Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Poutine

If you’ve never had poutine before, allow me explain it to you. Poutine is a beloved Canadian dish known for its indulgent and savory combination of crispy french fries, cheese curds, and rich gravy. But we’re about to take poutine to a whole new level by infusing it with the spirit of Thanksgiving leftovers. Say hello to our incredible creation: Thanksgiving Turkey Poutine!

Move over boring turkey sandwich, there’s a new king in town! Oh, you have no idea how excited I am over this recipe! It’s a culinary masterpiece that will take your Thanksgiving leftovers to extraordinary heights. It’s where crispy french fries meet tender shreds of leftover turkey, gooey cheese curds, and a heavenly dousing of rich gravy.

There are no words for this!

What Is Poutine and Where Did It Come From?

I was first introduced to Poutine when I was dating my husband, back in 2001. I had never been to Canada before, nor had I ever heard of this concoction. It is a staple all over Canada and is impossible not to indulge in once you’ve had it. It consists of crispy French fries generoulsy topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in hot, rich gravy.

It is truly epic and my favorite bite is the one right in the middle where the french fries have softened and there is tons of gravy on top of each bite! OMG. Just incredible.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve found a fantastic way to combine leftover Thanksgiving turkey with classic Poutine. French fries really are potatoes after all, right?

What Kind of Cheese is Used in Poutine?

In Canadian poutine, the traditional and authentic cheese of choice is fresh cheese curds. The cheese curds are a crucial component of what makes poutine so distinctive and delicious. While other cheeses can work as a substitute in a pinch, it won’t provide the same experience as fresh cheese curds. They offer a unique texture and flavor.

What are Cheese Curds and Where Can I Find Them?

Cheese curds are small, fresh cheese chunks that have a mild, slightly salty flavor and a characteristic “squeaky” texture when bitten into. They are often made from cheddar cheese or similar varieties.

You can typically find cheese curds at:

1. Local Dairies: Many dairies, especially in regions where cheese curds are popular, produce and sell them. They are very popular here in the MidWest.
2. Cheese Shops: Specialized cheese shops often carry cheese curds.
3. Farmers’ Markets: Local farmers’ markets can be a great place to discover fresh and locally made cheese curds.
4. Some Supermarkets: States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan are known for their cheese curds and they are essential ingredient in poutine, which stems from Canada, so cheese curds are readily available in most supermarkets in these areas.

What’s In Turkey Poutine?

• Leftover turkey
• French Fries
• Cheese Curds
• Leftover Gravy

How To Make Thanksgiving Poutine:

1. Prepare the French Fries: If using frozen French fries, follow the package instructions to bake them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown.
2. Warm the Gravy: Heat your leftover gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s hot and ready to pour.
3. Assemble the Poutine: On a serving plate or platter, spread out a generous layer of the hot, crispy French fries. Sprinkle the shredded turkey evenly over the fries. Generously distribute the fresh cheese curds across the fries and turkey.
4. Drizzle with Gravy: Pour the hot turkey gravy over the french fries, turkey, and cheese curds. Be as generous as you’d like, but the more the better!

VARIATIONS:

While I feel this dish is a masterpiece, you can change things up a bit:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Swap classic French fries for sweet potato fries to introduce a hint of sweetness.
2. Gravy: Experiment with different gravy flavors, such as mushroom, turkey, or chicken to diversify the taste.
3. Cheese: As I stated above, fresh cheese curds are the way to go, but if they are not available in your area, the closest substitution would be to use chunks of fresh, young cheddar cheese.
4. Waffle Fries: For an exciting twist, use waffle fries as the base.

Don’t let those Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste; transform them into a poutine experience that’s so comforting and utterly delicious. Enjoy, and here’s to making the most of your Thanksgiving feast!

LOOKING FOR MORE THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS?

• Nourishing Turkey Bone Broth: Turn your turkey carcass into a rich and comforting bone broth, perfect for soups, stews, or sipping on its own to warm your soul.
• Turkey Tetrazzini with Egg Noodles: Transform your leftover turkey into a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with turkey tetrazzini, featuring tender egg noodles and a luscious sauce.
• Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Burrito: Create a flavorful and convenient burrito using your turkey leftovers, packing them with your favorite fillings and a touch of creativity.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY POUTINE
Like this recipe? Pin it to your THANKSGIVING board!

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest!

Print