Poutine Mac and Cheese Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion

Poutine Mac and Cheese Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Fusion



When it comes to indulgent comfort food, two dishes always come to mind—poutine and mac and cheese. Both are rich, cheesy, and hearty, and both hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. But what if you could combine them into one decadent, over-the-top creation? That’s where poutine mac and cheese comes in—a dish that fuses Canada’s iconic poutine with the creamy, comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese.

In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes poutine mac and cheese so irresistible. We’ll explore its roots, the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, creative variations, and even tips on where to enjoy this dish at restaurants or festivals. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge to whip up a bowl of this ultimate comfort food in your own kitchen.

What is Poutine Mac and Cheese?

At its core, poutine mac and cheese is exactly what it sounds like—a hybrid dish that combines the elements of poutine (crispy French fries, cheese curds, and gravy) with the creamy base of mac and cheese. Imagine a layer of golden fries, topped with cheese curds, smothered in rich gravy, and crowned with velvety mac and cheese. Or, in some variations, the mac and cheese itself is loaded with cheese curds and finished with a drizzle of poutine-style gravy.

This mashup is decadent, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent—a perfect weekend treat, game-day food, or centerpiece for a cozy comfort food night.

A Quick Look at Poutine and Mac and Cheese Origins

Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the roots of these two classics:

  • Poutine: A Canadian creation from Quebec, dating back to the 1950s. The dish was born in rural snack bars when customers asked for fries topped with cheese curds and, later, gravy to keep the cheese melted. Today, poutine has spread across Canada and internationally, with countless variations.

  • Mac and Cheese: Traced back to Europe, macaroni and cheese gained popularity in North America through Thomas Jefferson, who introduced pasta and cheese from France. Over time, it became a household staple, with recipes ranging from simple Kraft Dinner to elaborate, gourmet versions.

Bringing these two dishes together feels natural—both are carb-and-cheese heavyweights that deliver comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Poutine Mac and Cheese

  • Double Comfort: Combines two iconic dishes in one.

  • Cheese Overload: Cheese sauce + cheese curds = ultimate gooey factor.

  • Customizable: Can be made vegetarian, spicy, or even with global twists like butter chicken or tandoori poutine mac and cheese.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

Ingredients for Homemade Poutine Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece at home.

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra texture)

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for richness)

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: pinch of paprika or mustard powder for flavor depth

For the Poutine Topping:

  • 3–4 cups French fries (homemade or frozen, baked or fried)

  • 1 cup cheese curds (fresh white cheddar curds are traditional)

  • 2 cups beef or chicken gravy (homemade or store-bought, preferably rich and savory)

Step-by-Step Recipe: Poutine Mac and Cheese



Follow this process to create your very own indulgent dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Add flour to create a roux and whisk for 1–2 minutes.

  • Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.

  • Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

  • Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.

Step 3: Prepare the Fries

Cook your French fries until crispy. If you’re short on time, frozen fries baked in the oven work perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Layer crispy fries at the bottom of a large serving bowl or cast-iron skillet.

  • Scatter cheese curds generously on top.

  • Pour hot gravy over fries and curds, letting the heat soften the cheese.

  • Top the entire dish with creamy mac and cheese.

  • Optional: drizzle extra gravy on top or sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while everything is hot, melty, and gooey.

Creative Variations of Poutine Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this dish is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are some fun twists:

  1. Butter Chicken Poutine Mac and Cheese
    Swap traditional gravy for creamy butter chicken sauce. Top with spiced chicken pieces for an Indian-inspired twist.

  2. Tandoori Chicken Poutine Mac and Cheese
    Marinate chicken in yogurt and tandoori spices, roast it, and add as a topping. Pair with a tangy curry gravy.

  3. Bacon Poutine Mac and Cheese
    Add crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness and crunch.

  4. Vegetarian Poutine Mac and Cheese
    Use mushroom or onion gravy instead of meat-based, and load up with roasted veggies.

  5. Elevated Kraft Dinner Version
    Use boxed Kraft mac and cheese as the base but elevate it with fresh cheese curds, gourmet gravy, and hand-cut fries.

Tips for Perfect Poutine Mac and Cheese



  • Use Fresh Cheese Curds: The squeaky texture of fresh curds is essential for authentic poutine flavor.

  • Balance the Salt: Since cheese and gravy are salty, taste and adjust seasoning in your cheese sauce.

  • Crispy Fries Matter: Fries should hold up against the gravy and cheese. Double-fry or bake until golden.

  • Serve Immediately: Poutine mac and cheese is best enjoyed hot when the curds are melty and gooey.

Can You Use Cheese Curds in Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Cheese curds melt beautifully and add a chewy texture. You can stir them into your cheese sauce for cheese curd mac and cheese, or layer them into the poutine topping for authenticity.

Where to Try Poutine Mac and Cheese

This dish has become popular at festivals and restaurants across Canada and the U.S. Some places where you might spot it on the menu include:

  • Poutine Festivals: Ottawa Poutine Fest, Gatineau Poutine Fest, and other Canadian food festivals often feature creative mashups like poutine mac and cheese.

  • Specialty Restaurants: Spots in cities like New York, Chicago, Denver, and Toronto experiment with loaded comfort food creations.

  • Food Trucks: Many Canadian poutineries (like The Great Canadian Poutinerie in Ottawa) serve experimental poutines, including mac and cheese varieties.

Poutine and Mac and Cheese Festivals

Did you know there are actual events celebrating these foods together? Poutine and Mac and Cheese Fests bring food lovers under one roof to enjoy dozens of variations. From truffle-infused mac poutines to spicy jalapeño versions, these festivals highlight just how versatile and beloved the dish has become.

Nutritional Considerations

While poutine mac and cheese isn’t exactly diet-friendly, it’s fine to enjoy in moderation. To lighten it up:

  • Use oven-baked fries instead of deep-fried.

  • Swap whole milk for 2% or a plant-based alternative.

  • Try cauliflower mac and cheese as the base for a lower-carb version.

Final Thoughts

Poutine mac and cheese is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Combining the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese with the savory, melty magic of poutine, it’s a recipe worth trying at least once (though you’ll likely crave it again and again).

Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with global twists like butter chicken poutine mac and cheese, this dish guarantees a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. Perfect for sharing with friends, serving at parties, or enjoying on a chilly evening, it embodies the very spirit of comfort food indulgence.

So next time you’re torn between fries and pasta, gravy or cheese sauce, why not have it all? Grab your cheese curds, whip up some mac and cheese, and dive into this gooey, savory, unforgettable creation.

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