Sep 11 2026

Poutine Bar Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves4

Includes toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and bacon bits.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fries & Cheese Curds

Method

Fries & Cheese Curds

  1. 1

    Prep potatoes

    Cut peeled russet potatoes into 1/3- to 1/2-inch thick fries. Rinse cut potatoes under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Pat thoroughly dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

  2. 2

    First fry (blanch)

    Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or fryer to 325°F (160°C). Working in batches, fry potatoes for 4–5 minutes until soft but not browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a rack or paper towels to drain. Let cool 10–15 minutes.

  3. 3

    Second fry (crisp)

    Raise oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry potatoes in batches 2–3 minutes each until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels, immediately sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt and toss gently.

  4. 4

    Warm cheese curds

    If curds are cold, bring them to room temperature for 15–20 minutes so they soften slightly and have better texture when combined with hot fries and gravy. Do not melt them.

Gravy

  1. 5

    Make roux

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbs unsalted butter. Whisk in 4 tbs all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, 2–3 minutes until the roux turns a light golden color and loses the raw flour taste.

  2. 6

    Add stock

    Gradually whisk in 500 ml beef stock a little at a time to prevent lumps. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook 6–8 minutes, whisking often, until gravy thickens to a sauce that will coat the back of a spoon.

  3. 7

    Season

    Stir in 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep gravy warm on the lowest heat setting, whisking occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Toppings (Poutine Bar)

  1. 8

    Prepare bacon bits

    Cook bacon until crisp (pan-fry, oven-baked at 400°F / 200°C for 15–20 minutes, or air-fry), let cool, then chop into small pieces. Keep warm or at room temperature for serving.

  2. 9

    Prep fresh toppings

    Thinly slice 2 jalapeños (remove seeds if you want less heat). Dice 2 Roma tomatoes, finely dice 1/2 cup red onion, slice 1/2 cup green onions, chop 1/4 cup cilantro. Place each topping in separate bowls for the poutine bar so guests can assemble to taste.

  3. 10

    Assemble servings

    For each serving (see servings below), place a generous portion of hot fries on a plate or shallow bowl. Scatter about 1/2 cup fresh cheese curds evenly over the fries. Ladle 1/2 to 3/4 cup hot gravy over the fries and curds so the curds soften but do not fully melt. Immediately sprinkle with desired amount of bacon bits, sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños, diced tomatoes, red onion, green onion and cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream and finish with a crack of black pepper and hot sauce if desired.

  4. 11

    Serving suggestions

    Keep fries in a warm oven (200°F / 95°C) and gravy hot so guests can assemble multiple plates. Replenish topping bowls as needed. For a DIY bar, label toppings and provide tongs and spoons for each bowl.

More from The Canadian Brewhouse (Kitchener)