Poutine Recipe

French fries: These are the crispy base of the dish, providing a satisfying crunch and a vehicle for the toppings.

Cheese curds: Fresh and slightly tangy, these curds add a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the gravy.

Beef gravy: Rich and savory, the gravy ties the dish together, coating the fries and melting the cheese curds for a deliciously indulgent experience.

To enhance the flavor of your poutine, consider making your own beef gravy from scratch. Start by browning some beef bones and vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery in a roasting pan. Once browned, transfer them to a pot, add water, and let it simmer for several hours to extract all the rich flavors. Strain the liquid and thicken it with a roux made from butter and flour. This homemade gravy will add a depth of flavor that elevates your poutine to a gourmet level.

• frozen french fries - Substitute with baked potato wedges: Baked potato wedges can provide a similar texture and taste while being a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries.

• frozen french fries - Substitute with sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a unique twist to the traditional poutine.

• cheese curds - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese can mimic the melty texture of cheese curds, though it lacks the characteristic squeak.

• cheese curds - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy flavor that can add a different dimension to the dish, though it will not melt in the same way.

• beef gravy - Substitute with mushroom gravy: Mushroom gravy is a vegetarian alternative that can offer a rich and savory flavor similar to beef gravy.

• beef gravy - Substitute with chicken gravy: Chicken gravy can be used for a lighter taste while still providing the necessary savory component to the poutine.

• Allow the poutine to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from making the fries soggy.

• Transfer the cooled poutine into an airtight container. If possible, use separate containers for the fries, cheese curds, and gravy to maintain their individual textures.

• If storing in the refrigerator, consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture. Reheat the fries in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness, and warm the gravy separately before assembling.

• For freezing, place the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Store the gravy in a separate freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The cheese curds can also be frozen, but note that their texture may change slightly upon thawing.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the fries in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy. Heat the gravy on the stovetop until hot, and allow the cheese curds to come to room temperature before assembling.

• Assemble the poutine by layering the reheated fries, room temperature cheese curds, and hot gravy. Serve immediately for the best experience.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover poutine evenly on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese curds from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are crispy and the gravy is hot.

• Use a skillet on medium heat. Add a little butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the poutine in the skillet, cover it with a lid, and let it heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to keep the cheese curds melty.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the poutine in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the poutine in the basket, ensuring it's spread out for even heating. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure the fries regain their crispiness.

• Oven: Used to cook the frozen french fries until they are crispy, following the package instructions.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading out the french fries evenly while they bake in the oven.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the beef gravy over medium heat until it is hot and ready to pour over the fries and cheese curds.

• Serving plate: A dish to arrange the cooked fries, cheese curds, and gravy for serving.

• Spatula: Handy for transferring the cooked fries from the baking sheet to the serving plate.

• Ladle: Useful for pouring the hot gravy evenly over the fries and cheese curds.

Preheat the oven: Use a preheated oven to cook french fries faster and more evenly.

Microwave the gravy: Heat the beef gravy in the microwave for quicker results instead of using a saucepan.

Use pre-cut cheese curds: Buy cheese curds that are already cut to save time on preparation.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of french fries at once if you're serving a crowd.

Serve immediately: Have everything ready to assemble so you can serve the poutine hot and fresh.