Patrick Oconnell
Poutine is a dish of French fries topped with cheese and gravy. The type of cheese used is a matter of some debate. Many sources state that cheese curds are the only authentic choice, but these can be hard to find outside of Canada. Cheese curds are made from cheddar cheese, but they have a mild, salty flavour and a chewy texture. If you can't get hold of cheese curds, mozzarella is often suggested as a substitute, although some sources say that this is not authentic poutine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheese curds |
| Colour | White or yellow |
| Texture | Chewy |
| Taste | Mild and salty |
| Substitutes | Cubes of very mild cheddar or mozzarella |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese curds are the authentic choice for poutine
If you can't get hold of cheese curds, you can substitute them with cubes of very mild cheddar or mozzarella. However, it is technically not poutine if it's not made with cheese curds. If you want to get as close as possible to the poutine experience without using cheese curds, you should use torn chunks of full-fat block mozzarella (not fresh mozzarella).
The gravy used in poutine should be a rich brown gravy, and it should be hot so it can melt the cheese. While beef gravy is a popular choice, any leftover gravy can be used.
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If you can't find cheese curds, use mozzarella
Poutine is traditionally made with cheese curds, which are solid pieces of curdled milk. They can be found in white or yellow, but white cheese curds are the ones used for poutine. If you can't find cheese curds, mozzarella is the closest possible substitution for the poutine experience. However, it is technically not poutine if it's not made with cheese curds.
Mozzarella cheese should be torn into chunks, not shredded, and should be the full-fat block kind that you would shred to put on top of pizza, not fresh mozzarella. You can also use cubes of very mild cheddar, although cheddar is not traditionally used in poutine.
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Cheddar cheese is not used in poutine
Poutine is a Canadian dish of French fries and gravy topped with cheese curds. Cheese curds are solid pieces of curdled milk, which can be eaten alone as a snack or added to fries and gravy to make poutine. They are usually white in colour, although they can also be yellow. Cheese curds are the key to an authentic poutine, but they can be hard to find depending on where you live. If you can't get hold of cheese curds, you can substitute them with mozzarella cheese, although it is technically not poutine if it's not made with cheese curds.
Some people believe that cheese curds are mozzarella, but they are actually made from cheddar cheese and have a mild, salty flavour. However, it is important to note that true poutine does not use cheddar cheese. If you were in Quebec and tried to use cheddar cheese in your poutine, you would not be serving an authentic dish.
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Cheese curds are solid pieces of curdled milk
Poutine is a Canadian dish of fries and gravy topped with cheese curds. Cheese curds are solid pieces of curdled milk, which can be eaten alone as a snack or added to other dishes. They are usually white or yellow in colour, with the white variety being the traditional choice for poutine. Cheese curds are often described as having a mild, salty flavour and a chewy texture. They are also known for the distinctive 'squeak' they make when you bite into them.
While some people believe that cheese curds are made from mozzarella, they are actually made from cheddar cheese. However, if cheese curds are not available, mozzarella or mild cheddar can be used as a substitute. It is important to note that the cheese should be cut into chunks or cubes rather than shredded to achieve the correct texture.
Cheese curds are considered essential for authentic poutine, and their unique texture and flavour contribute to the dish's overall character. While they may be harder to find in some areas, they are typically sold in bags and can often be found in the deli section of grocery stores. Asking a store employee for assistance is recommended if they are not visible.
In summary, cheese curds are solid pieces of curdled milk that play a crucial role in the traditional Canadian dish of poutine. Their distinct texture, flavour, and sound enhance the overall dining experience, making them a beloved and sought-after ingredient for this comfort food favourite.
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Poutine gravy should be hot to melt the cheese
To make poutine, you should heat the gravy on the stove or in the microwave. Then, place the fries on a serving platter and top with the cheese and hot gravy. The hot gravy will melt the cheese, creating a delicious, indulgent dish.
If you want to make your poutine extra hearty, you can add toppings such as pulled pork, chopped bacon, ground sausage, or seasoned taco meat. However, traditional poutine is simply fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese curds are used for poutine, but can be hard to find depending on where you live.
Cheese curds are simply solid pieces of curdled milk. They can be eaten alone as a snack or, in Canada, added to fries and gravy to make poutine.
Cheese curds can be found in white or yellow, but white cheese curds are the ones you want for poutine.
If you can't get cheese curds, you can substitute them with cubes of very mild cheddar or mozzarella. However, it is technically not poutine if it's not made with cheese curds.
Poutine never uses cheddar.
