| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 580 | 33g | 16g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 25g | 1.4g |
Why I Love Canadian Poutine Pizza
Ahh, the Poutine Pizza. I recall the day this cheesy, saucy, and irresistibly scrumptious creation inspired me during one of my culinary explorations. I could not help being enthralled by the happy marriage of comfort food from north and south of the American border. It is a testament to the versatility of pizza, showcasing how it can borrow and incorporate elements from other beloved foods, like the poutine, France’s hearty gift to Quebec.
A Nod to the North
For many, heart-warming traditional poutine brings to mind images of cozy, fire-lit Canadian bistros nestled amidst the snow-clad streets of Quebec. La Banquise, an around-the-clock poutine joint, known for its assortment of poutine, has been a strong influence on me. The classic combination of crisp French fries, savory gravy, and cheese curds—elevated and fused with the universally adored base of a pizza, has resulted in this innovative recipe.
The Poutine Pizza pays a delicious tribute to our Canadian neighbors, borrowing the much-loved ingredients from one of their iconic dishes. So, whether you’re an American looking for a novel twist on a familiar favorite or a Canadian missing a taste of home, this concoction strikes the right chord every time!
Pairs Like a Dream
Now, what is a good pizza if it doesn’t have some splendid accompaniments to enhance the dining experience? I usually pair the Poutine Pizza with a crisp side salad, like my Avocado and Lime Kale Salad, which is a nod to my Californian roots. The freshness of the salad provides a counterbalance to the decadence of the pizza.
For a beverage, a robust Syrah, Zinfandel, or Malbec sits beautifully with this dish. Their full-bodied structure complements the bold flavors of the Poutine Pizza, creating a harmony few pairings can master. A glass or two of these wines turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
Revering the rustic charm of comfort food while infusing it with a sophisticated twist, the Poutine Pizza is a recipe that echoes my love for food fusion. It straddles the line between gourmet experiment and homely warmth, just like the recipes that have come to define my cooking philosophy. And I do hope, it leaves you as enamored and satisfied as I am every time I pull it out of the oven.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pre-made thin pizza crust
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups of frozen fries
- 1 cup of cheese curds
- 1 cup of beef gravy
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two
Spread the frozen fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, then bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside.
Step Three
While the fries are baking, prepare the pizza crust. Place the crust on a separate baking sheet. Brush the crust with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic and onion powder.
Step Four
Spread pizza sauce on top of the prepared crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle evenly with both mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese.
Step Five
Once the fries are done, distribute them evenly on top of the cheese. Scatter cheese curds over the fries, then pour gravy evenly over all.
Step Six
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Step Seven
Remove from the oven and let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting into slices. Sprinkle with parsley for garnish before serving. Enjoy your Poutine Pizza.
