If you love crispy fries, rich brown gravy, and gooey cheese curds, then homemade poutine is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This iconic Canadian dish is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates indulgent, savory goodness.
Why You'll Love This Canadian Classic
- Crispy and Cheesy. Golden fries smothered in melty cheese curds and rich, savory gravy.
- Easy to Make. Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable. Adjust the toppings or gravy to your liking.
- Authentic Flavor. Tastes just like the real thing from Canada’s best diners.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this Quebec classic right in your own kitchen. Whether you're serving it as a snack, side dish, or hearty meal, this homemade poutine recipe will deliver restaurant-quality results every time.
What Is Poutine?
Poutine is a Canadian classic that originated in Quebec in the late 1950s. This dish features a simple yet irresistible combination of crispy French fries, fresh cheese curds, and hot brown gravy. The result is a rich, gooey, and satisfying dish that has gained popularity worldwide.
What Does Poutine Taste Like?
Authentic poutine is all about the balance of textures—crispy fries, slightly melted cheese curds, and smooth, flavorful gravy. It’s a must-try for any comfort food lover.
Ingredients You'll Need
For The Fries
- Russet potatoes- Russet potatoes are ideal for fries because they have a high starch content and a crispy exterior when cooked, while staying fluffy inside.
- Vegetable oil- Helps the fries become crispy and golden brown in the oven or fryer.
- Salt- Enhances the flavor of the fries, preventing them from tasting bland.
- Black pepper- Adds a subtle warmth and mild spice to the fries.
Gravy
- Unsalted butter- Forms the base of the roux, which thickens the gravy and adds richness.
- All-purpose flour- Combines with the butter to create a smooth, thickening agent, giving the gravy the perfect consistency.
- Beef broth- Provides a deep, savory flavor and a rich brown color to the gravy.
- Worcestershire sauce- Adds umami depth and a slight tang to enhance the overall taste of the gravy.
- Onion powder- Infuses the gravy with a subtle savory sweetness, mimicking the taste of caramelized onions.
- Garlic powder- Adds a mild garlicky flavor, complementing the other seasonings in the gravy.
- Salt- Ensures the gravy is well-seasoned, bringing out the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Black pepper- Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the gravy.
The Toppings
- Fresh cheese curds- The star of poutine. These mild, slightly salty, and squeaky cheese curds soften under the hot gravy without fully melting, giving poutine its signature texture.
- Parsley- Adds a touch of color and freshness to contrast the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
Each ingredient is essential in creating an authentic, flavorful, and satisfying homemade poutine that rivals any diner or restaurant version.
How To Make Homemade Poutine
- Prepare the Fries. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Poutine. Place the hot fries on a serving plate or dish. Sprinkle cheese curds evenly over the fries. Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to soften slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips And Tricks
Making homemade poutine is simple, but a few key techniques will take it from good to restaurant-quality. From achieving crispy fries to crafting a rich, smooth gravy, these expert tips will help you make the best poutine at home:
- Use Fresh Cheese Curds. For the most authentic taste, use fresh white cheddar cheese curds. They should be slightly soft and squeaky when you bite into them.
- Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness. If deep-frying, fry the potatoes once at 325°F, then again at 375°F for ultra-crispy fries.
- Keep the Gravy Hot. Pour the gravy over the fries while it's piping hot to help melt the cheese curds slightly.
- Homemade vs. Frozen Fries. Homemade fries taste best, but frozen fries work well for a quicker version.
Variations
Classic poutine is made with crispy fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy, but there are countless delicious variations to try. Whether you want to add protein, spice things up, or give it a gourmet twist, these poutine variations will take this Canadian comfort food to the next level:
- Loaded- Add crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spicy- Mix hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the gravy for a fiery kick.
- BBQ- Swap out the brown gravy for BBQ sauce and add shredded pulled pork for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.
- Breakfast- Top with a fried egg and crumbled sausage for a hearty morning meal.
What To Eat With Homemade Poutine
Homemade poutine is a rich, indulgent dish, making it perfect as a main course or a side. To balance its savory, cheesy, and crispy flavors, pair it with dishes that add freshness, acidity, or protein. Here are the best foods to serve with IT:
- Burgers- A classic pairing for a hearty meal.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders- Great for dipping into the leftover gravy.
- Coleslaw- A light and crunchy contrast to the rich dish.
- Grilled Sausages- Serve alongside for a protein boost.
How Long Does It Last?
Homemade poutine is best enjoyed immediately while the fries are hot and crispy, the cheese curds are slightly melted, and the gravy is rich and warm.
However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing poutine is not recommended, as the fries tend to become mushy when thawed, and the cheese curds lose their signature squeaky texture.
If you want to prep poutine in advance, consider making the fries and gravy separately and assembling them just before serving.
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Ingredients
For The Fries
- 4 Russet Potatoes, cut into fries
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Homemade Gravy
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups Cheese Curds
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cut potatoes with vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Poutine. Place the hot fries on a serving plate or dish. Sprinkle cheese curds evenly over the fries. Pour the hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to soften slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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