Poutine

Craving comfort food? Try this classic Poutine recipe, featuring crispy homemade French fries, rich brown gravy, and gooey cheese curds. A true Canadian favorite, poutine is the ultimate indulgent dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side dish, or main course, this easy poutine recipe will satisfy your taste buds with its savory, cheesy goodness. You can customize it with your favorite fries, gravy, and cheese options for a twist on this classic dish. Learn how to make the best poutine at home, and enjoy a mouthwatering treat your whole family will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 batch homemade French fries (or a 28 oz bag of frozen fries)
• 6 oz cheese curds (or cubed mozzarella cheese)
• 1 batch homemade brown gravy (or a packet of instant gravy)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the French Fries
   If you’re making homemade fries, follow your preferred recipe. Alternatively, if using frozen fries, bake according to the package instructions or fry them:
   • Heat oil to 300°F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
   • Tip: Use a candy/deep frying thermometer to check the oil temperature.
   • Fry the fries in batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 5 minutes, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This step cooks the fries through without browning the outside, ensuring extra crispiness.
   • Increase the oil temperature to 400°F and fry the fries in batches again until they are golden brown and crispy. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Add the Cheese and Bake
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Arrange the fried fries on a baking sheet and sprinkle the cheese curds or cubed mozzarella evenly on top.
   • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Prepare the Gravy
   • For homemade beef gravy, follow your favorite recipe (this one takes about 10 minutes). Alternatively, prepare a packet of gravy according to package instructions, or make an easy chicken gravy.
4. Assemble and Serve
   • Drizzle the hot gravy over the fries and cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness of this Canadian classic!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Poutine is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy French fries, gooey cheese curds, and rich, savory gravy. This indulgent dish is quick and easy to make, with the option to customize the fries and gravy to your liking. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something warm, cheesy, and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or as a side dish for your favorite comfort meals, this poutine recipe will become a family favorite.

Tips

• Frying Tip: To achieve extra crispy fries, fry them in two stages. The first fry cooks the potatoes through, and the second fry makes them golden and crispy.
• Gravy Options: If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can make chicken or turkey gravy instead of the traditional beef gravy.
• Cheese: Cheese curds are traditional, but if you can’t find them, cubed mozzarella works just as well.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable gravy for a vegetarian-friendly version of poutine.
• Loaded Poutine: Add extras like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even pulled pork for a more decadent dish.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a twist on the classic, try using sweet potato fries instead of regular fries.

FAQs

Can I make the fries ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the fries in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then add the cheese and gravy.

What if I can’t find cheese curds?
If cheese curds aren’t available, you can use cubed mozzarella or even cheddar cheese as a substitute. However, the texture and flavor of cheese curds are what make poutine special.

Can I use store-bought gravy?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought gravy works perfectly fine. Just heat it up and pour it over the fries and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Poutine is hearty enough to be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish with burgers, roasted chicken, or steaks. It also makes a great snack or appetizer at parties. Pair it with a cold drink like a beer, soda, or sparkling water for a perfect indulgent treat.