How to Make Poutine Fries at Home
Melty cheese curds, savory gravy, and crispy fries are the mouth-watering trio that make poutine. Originating in Quebec per the Canadian Encyclopedia and popular across the world, poutine is a dish enjoyed at restaurants of all types and at home. Check out these helpful tips for making poutine fries at home or just stop by your local Freddy’s to create poutine-inspired orders, using our fried cheese curds, fries and assorted sauces.
3 Tips for Making Poutine Fries at Home
It’s both exciting and a little nerve-wracking to try a new recipe. Although poutine fries seem simple with just three components, the best versions of this dish ensure that each part works in perfect harmony with the others. In addition to these poutine recipe ideas, here are 3 tips to set you up for success in making them at home!
1. Gather the right equipment.
Maybe this sounds familiar: You start making dinner. You go to the cupboard for a saucepan or the drawer for the peeler and, to your dismay, they’re not there. While having to wash a dish by hand is not necessarily the demise of your cooking endeavors, it can certainly be disruptive to the process. A little organization before you start making poutine fries helps avoid unnecessary troubleshooting and generally supports a more enjoyable cooking experience. Although poutine has just 3 main ingredients, there are additional kitchen equipment and tools that you may need:
Fries: The essentials for fry preparation vary based on personal preference and availability. Easier options include baking fries in the oven, as in this recipe from Spend with Pennies or using an air fryer. Pan-frying on the stovetop or using a deep fryer are additional possibilities. So, two of the options require specialty appliances or an enormous pot and thermometer for a deep fryer alternative. The other two require either a frying pan or a baking sheet and parchment paper. Other typical tools include a peeler, a knife and a cutting board, unless you have a fry cutter. Bowls, a slotted spoon, tongs, and paper towels also may be used in making poutine fries.
Cheese Curds: Unless you choose to make your own cheese curds as per this recipe from Allrecipes, the only tools you’ll need for this component might be scissors to get into the package or a knife, if you prefer smaller curd size.
Gravy: For this component, typical essentials include a saucepan, a spoon, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons.
2. Prepare your ingredients.
Learn more about traditional ingredients and their preparation, as well as alternatives to the three main components of poutine fries.
● Pick up a bag of frozen fries or Freddy’s fries, if you like the shoestring shape, to shorten your prep time. If you aren’t transforming existing french fries into poutine, the basic ingredients you’ll need are Russet potatoes (a good choice for more fries per potato), oil and salt. Can you use other potatoes? Sure, just know that these choices may impact the overall dish, such as its flavor and fry size. Clean the potatoes, peel, if you prefer, and cut into fry shape. The next steps and additional ingredients may vary by recipe and intended cooking approach.
● Opting for cheese curds from Freddy’s or a package from the store continues to make this component of your poutine fries the easiest one! Consider taking the cheese curds (or cubes of a more preferred cheese versus this traditional choice) out of the refrigerator prior to assembly. Taking the chill off of them better helps maintain the comforting warmth intended for the finished dish and the achievement of their cheesy gooeyness.
● Poutine gravy typically incorporates broth (often beef and chicken), butter, AP flour, cornstarch and seasonings. On the other hand, vegetable or mushroom stock, gluten-free flours or other ingredients may be used in other gravy variations. As with organizing your equipment, double-checking the ingredient list for your recipe prior to making your poutine fries helps ensure that you aren’t scrambling for a last-minute substitute!
3. Plan to serve and store.
Once the fries and gravy are ready, assembling poutine fries happens fast, so that everything is served hot, fresh and appropriately gooey in the case of the cheese curds. First, place golden fries onto a plate or into a bowl. Then, add the cheese curds (or cheese alternative) and finish with your preferred amount of gravy. If there are extra components left for future servings, store the fries, cheese and gravy in separate containers.
Need cheese curds or french fries for a snack or a time-saving tactic in making poutine fries at home? Just stop by the Freddy’s near you. You might also satisfy your french fry craving with our other menu items, such as our Cheese Fries which feature Freddy’s Shoestring Fries finished with a rich, creamy jalapeño cheese sauce. For an even heartier french fry dish, try our Chili Cheese Fries or pair your fries with a sandwich, steakburger and other menu favorites, such as the Freddy’s Original Double or an All-Beef Hot Dog! Remember to join Freddy’s Rewards to earn points with each order!