Canadian Poutine is a quintessential comfort food, with crispy fries, fresh cheese curds, and savory gravy—everything you need in a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty snack, a cozy dinner, or a side dish to share, this indulgent treat will not disappoint. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a Canadian classic that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food: Crispy fries topped with rich gravy and melty cheese curds is a flavor-packed combination.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, straightforward instructions—this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Indulgent yet satisfying: The crispy fries, creamy gravy, and cheese curds create a truly indulgent and filling meal.
- Customizable: You can tweak the gravy base (beef or chicken broth) and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, side dish, or main course for any casual gathering.
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, peeled and cut into fries
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cheese curds (preferably white cheddar)
directions
Prepare the Fries:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the potato strips in batches for about 3–4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the fries and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Immediately sprinkle with salt while they are still hot.
Prepare the Gravy:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, creating a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
- Gradually add the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Poutine:
- On a large serving plate, layer the crispy fries.
- Sprinkle the fresh cheese curds evenly over the fries.
- Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
Serve:
- Serve immediately while the gravy is hot and the cheese is melting. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 600 kcal
Variations
- Add meat: For a heartier dish, add cooked pulled pork, beef, or chicken on top of the fries before adding the gravy and cheese curds.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Cheese variety: While white cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with different cheese curds, such as mozzarella or Gouda, for a different flavor.
- Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
storage/reheating
Storage: Poutine is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the fries in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness. Heat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat until warmed, and assemble the poutine just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries for poutine?
Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience. Just follow the package instructions for frying or baking.
What if I can’t find cheese curds?
If you can’t find fresh cheese curds, you can use shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar as a substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove before serving.
Can I make poutine with sweet potatoes instead of regular fries?
Yes, sweet potato fries would make a great twist on traditional poutine, adding a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth for the gravy?
Yes, you can use chicken broth for a lighter flavor in the gravy.
Conclusion
Canadian Poutine is a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect for indulging in all its cheesy, gravy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or just a late-night snack, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Easy to make with simple ingredients, poutine is a truly satisfying meal that’s loved by many. Enjoy this Canadian classic in your own kitchen today!
PrintCanadian Poutine
A beloved Canadian comfort food, Poutine features crispy fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in rich, savory gravy. This indulgent dish is a true Canadian classic and perfect for a cozy meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cheese curds (preferably white cheddar)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the potato strips in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the fries and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Sprinkle with salt immediately after frying.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This will thicken the gravy.
- Gradually add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the soy sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the gravy for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- On a large serving plate, layer the crispy fries.
- Sprinkle the fresh cheese curds evenly over the fries.
- Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
- Serve the poutine immediately while the gravy is hot and the cheese is melting.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double fry the potatoes for a more golden texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit your taste.
- If fresh cheese curds aren’t available, you can substitute with shredded mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg