Poutine
Learn everything you need to know to make Authentic, Canadian Poutine right at home! From what cheese to use, to the easy gravy recipe, and even homemade fries, it’s all here!
Try my Lemon Pepper Wings next!
Being that my mom was born and raised in Canada, it’s probably no surprise that Poutine is near and dear to my heart. It was one of the top-5 best things about visiting Canada each year. They even have it at McDonald’s over there! Thankfully, it’s finally making appearances at restaurants in the US, and I don’t know a single person that isn’t happy about it.
Since we only visited Canada once or twice a year and couldn’t get Poutine at home, we got pretty good at making it ourselves at home, and I am more than happy to tell you everything that you need to know to do the same!
What is Poutine
Poutine is French Fries that are topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Variations can also include the following:
- Pulled Pork
- Duck
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Mushroom Gravy
- Bacon
- Avocado
Where Did Poutine Originate
Poutine originated in Quebec, although there are varying stories as to how. One such story is that a customer requested that cheese curds be added to their French Fries at a restaurant called Le Lutin qui rit.
Poutine Pronunciation
“Pu-tsin” is really the correct pronunciation of the word, not “Pou-teen”.
Why is it Called Poutine
“Poutine” is Quebec slang for “a mess”.
How to Make Poutine:
1. French Fries
Make homemade French fries if at all possible, they are golden, crispy, and perfect.
If you’re strapped for time, frozen French fries work perfectly. They can be baked or fried, though I highly recommend frying them twice for the best result.
2. What Cheese is Used for Poutine?
One the fries are cooked, they’re laid out on a baking sheet and sprinkled with cheese curds. My local grocery store has these in the same section as the fancier, more expensive cheeses that are aged or of higher quality.
A good substitute for cheese curds is a log of whole milk, low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes.
3. What is Poutine Gravy Made Of?
In short, thick beef gravy.
I am lucky enough to have a stash of poutine gravy packets at home from our trips to Canada, however my recommendation for the next best thing could be McCormick Brown Gravy.
The gravy is heated separately and drizzled over the French fries and cheese after they’ve been baked.
Can Poutine Be Reheated
Yes. To reheat poutine, place it on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 300 degree oven just until warmed through, about 10 minutes. 
Try These Next!
- Baked Potato Slices
- Cowboy Queso
- Copycat Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Bacon Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball
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Homemade Poutine
Ingredients
- 28 oz. frozen French fries, OR
- a batch of homemade fries
- 6 oz. cheese curds, can sub 6 oz. whole milk, low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 packet gravy mix
- Vegetable oil, optional, use if frying
- Fresh thyme, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- See here on how to make homemade French fries.
- For frozen fries: If baking, bake the fries according to package instructions.
- For frying, heat the oil to 300 degrees in a deep fryer or dutch oven. You don’t want the fries to boil rapidly, but to lightly bubble just to cook them through.
- TIP: Using a candy/deep frying thermometer makes it easy to tell when the oil is ready.
- Add the fries to the oil in batches, you don’t want to overcrowd them. Fry for about 5 minutes, then place them on a paper towel lined plate.
- Repeat until all fries have been fried once.
- Increase heat to 400 degrees and fry in batches a second time, until they are a light golden brown.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Line the fries on a baking sheet and sprinkle the cheese on top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is just melted but not browned. You want them to retain their shape and color.
- Prepare the gravy according to package instructions and drizzle it over the baking sheet of fries and cheese.
- Use a spatula to remove and serve! Garnish with fresh thyme if desired!
Thank you for clearing up a lot of questions that I had about Poutine! We love making this recipe and even ordered those gravy packets too! Thank you!
I love this poutine recipe. Poutine is served in many restaurants in Canada, even McDonalds.