Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s comfort food at its peak: crispy fries, gooey cheese, rich gravy, plus extra toppings for flavor and texture.
You can customize it to fit what you like or have on hand (meats, veggies, sauces).
Great for gatherings, game‑nights, or whenever you want something hearty and crowd‑pleasing.
While decadent, it’s simple to assemble if you prepare components in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French fries (fresh cut or frozen)
Cheese curds (or fresh, squeaky cheese)
Brown gravy (beef, chicken, or mixed)
Bacon, cooked & crumbled
Pulled pork or other meat (optional)
Green onions or chives
Sautéed onions or shallots (optional)
Garlic (optional in gravy or toppings)
Black pepper, salt
Optional: sour cream, hot sauce, herbs, extra cheese

Directions

Prepare the fries: Cook your fries until golden and crispy. If using fresh potatoes, cut and either deep fry or bake (or air‑fry) them. If using frozen fries, follow package instructions, crisp them up especially.
Cook any meat or toppings: Fry bacon until crisp. If using pulled pork (or another meat), heat or reheat it. Sauté onions/shallots/garlic if using.
Make the gravy: Melt butter, stir in flour to make a roux until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in stock (beef, chicken, or combination), season with salt, pepper, and any extras (Worcestershire, garlic, onion, etc.). Simmer until thickened.
Assemble the loaded poutine: Place hot fries on a plate or shallow bowl. Sprinkle cheese curds evenly over fries. Add meat/toppings. Pour hot gravy over everything so it melts the cheese curds.
Finish: Garnish with green onions or chives, and any optional extras like sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve immediately while hot so cheese is melty and fries retain some crispness.

Servings and timing

Servings: Usually 4‑6 people (depending on portion size and how loaded you make it)
Prep time: ~ 15‑20 minutes (more if cutting and frying potatoes or preparing meat in advance)
Cook time: ~ 20‑30 minutes (includes frying/baking fries + preparing gravy + toppings)
Total time: ~ 35‑50 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Because this dish loses its texture once it sits, if you have leftovers, store the components separately—fries, gravy, toppings, etc. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 2‑3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gravy on stove; reheat toppings (meats, bacon) separately. For fries, re‑crisp them in oven or air‑fryer rather than microwave to restore crunch. Once everything is warm, assemble again just before serving.

FAQs

What makes poutine “loaded”?

“Loaded” means adding extra toppings beyond the traditional fries + cheese curds + gravy. Common additions are bacon, pulled pork, extra cheese types, green onions, sautéed onions, and sometimes sour cream or spicy sauces.

Can I use something other than cheese curds?

Yes, if you can’t find fresh cheese curds, you can use small chunks of a mild, melty cheese (mozzarella or young cheddar). The texture and squeak will be different, but the dish will still be delicious.

Is baked fries okay instead of fried?

Absolutely. Baking or using an air fryer works well, especially if you toss fries in oil and give them time to crisp. It might not be quite the same as deep‑fried in texture, but it’s a good trade‑off for less mess and less oil.

What type of gravy works best?

Beef gravy is traditional, but chicken or mixed (beef + chicken) gravies also work. Flavor enhancements like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, or even a dash of vinegar can add depth.

My gravy is too thin—what do I do?

Make a slurry with a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water, then whisk it into the gravy over heat until it thickens. Alternatively, reduce it by simmering longer.

How to prevent fries from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after assembly. Also, cook fries to be as crispy as possible. If storing, keep fries separate and re‑crisp them before assembling.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapeños, onions are all great. Fresh herbs help too. They add flavor, color, and balance the richness.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetarian gravy and skipping meat toppings. Use vegetable stock, mushrooms for richness, and non‑animal based alternatives for extra protein if desired.

Can I make it spicier?

Definitely. Add chili flakes, jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy gravy. You can also use spicy bacon or a peppery meat topping.

How many calories / is it very heavy?

Loaded Poutine is indulgent: lots of fat (from cheese, gravy, meat), starch (fries), and calories. It’s not a light dish. Best enjoyed as a treat or shared among several people rather than daily fare.

Conclusion

Loaded Poutine is a gloriously over‑the‑top take on a beloved Canadian comfort classic. With crispy fries, melty cheese curds, rich gravy, and whatever delicious toppings you like, it hits your cravings for richness, savagely satisfying flavour, and comfort. If you try making this at home, the key is timing (so nothing gets soggy) and balancing the salty, creamy, and crispy elements. It might be messy—but that’s part of the fun.

Loaded Poutine

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Lasagna Soup is a cozy, one-pot dish that brings together all the flavors of traditional lasagna—rich tomato broth, tender pasta, hearty meat, and melty cheese—in a comforting and easy-to-make soup.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, season ricotta cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a scoop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Store soup and cheese toppings separately for best texture when reheating.
Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone at the end.
Cook noodles separately if planning to store for several days to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg