The Cozy Cookbook is here! 
Learn everything you need to know to make Authentic, Canadian Poutine right at home! From what cheese to use, to the easy brown gravy recipe, and even homemade french fries, it’s all here!
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! (By the way, I know how to make McDonald’s French Fries at home too.😁)
Since we only visited Canada once or twice a year and couldn’t get Poutine in the US at that time, we got pretty good at making it ourselves at home, and I am more than happy to show you the ropes, my friend!
What is Poutine
Poutine is French Fries that are topped with cheese curds and brown 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 “Poo-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. You can bake them or fry them.
If you’re short on time, frozen French fries also work well, and can also be baked or fried.
2. Cheese Curds
One the fries are cooked, they’re laid out on a baking sheet and sprinkled with cheese curds and baked until the cheese is warm and melted.
Where to buy cheese curds.
Cheese curds would be located where the high-quality cheese is, typically in a refrigerated area near the produce section.
Cheese Curd Substitute:
A block of low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes is the best substitute and melts much better than a package of shredded cheese.
3. Beef Gravy
My homemade brown gravy recipe takes just 10 minutes and tastes just like the classic beef gravy that is served with authentic Poutine in Canada.
These are the poutine gravy packets that we used to stash up on in Canada, but I like my homemade recipe even better.
The gravy is heated separately and drizzled over the French Fries and cheese after they’ve been baked.
Prefer to use Chicken or Mushroom Gravy?! I’ve got those too!
Reheating
Yes. To reheat poutine, place it on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 300° oven just until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Poutine
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Poutine
Ingredients
- 1 batch homemade French Fries, or a 28 z. bag of frozen fries
- 6 oz. cheese curds or cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1 batch homemade brown gravy, or use a packet
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Prepare the French Fries
- I recommend making my homemade French fries. Otherwise frozen French fries can be baked per package instructions, or fried as follows:
- Heat oil to 300 degrees in a deep fryer or dutch ovenTIP: Using a candy/deep frying thermometer makes it easy to tell when the oil is ready.
- Add the fries to the oil in batches, don’t overcrowd them. Fry for about 5 minutes, then place them on a paper towel lined plate. This is enough to cook them through without browning the outside yet and is the best method for extra crispy fries.
- Increase heat to 400 degrees and fry in batches a second time, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside. Place on paper towels.
Add the Cheese and Bake
- 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.
Prepare the Gravy
- This recipe for homemade beef gravy is perfect for Poutine and takes just 10 minutes. Otherwise, prepare a packet according to package instructions. You can also make my easy Chicken Gravy recipe.
- Drizzle the gravy over the fries and serve immediately!
I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but you can’t buy cheese curds in my area, so when making poutine I use string cheese cut into bite-sized pieces. It works pretty well. I’ll try this recipe in late September and leave a review.
can’t wait for you to try it Ken, enjoy!
Do I fully cook the frozen fries before adding the mozzarella cheese and then bake some more to melt the cheese?
I’ve had some amazing poutine on my vacations but have yet to find a good place close to home, so I want to try and make my own
Hi Benjamin, yes, you’ll want to cook the fries first and then proceed with adding the cheese! 🙂 Enjoy!!
Can poutine be made day ahead in bulk then reheated and served with the gravy?
Hi Heather, my homemade French Fries recipe outlines make-ahead instructions. You can also make the brown gravy ahead of time and reheat as follows: “Spoon the gravy into an unheated skillet and let it slowly come up to temperature over low heat. The increased surface area in the skillet (vs. a small pot), will help it reheat and thicken up best. Keep that temperature low the whole time.”
Very exact instructions! I will this dish for sure!! Thanks.
You’re very welcome! I can’t wait for you to try it. Enjoy!😍