Poutine
Poutine is one of Canada’s notable dishes and some of the most delicious comfort food you’ll ever have.
This delightfully delicious dish smothers homemade French fries in cheese curds with a savory brown gravy sauce. The best!
What is Poutine?
A traditional poutine recipe is a bed of fries topped with cheese curds (not mozzarella cheese) and gravy.
Poutine is undoubtedly Canadian. This dish originated in Quebec in the 1950’s although, like many dishes, the true origin is debated with many restaurants claiming the dish. It is pronounced ‘poo-teen’ or ‘poo-tin’ in English or ‘poo-tsin’ in Quebec.
Now, different variations can be found throughout the country and there are all kinds of variations and even entire poutine restaurants! In Canada, poutine graces almost every menu and is served at fast-food restaurants too.
Why We Love It
- Poutine can be made with homemade fries that have been baked or deep-fried (or even store bought in a pinch).
- It’s full of crispy cheesy goodness.
- It can be customized with your own favorite toppings from caramelized onions to taco meat (although these are not traditional ingredients, it’s yummy).
- An inexpensive and easy recipe for any home cook and so much fun to eat!
Ingredients
FRIES: The sky is the limit here. Use oven fries, deep fry your own french fries, or make air fryer french fries (or even use frozen if you’re in a hurry).
If making homemade fries, choose starchy potatoes like russets so they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
SAUCE: Poutine is topped with a rich gravy which makes the cheese melty and delicious. We love the homemade gravy below but if you have leftover gravy (or even packaged) that works too!
CHEESE: Store-bought cheese curds are sold in bags and are often found in the deli area (and not always in the dairy case). If you don’t see them, ask at the store where they are.
Cheese curds are crumbles of cheese that have been separated from the whey and have a mild salty flavor. They won’t melt entirely in Poutine, instead, they add a chewy texture to the dish…and they squeak as you eat!
Variations
- Depending on where you are in Canada (or the US), poutine can come in different forms but always with the same three ingredients: fries, gravy/sauce, and cheese curds.
- Waffle fries, wedge fries, string fries, even tater tots, or sweet potato fries are sometimes used but good ol’ french fries are traditional.
- For a heartier Poutine, a topping of pulled pork, chopped bacon, ground sausage, or seasoned taco meat is an option.
- Squeaky cheese curds are used for poutine but can be hard to find depending on where you live. If you can’t get cheese curds you can substitute with cubes of very mild cheddar or mozzarella (although it is technically not poutine if not made with cheese curds, but cheese fries with gravy is delicious too).
How to Make Poutine
- Cut potatoes into equally sized pieces & soak in cold water.
- Season with oil, salt & pepper, & bake or air fry (per the recipe below).
- Cook onion in a skillet until tender. Add seasonings.
- Add beef broth & water, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
To Assemble and Serve
Assemble poutine by placing hot fries on a plate or even in a paper boat or bowl and top with cheese curds. Pour hot gravy over the top and serve immediately.
Tip: Ensure the fries and the gravy are really hot, this helps the cheese get melty.
Poutine Tips
- The air fryer will make French fries from fresh or frozen in minutes!
- Cheese curds are best served at room temperature so set them out while the rest of the dish is being prepared.
- Ensure the fries and the gravy are hot so the cheese curds get melty.
- Have lots of napkins on hand!
Our Fave French Fries
Did you make this homemade Poutine? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Poutine
Crispy fries are topped with cheese curds and smothered in a flavorful gravy to create this Canadian classic!
Brown Gravy
Fries
-
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Wash potatoes (peel if desired) and cut into ¼” fries.
-
Let potatoes soak in cold water in the sink or in a bowl for at least 30 minutes. Remove from water and dry very well.
-
Toss with oil and salt. Spread on the prepared pan in a single layer.
-
Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven up to 425°, stir, and cook fries until golden, about 20-25 minutes more.
Gravy
-
While fries are baking, cook onion in oil over medium heat until tender. Add garlic and seasonings. Cook for 2 minutes.
-
Add butter and stir until melted, add flour and cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly.
-
Add beef broth and 1 cup of water a bit at a time stirring after each addition until smooth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Strain through a mesh strainer.
Ensure the fries and the gravy are hot so the cheese curds get melty.
Short Cut Tips
- Fries can be cooked in the air fryer.
- Homemade fries can be replaced with frozen fries.
- Leftover gravy or packaged gravy can be used in place of homemade brown gravy.
Calories: 1108, Carbohydrates: 83g, Protein: 41g, Fat: 69g, Saturated Fat: 36g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 182mg, Sodium: 1542mg, Potassium: 1746mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 801IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 894mg, Iron: 5mg
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Keyword best Poutine recipe, how to make Poutine, Poutine, Poutine recipe
Course Appetizer, Party Food, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Canadian
