Pickle Poutine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of poutine and enjoy the bold flavor of pickles, this recipe is for you! The crispy fries, melted cheese curds, and savory brown gravy serve as the perfect base for the crispy fried pickles and the tangy dill pickle ranch dressing. It’s a mix of textures and flavors that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Plus, most of the ingredients can be made ahead of time, so it’s a great option when you’re craving something comforting yet unique. You’ll love how the flavors meld together in a deliciously unexpected way!

Ingredients

• 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen seasoned fries, prepared according to package instructions

• 1 batch fried pickles

• 1 ½ cups fresh cheese curds

• 1 ½ cups (355 g) homemade brown gravy, warmed

• ½ cup (120 g) dill pickle ranch dressing

• Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the seasoned fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.

2. While the fries are baking, prepare the fried pickles according to the recipe instructions.

3. Once the fries are ready, transfer them to a large serving platter or divide them among individual plates.

4. Immediately top the fries with the cheese curds so they begin to soften.

5. Add the fried pickles on top of the fries and cheese curds.

6. Ladle the hot gravy evenly over the fries, pickles, and cheese curds.

7. Drizzle with dill pickle ranch dressing.

8. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese curds and plant-based gravy to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, beef on top.

• Change the Gravy: If you’re not a fan of brown gravy, try using white gravy or even a creamy ranch dressing instead.

• Pickle Varieties: You can use any kind of pickles you like – dill, bread-and-butter, or even spicy pickles for an added kick!

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the fries may lose their crispiness after storing.

• Reheating: Reheat the poutine in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help the fries stay crispy. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the fries will be less crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular fries instead of seasoned fries?

Yes, you can use plain fries instead of seasoned fries. Season them with a little salt and pepper before baking for added flavor.

2. Can I make the fried pickles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fried pickles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crunch.

3. Is there a substitute for cheese curds?

If you can’t find cheese curds, you can substitute with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

4. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought brown gravy can be used in place of homemade gravy for convenience.

5. How can I make this spicier?

Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top for extra heat.

6. Can I use a different type of dressing?

If you don’t have dill pickle ranch, you can substitute it with regular ranch dressing or even a creamy dill dip.

7. How long will the fried pickles stay crispy after making them?

Fried pickles are best served immediately, but they will stay crispy for a short time if kept in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crunch.

8. What can I serve this with?

Pickle poutine pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

9. Can I freeze leftover poutine?

It’s not ideal to freeze the entire dish, as the fries and pickles may lose their texture. However, you can freeze the fried pickles and gravy separately for future use.

10. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free fries and ensure that the gravy and fried pickles are made with gluten-free ingredients.

Conclusion

Pickle Poutine is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic poutine, with the tangy addition of fried pickles and dill pickle ranch dressing. It’s a fun, indulgent dish that combines crispy, melty, and savory elements in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a snack, a party, or a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the blend of rich flavors and textures, and don’t forget to experiment with variations to make it your own!