine authenticity! Any type of fry (straight-cut, crinkle-cut, waffle) will work.
- Gravy: Use a good quality beef gravy or chicken gravy. Ensure it’s warm and pourable but not too thin. You can use homemade or a good store-bought variety.
- Buns: Brioche or potato buns are excellent choices for their softness and ability to absorb some of the delicious gravy.
- Optional Additions: For extra richness, you could caramelize some onions to add to the burger. A dash of Worcestershire sauce in the burger patty mixture can also enhance the savory flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare Burger Patties: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat. In a bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Gently form the beef into 4 equally sized burger patties.
- Cook the Bacon: In a separate skillet, cook the 4 slices of bacon over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the seasoned burger patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your desired level of doneness.
- Cook the French Fries: While the burgers are cooking, prepare the french fries according to package instructions (baking or frying) until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep them warm.
- Warm the Gravy: Gently heat the gravy in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s warm and ready to serve.
- Assemble the Burgers: Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to assemble your Poutine Bacon Burgers!
- Place the bottom half of each burger bun on your serving plate.
- Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom bun.
- Generously top the patty with a handful of cheese curds. The heat from the burger will help them soften.
- Add a slice of the crispy bacon on top of the cheese curds.
- Spoon a generous amount of warm gravy over the bacon and cheese curds, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Serve: Place the top half of the bun on the burger. Serve the Poutine Bacon Burgers hot, alongside a side of the crispy french fries (if not already included in the burger). Enjoy this indulgent and delicious creation!
Tips for Success
- Fresh Cheese Curds: For that authentic poutine “squeak,” use the freshest cheese curds you can find. They’ll soften beautifully but retain some texture.
- Hot Gravy: Ensure the gravy is piping hot when added to the burger; its heat helps melt the cheese curds.
- Crispy Bacon: The crunch of the bacon provides a necessary contrast to the soft and gooey elements.
- Don’t Overcook Fries: Follow package instructions for crispy fries, as soggy fries won’t contribute well to the “poutine” experience.
- Serve Immediately: This burger is best enjoyed right away, when everything is hot, the cheese is melting, and the fries (if on the side) are crisp.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Poutine Bacon Burger is incredibly rich and satisfying, often serving as a complete meal. For additional sides, keep it simple with a light green salad to cut through the richness, or some extra plain crispy fries if you didn’t put them on the burger. For other cheesy, comforting party options, you might like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter or my incredible Beer Cheese Dip that disappears in minutes. For drinks, a cold beer, a classic root beer, or even a simple glass of water would be good choices to balance the rich flavors.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is truly best enjoyed fresh. The combination of hot gravy, cheese curds, and a burger patty will make the bun soggy if stored for too long. Individual components like cooked bacon, cooked burger patties, and gravy can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat patties and gravy gently, cook fries fresh, and then assemble just before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the indulgent and unique twist of this Poutine Bacon Burger, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another amazing cheesy, crowd-pleasing dip, check out my Crockpot Nacho Dip that always disappears!
- And if you’re looking for another quick and easy meal that feeds a crowd, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a huge hit!
Final Thoughts
The Poutine Bacon Burger is a bold and incredibly satisfying creation that brings together the best of two comfort food legends. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a fun way to enjoy a true indulgence. Get ready to experience a burger that delivers on every level of deliciousness!
I hope you give this unique burger a try! What are your favorite comfort food mashups? Share your ideas and culinary adventures in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy cooking!
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