Tater Tots Poutine - The Epicurean Mouse (2024)

If you're a fan of poutine and love tater tots, you're in for a treat! This Tater Tots Poutine combines the best of both worlds for a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. Crispy tater tots replace traditional fries, topped with a rich gravy and melty cheese curds.

For those who crave the ultimate comfort food, this Tater Tots Poutine is for you. Imagine the beloved Canadian dish reinvented with crispy, gold tater tots and smothered with a homemade savory gravy.

If you're already aware of the deliciousness of this dish and are seeking a new way to savor its incredible flavors, continue scrolling down to the recipe card and discover all my helpful tips and tricks!

Looking for more recipes that offer the same comforting satisfaction, then try my Creamy Jalapeno Corn, Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese, and Apple Pie Baked Beans.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and comforting- The crunchy tater tots combined with the creamy gravy and soft cheese curds create an irresistible comfort food experience.
• Quick and easy- Using just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare this delicious dish in no time.
• Perfect for any occasion- Whether it's a casual snack, a hearty appetizer, or a fun main course, this homemade poutine is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Kid-friendly- Offers a blend of flavors and textures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

What is Poutine?

Poutine is a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the late 1950's. It consists of three essential components: French fries, cheese curds and gravy. The dish starts with a base of crisp, golden fries, which are then topped with fresh cheese curds. The curds are known for their mild flavor and slightly springy texture.

Finally, a hot, savory gravy is poured over the fries and cheese curds, causing the cheese to melt slightly and infuse the dish with a rich, comforting flavor.

Ingredient Notes

Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.

• Tater tots- Frozen tater tots are the easiest to use and widely available. Bake, air fry or deep fry according to package instructions until crispy and golden brown.
• Beef stock- Use a good quality beef broth or beef stock.
• Flour- I use all-purpose flour.
• Butter- Use unsalted butter. This, along with the flour creates a roux and helps thicken the gravy.
• Seasonings- Garlic powder, onion powder, better than bouillon, salt and pepper.
• Cheese curds- Make sure they are fresh for the best texture and flavor. Fresh cheese curds have a distinctive "squeak" when bitten into, which is a sign of their freshness and quality. Typically sold in bags and found inside the deli area. You can also purchase them online.

Substitutions

• Cheese curds- If you can't find cheese curds, the next best thing would be fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella. Mild flavor, soft texture, mimicking the mildness of cheese curds but without the "squeak". Another option is mild white cheddar which has similar flavor and texture to the cheese curds, with a slightly firmer bite.
• Tater tots- Don't have tater tots on hand, feel free to use French fries (frozen or homemade) for a classic take.
• Gravy- Feel free to use jarred, packaged or canned gravy for easy preparation.

Step By Step Instructions

STEP 1: Make the roux. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes.

STEP 2: Add beef broth and seasonings. Gradually add half of the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then, add remaining broth and whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, and better than bouillon.

STEP 3: Cook gravy. Let the gravy mixture come to a boil until thick and smooth. Then, season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

See Also

Guinness Corned Beef Sliders | Easy Party Sandwiches | Confetti & BlissEasy Pork Steak in the Oven - Whole Lotta YumStrawberry shortcake layer cakeOld Hickory House Brunswick Stew Recipe

STEP 4: Prepare tater tots. Preheat air fryer to 400℉ for about 5 minutes. Then, place frozen tater tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Cook the tater tots in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Cook until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

STEP 5: Assemble the poutine. Place cooked tater tots in a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle with cheese curds evenly over the hot tater tots. Then, pour hot gravy over the tater tots and cheese curds. The heat from the gravy will slightly melt the cheese curds, creating a gooey texture.

Expert Tips

• Don't overcrowd. For extra crispy tater tots, spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the baking sheet (if using an oven). Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Seasoning- Don't forget to season your tater tots with salt and pepper immediately after cooking while they're still hot. This enhances their flavor and adds an extra dimension to your poutine.
• Fresh cheese curds. Whenever possible, opt for fresh cheese curds for an authentic poutine experience. Look for them in specialty cheese shops or farmers markets.
• Serve hot. Poutine is best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the tots are hot and crispy. Serve it piping hot to experience the melty cheese and warm savory gravy.
• Presentation. Serve your poutine in individual serving bowls or on a large platter for sharing. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

FAQ

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover Tater Tots Poutine, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating

• Oven- Preheat oven to 350℉. Place the poutine in an oven-safe dish or baking sheet. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the toppings from drying out. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave- Transfer poutine to a microwave-safe dish. Loosely cover with a moist paper towel. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the dish is heated through.
• Air fryer- Preheat air fryer to 350℉. Then, place poutine in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through .

Variations

Mix and match these variations to create your own unique and delicious poutine!

• Types of fries- Traditional fries, tater tots, curly fries, waffle fries and steak fries are all great options to choose from.
• Cheese- In this recipe, you have the option to swap out traditional cheese curds for other delicious alternatives such as fresh mozzarella, mild white cheddar or Gouda.
• Gravy- Beef-based gravy for a traditional poutine. Chicken, vegetable or mushroom gravy can also be used.
• Crispy bacon- Crumbled bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch to the dish.
• Caramelized onions- Sweet and savory caramelized onions provide a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
• Sautéed mushrooms- Earthy and flavorful, sautéed mushrooms complement the gravy and cheese.
• Pulled pork- Tender pulled pork smothered in barbecue sauce for some added protein.
• Fresh herbs- Chopped parsley, chives, or green onions can be sprinkled over the poutine for a burst of freshness and color.

• Baking sheet- If using the oven to cook your tater tots, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is needed.
• Air fryer- For an extra crispy texture, consider using an air fryer.
• Saucepan- For preparing homemade gravy if you choose to make it from scratch.
• Whisk- To mix and smooth out the gravy, ensuring there are no lumps.

More Comfort Food Recipes To Try

Try These Delicious Snack Recipes Too!

• Cheeseburger Egg Roll Recipe
• Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts
• Smashed Parmesan Broccoli Crisps
• Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip
• Buffalo Crispy Cauliflower Bites

After trying out this recipe, I'd love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving astar reviewon the recipe card below. Don't forget to tag me onInstagramand follow me onPinterestfor more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!

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