Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Quebec poutine featuring crispy golden fries topped with cheese curds and a rich homemade gravy infused with smoky bacon. This french-inspired comfort food ready in about 55 minutes pairs chopped bacon strips, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 French cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 4 large peeled russet potatoes cut into 1/2-inch fries under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F. Fry potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Increase oil temperature to 375°F and fry the potatoes again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt immediately.
  4. Step 4: While fries cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 6 chopped bacon strips. Cook until crispy, about 6 minutes, then remove bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tbsp bacon fat in skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the bacon fat and melt over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  7. Step 7: To assemble, place fries on a serving platter, scatter 2 cups cheese curds evenly on top, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and pour hot gravy over everything. Serve immediately so cheese curds soften but retain texture.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cheese and Bacon Poutine with Crispy Fries?

French comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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