She Strengthens

Savory Canadian-Inspired Potato Bites

A Twist on Classic Poutine

Imagine crispy potato bites smothered in rich, savory gravy, reminiscent of the beloved Québécois dish, poutine. We’ve created a recipe that honors this Canadian classic, substituting shredded cheddar for the traditional squeaky cheese curds.

Getting Started

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place 2 medium-sized russet potatoes on the middle rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until they’re easily pierced with a knife but still firm in the center. If using smaller potatoes, cook for 25-30 minutes.

Shredding and Mixing

Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, peel away the skin and discard. Shred the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater. In a large bowl, combine the shredded potatoes, 1 cup of shredded mild white cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Forming the Bites

Measure out 1 teaspoon of the potato mixture and roll it into a short cylinder, about 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Place the formed bites on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining mixture.

Frying the Bites

Heat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of canola oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 1/4 inch up the sides. To test the oil, submerge the handle of a wooden spoon or chopstick until it touches the bottom of the pan – the oil should bubble vigorously. Fry the bites in batches of 8-10, turning once, until they’re medium golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried bites to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt.

Serving and Freezing

To serve, arrange the bites in a serving dish and drizzle with Basic Chicken Gravy. Alternatively, serve the gravy on the side for dipping. To freeze, let the fried bites cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. Arrange in a single layer and place in the freezer. To reheat, heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15 minutes.

Tips and Variations

For an added crunch, try sprinkling the bites with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Experiment with different types of cheese or seasonings to create unique flavor combinations. Enjoy!