Loaded Poutine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes the beloved elements of traditional poutine and amps them up with additional toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, and even pulled meats or sautéed vegetables. It’s incredibly satisfying, completely customizable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making it for game day, a casual dinner, or late-night cravings, loaded poutine is always a hit.

Ingredients

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

frozen or fresh-cut French fries
cheese curds (or chopped mozzarella if unavailable)
brown gravy (beef or mushroom-based)
cooked bacon, crumbled
green onions, sliced
optional toppings: pulled pork, ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, jalapeños
salt
pepper
oil for frying (if not using oven-baked fries)

Directions

1. Cook the fries according to package instructions or fry fresh-cut potatoes until golden and crispy. Season with salt.
2. While the fries are cooking, heat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until hot.
3. Prepare your toppings: cook and crumble bacon, slice green onions, and warm any additional toppings like pulled pork or sautéed vegetables.
4. Place the hot fries in a serving dish or plate.
5. Sprinkle cheese curds generously over the fries while they’re still hot.
6. Immediately pour hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the curds to soften and melt slightly.
7. Add your chosen toppings such as bacon, green onions, and more.
8. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish or 6 as a side.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Pulled pork poutine: Top with slow-cooked pulled pork for a smoky, meaty twist.
• Spicy poutine: Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or drizzle with hot sauce.
• Breakfast poutine: Add a fried egg or scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.
• Vegetarian version: Use mushroom gravy and skip the meat toppings.
• Loaded chili poutine: Swap the gravy for chili and add shredded cheese.
• Buffalo-style: Add shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles.
• Tex-Mex: Top with black beans, corn, jalapeños, and queso fresco.
• Greek-style: Use feta, tzatziki, olives, and seasoned lamb.
• BBQ style: Drizzle with BBQ sauce and top with brisket or pulled chicken.
• Sweet potato fries: Use sweet potato fries instead of regular for a sweet-savory combo.

Storage/Reheating

Poutine is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, spread the poutine on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the fries may lose their crispness. Add extra gravy to refresh the texture.

FAQs

What are cheese curds, and where can I find them?

Cheese curds are small, fresh chunks of curdled milk, known for their squeaky texture. Look for them in the deli or cheese section of your grocery store, or substitute with diced mozzarella.

Can I use store-bought gravy?

Yes, a good-quality store-bought gravy works well. You can also make your own for more control over flavor and consistency.

Do I need a deep fryer for the fries?

No, fries can be baked, air-fried, or deep-fried based on your preference. Just make sure they’re hot and crispy.

What’s the best type of fries to use?

Thick-cut fries or steak fries work best as they hold up well under the gravy and toppings. Curly fries or waffle fries are fun alternatives.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use a vegetarian or mushroom-based gravy and skip the meat toppings.

What meat goes best with loaded poutine?

Pulled pork, ground beef, grilled chicken, or even leftover brisket work wonderfully with the rich base of poutine.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes. Gravy can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat until piping hot before pouring over the fries.

How do I keep the fries crispy?

Make sure the fries are hot and crispy before assembling. Avoid letting them sit too long before adding gravy and toppings.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Poutine doesn’t freeze well due to the fries and cheese texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term leftovers.

What drinks pair well with loaded poutine?

Cold beers, sparkling water, or a crisp cider pair well with the rich, salty flavors of loaded poutine.

Conclusion

Loaded Poutine takes a Canadian classic and cranks it up with crave-worthy toppings that transform it into a full-on feast. Whether you stick with classic bacon and gravy or go bold with BBQ meats or spicy additions, this dish is endlessly customizable and always satisfying. Serve it hot and watch it disappear—it’s comfort food at its best.

Loaded Poutine

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Loaded Poutine is a hearty twist on the classic Canadian comfort food, combining crispy fries, melty cheese curds, and savory brown gravy with a variety of indulgent toppings like bacon, green onions, and pulled meats.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking or Frying
• Cuisine: Canadian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs frozen or fresh-cut French fries
• 1.5 cups cheese curds (or chopped mozzarella)
• 2 cups brown gravy (beef or mushroom-based)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Optional toppings: 1 cup pulled pork, 1/2 lb ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, sliced jalapeños
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying (if using fresh fries)

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Instructions

1. Cook French fries according to package directions or fry fresh-cut potatoes until golden and crispy. Season with salt.
2. While fries are cooking, heat brown gravy in a saucepan over medium heat until hot.
3. Prepare toppings: cook and crumble bacon, slice green onions, and warm any additional optional toppings.
4. Place hot fries in a large serving dish or platter.
5. Sprinkle cheese curds evenly over the fries while they’re still hot.
6. Pour hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, letting the cheese melt slightly.
7. Top with bacon, green onions, and any additional desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Cheese curds melt best when fries and gravy are piping hot.
• Use thick-cut fries or steak fries for better structure under toppings.
• Mushroom-based gravy makes a great vegetarian alternative.
• Customize with different meats, veggies, or regional flavors.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 main dish serving
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg