Kamil Perry
Poutine, a Canadian dish invented in Quebec in the 1950s, is a delicious combination of crispy French fries, hot gravy, and cheese. While some recipes call for shredded mozzarella, the authentic cheese for poutine is cheese curds, which are small chunks of warm, softened cheese that is similar in taste to mozzarella.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheese curds, mozzarella, cheddar, halloumi, cottage cheese |
| Texture | Melted, warm, stretchy, gooey, chewy |
| Taste | Mozzarella-like, soft, pliable, subtle |
| Colour | White cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese curds are the traditional choice
Poutine, a Canadian dish invented in Quebec in the 1950s, is traditionally made with cheese curds. Cheese curds are formed when milk curdles and separates into curds and whey—they are the solid bits in freshly curdled milk. Cheese curds are not widely available because they do not stay fresh for long and are therefore typically only found near dairy farms.
When making poutine, it is important to cut the cheese curds into chunks so that they do not melt completely and mix with the gravy. The chunks of cheese curds should be warm and softened, resulting in a texture that is ooey, gooey, stretchy, and a bit chewy. While the cheese curds will not completely melt, putting them in the oven for a short time under the broiler will help to melt them slightly.
Cheese curds can be substituted with shredded mozzarella cheese, which will also not melt entirely and can be substituted with cubes of mozzarella for a similar effect. Other suggested substitutions include halloumi, light cheddar, full-fat mozzarella, and cottage cheese. However, some people argue that poutine with mozzarella should not be considered authentic poutine.
While cheese curds are the traditional choice for poutine, shredded sharp cheddar cheese can also be used as a substitute. Cheddar cheese is not the best substitute because, despite cheese curds technically being made from cheddar, they do not taste like it. Instead, cheese curds have a more mozzarella-like taste—soft, pliable, and subtle.
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Shredded mozzarella is a common substitute
Poutine, a Canadian dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s, is traditionally made with French fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy. The cheese curds are ideally served in chunks, warm and softened, but not completely melted.
However, cheese curds can be hard to find outside of Canada, so several substitutes are often used. Shredded mozzarella is a common substitute for cheese curds in poutine. While some purists may disagree with this substitution, shredded mozzarella has a similar soft, pliable, and subtle texture and taste to cheese curds. It melts well and can get ooey, gooey, stretchy, and a bit chewy, which is similar to the desired texture of cheese curds in poutine.
Shredded mozzarella can be used in the same quantity as cheese curds in a poutine recipe. The mozzarella should be shredded and then sprinkled over the fries, followed by ladling gravy over the fries and cheese. The dish should be served immediately while the fries are still crisp, the cheese is warm, and the gravy is hot.
In addition to shredded mozzarella, other cheese substitutes for poutine include halloumi, light cheddar, cottage cheese, and full-fat mozzarella cubes. However, shredded mozzarella is a good middle ground as it melts better than cheddar and halloumi while still providing a similar texture and taste to cheese curds.
While shredded mozzarella is a common substitute, it is important to note that the traditional and authentic cheese for poutine is cheese curds, and using shredded mozzarella will result in a variation of the classic dish.
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Halloumi, light cheddar, and cottage cheese are also used
Poutine is a Canadian dish composed of fries topped with cheese and hot gravy. While the traditional cheese used in poutine is cheese curds, some alternatives can be used, such as halloumi, light cheddar, and cottage cheese.
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese with a high melting point, making it a suitable substitute for cheese curds in poutine. Its salty flavour and firm texture can add a unique twist to the dish. Halloumi can be sliced or cubed and placed on top of the fries before adding the gravy.
Light cheddar, a milder and less sharp variety of cheddar cheese, can also be used in poutine. While regular cheddar may have a stronger flavour that overpowers the other ingredients, light cheddar adds a creamy and subtle cheese flavour to the dish. It can be shredded or cubed and mixed with the fries and gravy.
Cottage cheese, a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour, is another option for poutine. It has a higher moisture content than other cheeses, so it can be drained slightly before using to create a thicker consistency. Cottage cheese can be mixed with the fries, providing a tangy and creamy element to the dish.
While these cheese alternatives can be used in poutine, it is important to note that the texture and flavour may differ from traditional cheese curds. Cheese curds are known for their stretchy, gooey texture and subtle taste, creating a unique experience when paired with crispy fries and gravy.
When making poutine with halloumi, light cheddar, or cottage cheese, it is essential to prepare the ingredients properly. The fries should be crispy, and the gravy should be hot and flavourful. Assembling the dish promptly ensures that the cheese is warm and the fries remain crisp, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavours in every bite.
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Fresh cheese curds are best, but they don't last long
Poutine is a Canadian dish, invented in Quebec in the 1950s, that combines crispy French fries with hot gravy and fresh cheese curds. The cheese curds are key to an authentic poutine recipe, but they can be hard to find outside of Canada as they don't stay fresh for long.
Fresh cheese curds are the best option for poutine because they have a soft, pliable, and subtle taste, and a unique, squeaky texture. They also melt in a distinct way, getting ooey, gooey, stretchy, and a bit chewy, without completely losing their shape. However, cheese curds are technically a type of cheddar, so shredded cheddar can be used as a substitute if necessary. Other possible substitutes include mozzarella, halloumi, cottage cheese, and light or full-fat mozzarella.
The reason cheese curds are hard to find is that they don't stay fresh for very long. As a result, they are usually only available in stores near dairy farms. This can make it challenging to get hold of them, especially outside of Canada. If you do manage to find fresh cheese curds, it's important to use them promptly as they will not keep for long.
To make poutine, start by frying or baking your chosen potatoes until they are crispy. Then, place them on a serving platter or in a large bowl and sprinkle the cheese curds over them. Finally, ladle the hot gravy over the fries and cheese, and serve immediately. Poutine is best enjoyed fresh and hot, with the cheese warm and gooey.
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For melted cheese, use shredded cheese or cubes
Poutine, a Canadian dish, is made with French fries, cheese, and gravy. While cheese curds are the traditional choice, shredded cheese or cubes can also be used to make this indulgent dish.
Cheese curds are hard to find outside of Canada, especially in areas far from dairy farms, so shredded cheese or cubes are a good alternative. Cheese curds are also perishable and do not stay fresh for long. If you are looking to make poutine with melted cheese, shredded cheese or cubes are a better option than cheese curds. This is because cheese curds are usually large and will not melt completely, resulting in chunks of warm, softened cheese in your poutine. On the other hand, shredded cheese or cubes will melt more easily and mix with the gravy.
If you are using shredded cheese, mozzarella is a popular choice. It melts easily and has a soft, pliable, and subtle taste. Full-fat mozzarella is recommended, as it will provide a better melting experience and a more authentic poutine flavour. You can also use shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which will give your poutine a stronger flavour.
When making poutine with shredded cheese or cubes, follow the traditional preparation method. Start by frying or baking your French fries until they are crispy and golden brown. Place the fries on a serving platter, then sprinkle the shredded cheese or cubes over them. Ladle hot gravy over the fries and cheese, and serve immediately. You can also add cooked chicken, hamburger, bacon, pulled pork, or browned ground sausage for a heartier dish.
Using shredded cheese or cubes is a great way to enjoy poutine with melted cheese. While cheese curds are traditional, they may not be easily accessible or provide the desired melted texture. By using shredded cheese or cubes, you can still create a delicious and authentic-tasting poutine.
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Frequently asked questions
Poutine is typically made with cheese curds.
Fresh, good-quality cheese curds are best. Some people suggest mozzarella, halloumi, light cheddar, or cottage cheese as substitutes.
Yes, you can use shredded mozzarella or shredded cheddar cheese on poutine.
Bring the cheese curds to room temperature before sprinkling them over the fries. Then, place the dish in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese slightly before adding the gravy.
