A plate of hot french fries is topped with cheese curds and smothered in hot brown gravy. The gravy melts the cheese just a little bit for the most perfect dish. It’s a staple in Canada (and even served at McDonald’s) but there’s nothing like homemade poutine.
What is Poutine?
A traditional poutine recipe (pronounced ‘poo-teen’ or ‘poo-tin’ in English or ‘poo-tsin’ in Quebec), is a bed of fries topped with cheese curds (not mozzarella cheese) and gravy. Poutine is undoubtedly a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s, although, like many dishes, the true origin is debated. Different variations can be found throughout the country, and lots of poutine restaurants too! In Canada, poutine graces almost every menu, including fast food restaurants.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Poutine can be made with homemade French fries that have been baked or deep-fried (or even store-bought in a pinch). It’s full of crispy cheesy goodness smothered in brown gravy. It can be customized with your favorite toppings from caramelized onions to taco meat (although these are not traditional). It’s an inexpensive meal and so much fun to eat!
Ingredients
French Fries: 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. Poutine Gravy: The ‘sauce’ on poutine is a brown gravy that makes the cheese melty and delicious. I prefer a homemade beef gravy made with beef stock or broth but if you have leftover gravy (or even packaged) that works too! Cheese Curds: Cheese curds are crumbles of cheese that have been separated from the whey and have a mild salty flavor. While many people think they’re mozzarella, they’re actually young cheddar. Cheese curds will not melt entirely in Poutine; instead, they add a chewy texture to the dish…and they squeak as you eat! 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.
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.
Fries: Waffle fries, wedge fries, string fries, even tater tots, or sweet potato fries are sometimes used, but good ol’ french fries are traditional. Toppings: For a heartier Poutine, a topping of pulled pork, chopped bacon, ground sausage, or seasoned taco meat is an option. Cheese: 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
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. While it’s very controversial, I love adding ketchup when I serve them.
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!
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