Looking for some fun, kid-friendly meal ideas? Poutine is a great choice! It’s a simple, delicious Canadian dish that’s easy to make, and kids love it. With its crispy fries, cheese, and warm gravy, poutine is super tasty. But why stop at just the classic? We’ve rounded up some easy poutine recipes for kids that you can try at home. These recipes are easy, quick, and perfect for little helpers in the kitchen.
Quick Homemade Poutine Recipes
Let’s dive into five fun and easy poutine recipes for kids that your whole family will enjoy!
1. Classic Kid-Friendly Poutine
The classic version of poutine is the simplest, but it’s a crowd-pleaser easy poutine recipe for kids for a reason. It’s a great introduction to the dish for kids, with just the right balance of crispy fries, cheese, and gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen fries (any kind—straight, crinkle-cut, or shoestring)
- 1 cup cheese curds (or shredded mozzarella cheese if you can’t find curds)
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix (or your favorite homemade gravy)
Instructions
- Cook the fries: Follow the instructions on the bag to bake or air-fry the fries. You’ll want them to be crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. To get them extra crispy, try spreading them out on the baking sheet so they aren’t touching.
- Prepare the gravy: While the fries are cooking, make the gravy. If you’re using a mix, heat it on the stove or in the microwave according to the package instructions. For homemade gravy, simply simmer broth (beef or chicken works best) with a little cornstarch and seasoning until thickened.
- Assemble the poutine: Place the hot fries on a large plate or individual plates, then sprinkle the cheese curds (or mozzarella) on top. Pour the warm gravy over everything so that the cheese melts slightly into the fries.
Tip: Let the kids sprinkle the cheese or drizzle the gravy—they’ll love getting involved in this step!
Why Kids Love It
The combination of familiar fries with gooey cheese and gravy makes this a comfort food favorite. Plus, it’s fun to eat!
2. Chicken Nugget Poutine
Take your kids’ favorite chicken nuggets and turn them into a poutine masterpiece! This easy poutine recipe for kids adds protein and turns the dish into more of a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen fries
- 1 bag of frozen chicken nuggets
- 1 cup cheese curds (or shredded mozzarella)
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
Instructions
- Cook the nuggets and fries: Bake or air-fry both the chicken nuggets and the fries at the same time, following the instructions on the bags. This keeps everything quick and easy.
- Make the gravy: While the nuggets and fries are cooking, prepare the gravy according to the packet’s directions.
- Assemble: Once everything is cooked, place the fries on the plate first, followed by the chicken nuggets (cut them into smaller pieces if you like). Sprinkle on the cheese curds or shredded cheese, then drizzle with hot gravy.
- Optional add-ons: For a bit more flavor, you can add a drizzle of ranch dressing or BBQ sauce on top.
Why Kids Love It
Chicken nuggets are always a hit, and combining them with fries and cheese makes this dish extra special. Plus, they can dip the nuggets in the gravy, which makes it fun!
3. Pizza Poutine
What could be better than pizza and poutine combined into one dish? This easy poutine recipe for kids brings the flavors of pizza right into the mix – making it a fun and creative option for kids.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen fries
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1/2 cup warm marinara or pizza sauce
- Optional: Sliced black olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for veggie toppings
Instructions
- Cook the fries: Bake or air-fry the fries until crispy.
- Top with pizza goodies: Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to a baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the fries, then add the mini pepperoni and any optional veggie toppings.
- Melt the cheese: Put the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and everything is bubbly.
- Add the sauce: Drizzle warm marinara or pizza sauce over the top, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Why Kids Love It
Pizza is always a winner with kids, and adding pepperoni, cheese, and marinara to crispy fries makes this a fun, customizable treat!
4. Taco Poutine
Mix things up with some taco flavors! This poutine is perfect for kids who love tacos, and it’s a fun way to add a bit of variety.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of frozen fries
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, avocado, or olives
Instructions
- Cook the fries: Bake or air-fry your fries.
- Prepare the Taco meat: In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, then add the taco seasoning and water according to the packet’s instructions.
- Build the poutine: Place fries on the plate, add a scoop of taco meat on top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Top with extras: Drizzle salsa or taco sauce over the top. For even more flavor, add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and chopped veggies.
Why Kids Love It
Taco poutine is a fun twist on taco night that’s just as customizable as a regular taco. Kids can build their plates exactly how they like them.
5. Breakfast Poutine
Who says poutine is only for lunch or dinner? This breakfast version is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights, and it’s packed with morning flavors.
Ingredients
- Warm hollandaise sauce or cheese sauce (you can also use country gravy for a Southern twist)
- 1 bag of frozen hash browns or breakfast fries
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or use sausage if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great here)
Instructions
- Cook the hash browns/fries: Bake or air-fry the hash browns or breakfast fries until crispy.
- Make the scrambled eggs: In a pan, scramble the eggs until fluffy.
- Assemble the breakfast poutine: Place the crispy hash browns on a plate, top with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Add the sauce: Drizzle hollandaise, cheese sauce, or even country gravy over the top to bring it all together.
Why Kids Love It
Breakfast for dinner is always a fun treat, and combining favorite breakfast items like eggs, bacon, and hash browns makes this a comforting and filling meal.
Why These Easy Poutine Recipes Are Perfect for Your Family
All of these easy poutine recipes for kids are great because they take a familiar dish—fries—and turn them into something fun and different. Plus, they’re simple to make, so even the busiest families can whip them up in no time. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or complicated steps, and the results are always delicious.
Here are a few extra ways you can make these easy poutine recipes for kids even more fun:
- Make it customizable: One of the best things about poutine is how versatile it is. Set out a toppings bar and let your kids build their own plates. The more control they have over their food, the more likely they are to enjoy it.
- Get the kids involved: Let your kids sprinkle on the cheese, arrange the fries, or stir the gravy. Simple tasks make them feel like little chefs!
- Great for parties: These easy poutine recipes for kids are perfect for playdates or family gatherings. Set out different ingredients and let everyone make their own custom poutine creation.
These easy poutine recipes for kids are sure to be a hit with the whole family too. Whether you’re sticking with the classic or trying something new like pizza or taco poutine, this comforting dish can be easily adapted to suit any taste. Plus, cooking together makes mealtime even more special!