Homemade Poutine

This delightfully delicious dish smothers homemade French fries in cheese curds with a savory brown gravy sauce. The best!

What is Poutine?

A traditional poutine recipe is a bed of fries topped with cheese curds (not mozzarella cheese) and gravy.

Poutine is undoubtedly Canadian. This dish originated in Quebec in the 1950’s although, like many dishes, the true origin is debated with many restaurants claiming the dish. It is pronounced ‘poo-teen’ or ‘poo-tin’ in English or ‘poo-tsin’ in Quebec.

Now, different variations can be found throughout the country and there are all kinds of variations and even entire poutine restaurants! In Canada, poutine graces almost every menu and is served at fast-food restaurants too.

Why We Love It

Poutine can be made with homemade fries that have been baked or deep-fried (or even store bought in a pinch).
It’s full of crispy cheesy goodness.
It can be customized with your own favorite toppings from caramelized onions to taco meat (although these are not traditional ingredients, it’s yummy).
An inexpensive and easy recipe for any home cook and so much fun to eat!

Ingredients

FRIES: The sky is the limit here. 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.

SAUCE: Poutine is topped with a rich gravy which makes the cheese melty and delicious. We love the homemade gravy below but if you have leftover gravy (or even packaged) that works too!

CHEESE: 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.

Cheese curds are crumbles of cheese that have been separated from the whey and have a mild salty flavor. They won’t melt entirely in Poutine, instead, they add a chewy texture to the dish…and they squeak as you eat!

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.
Waffle fries, wedge fries, string fries, even tater tots, or sweet potato fries are sometimes used but good ol’ french fries are traditional.
For a heartier Poutine, a topping of pulled pork, chopped bacon, ground sausage, or seasoned taco meat is an option.
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

Cut potatoes into equally sized pieces & soak in cold water.
Season with oil, salt & pepper, & bake or air fry (per the recipe below).
Cook onion in a skillet until tender. Add seasonings.
Add beef broth & water, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.

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.

Tip: Ensure the fries and the gravy are really hot, this helps the cheese get melty.

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!

Our Fave French Fries

Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges – perfect for dipping
Homemade Tater Tots – oven or air fryer
Chili Cheese Fries – great for game day
Baked Sweet Potato Fries – only 4 ingredients
Air Fryer French Fries – so crispy & flavorful

Did you make this homemade Poutine? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!