Classic poutine is the ultimate Canadian comfort food, featuring crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and a rich, savory gravy. Originating from Quebec, this indulgent dish has gained popularity worldwide for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or main course, homemade poutine is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Taste – This recipe stays true to the classic Canadian poutine with fresh cheese curds and a flavorful homemade gravy.
- Crispy & Cheesy – Golden, crispy fries paired with melty cheese curds create a perfect contrast.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any home cook.
- Versatile – Customize with different gravies, toppings, or even protein additions.
- Crowd-Pleaser – A comforting dish that is always a hit at gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 1 ½ cups fresh cheese curds
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Fries: Toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
- Baking Method: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Frying Method: Deep-fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Poutine:
- Place the hot fries in a serving dish.
- Sprinkle cheese curds generously over the fries.
- Pour the hot gravy over everything, allowing the cheese to soften.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy immediately while warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Vegetarian Poutine: Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for a meat-free version.
- Loaded Poutine: Add crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spicy Poutine: Mix hot sauce into the gravy or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish.
- Gourmet Poutine: Use sweet potato fries or truffle-infused gravy for a unique twist.
- Cheese Swap: If cheese curds are unavailable, use mozzarella chunks as a substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fries, gravy, and cheese curds separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Fries: Reheat fries in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes or in an air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Reheating Gravy: Warm the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
- Assembling Again: Once reheated, assemble the poutine fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
1. What kind of cheese curds should I use for poutine?
Use fresh white cheddar cheese curds for the best texture and flavor. They should be soft but still squeaky when bitten into.
2. Can I make poutine with frozen fries?
Yes, for convenience, you can use high-quality frozen fries. Bake or fry them until crispy before assembling the poutine.
3. How do I make my fries extra crispy?
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying or baking. This removes excess starch and results in crispier fries.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella chunks or torn-up fresh mozzarella can be used as a substitute, though they won’t have the same squeaky texture as cheese curds.
5. Is there a gluten-free version of poutine?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
6. What’s the best way to serve poutine?
Serve poutine immediately after assembling, while the fries are hot and crispy, and the cheese is slightly melted from the gravy.
7. Can I prepare the gravy in advance?
Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
8. What’s the difference between American and Canadian poutine?
American versions often use shredded cheese, while authentic Canadian poutine uses fresh cheese curds, which provide a distinct squeaky texture.
9. Can I air fry the fries?
Yes, air-fry the fries at 380°F (195°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, for a crispy and healthier alternative.
10. Why isn’t my cheese melting?
Cheese curds are meant to soften, not fully melt. Pouring hot gravy over them will warm them up without making them too gooey.
Conclusion
Authentic Canadian poutine is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings together crispy fries, cheese curds, and a rich, flavorful gravy. Whether you make it for a quick snack, a side dish, or a hearty meal, this homemade version is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy this iconic comfort food at home!
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Authentic Canadian Poutine
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy golden fries, fresh squeaky cheese curds, and a rich, savory homemade gravy—this Authentic Canadian Poutine is a must-try comfort food! Perfect for satisfying cravings or celebrating Canadian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cheese curds
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fries:
- Toss potato fries with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway, or deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden and crispy.
-
Make the Gravy:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
-
Assemble the Poutine:
- Place hot fries in a serving dish.
- Top with fresh cheese curds.
- Pour hot gravy over everything.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before cooking.
- Use fresh cheese curds for the signature squeaky texture.
- Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
