Authentic Canadian Poutine

Authentic Canadian Poutine covers crispy double-fried French fries with homemade beef gravy and cheese curds for a savory cheesy appetizer!

Bite into another deliciously cheesy recipe by trying my 6-ingredient Cheesy Corn Casserole or Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Dip that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

This Authentic Canadian Poutine has an easy-to-make gravy from scratch that fills this side or appetizer with savory beef flavor! Stack your fork with a bite and watch the melted cheese stretch as you take the first mouthwatering bite that will hook you to this recipe!

One of my secrets to making sure this poutine comes out amazing every time? Double fried French fries! It’s an important step you don’t want to skip because it gives the fries an extra crispy layer so that when you pour the gravy over top, they don’t become soggy!

What is Poutine?

It’s a popular dish that emerged in Quebec, Canada in the late 1950s. It’s traditionally made with French fries, beef gravy, and cheese curds.

In Quebec, the word poutine is slang for ‘mess’. And this dish lives up to that word with its melty cheesy and gravy mixture! But it’s a messy dish that my family and I are more than happy to eat up!

Ingredient Notes

This Poutine Recipe has three parts; gravy, French fries, and cheese curds. I like using seasoned frozen French fries when I make poutine but feel free to grab what you like!

Once the French fries are double deep-fried in vegetable oil they get covered in cheddar cheese curds. Then to finish this appetizer off, homemade gravy gets poured over the top!

The poutine gravy is made using chicken broth, cornstarch, salted butter, flour, beef broth, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and then salted to taste. The heat from the gravy and French fries allows the white cheese curds to melt to delicious perfection!

How To Make Authentic Candian Poutine

1. Whisk together the cornstarch into the chicken broth until there are no lumps. Set it aside.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Then whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
3. Gradually add the beef broth, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Whisk in the chicken broth and cornstarch mixture and allow it to come to a boil.
4. Simmer uncovered until the gravy has reached your desired thickness. Add salt to taste.
5. Heat the oil in a wide saucepan or deep fryer, then deep fry the french fries. Remove the fries and allow them to cool and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Fry the french fries for a second time.
7. Assemble the poutine by placing the double-fried french fries in a serving dish, sprinkle on cheddar cheese curds, and then pour the hot gravy over the top. Stir it lightly with tongs if desired, enjoy immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Store:

Leftovers may be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fries will get soggy over time, so this dish is best reheated in the air fryer.

I can’t find cheese curds – what could I use in place of them? 

The closest thing would be to use small chunks of block mozzarella cheese. This will not have the same squeaky texture as cheese curds, but the flavor will be similar.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you could make it and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. But once you put it on the fries and curds it is best served immediately.

Could I just use the air fryer or oven to cook the fries? 

Yes, both of these methods will work. For both methods, you will want to spray the fries lightly with cooking oil before cooking and lightly salt them when done. In the air fryer, frozen fries should bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping them at the halfway point. Bake them in the oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Is there meat that goes especially well with poutine? 

Yes! Try adding pulled pork! Shredded roast chicken goes well, too.

What could I use to deep fry, besides vegetable oil? 

You could use peanut oil, canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. You must use oil with a high smoking point. 

Where can I find cheese curds? 

You should be able to find them in the deli section with specialty cheeses.

As a vegetarian, what could I substitute? 

Poutine is also really delicious when made with mushroom gravy.

One of the best parts of this Authentic Canadian Poutine is the crispy, double-fried French fries! Here are more crispy crunchy deep-fried recipes that I think you’ll love biting into as well!

• Homemade French Fries (Double Fried) – Beautiful, crisp golden brown french fries made from scratch that hit your table in under 35 minutes!
• Mini Corn Dogs – Tender beef hot dogs rolled in a sweet, cornmeal batter then deep-fried to a light crispy!
• Nail-Biter Chicken Fingers – Chicken breaded with honey barbecue potatoes chips and panko bread crumbs then pan-fried and dipped in sriracha ketchup!
• Beer Battered Fried Fish (Fish & Chips Recipe) – Flaky, fresh fillets hand-dipped in a homemade beer batter then deep-fried to crispy perfection and served with double-fried french fries!
• Korean Corndogs with Korean Ketchup – Made with hot dogs, batter, and chopped-up crinkle-cut french fries for a food truck staple that’s ready in under 25 minutes!

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

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