Tater Tot Poutine

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty appeal of poutine. A beloved Canadian classic, poutine combines crispy fries, rich gravy, and gooey cheese curds. However, I recently stumbled upon a recipe that puts a fun and modern twist on this traditional dish: Tater Tot Poutine. My family was skeptical at first—after all, how could anything replace the classic fries? But as soon as we dug in, we were hooked! The crispy tater tots, velvety cheese sauce, and savory gravy made for a delightful combination that quickly disappeared from our plates. This recipe is now a go-to for family movie nights, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients

• For the Tater Tot Poutine:
• 1 package tater tots
• 1/2 package shredded smoked mozzarella cheese (vegan)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened nut milk (for the cheese)
• For the Gravy:
• 5 tablespoons vegan butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups unsweetened nut milk (cashew recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons liquid aminos or light tamari
• 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Tater Tots

1. Bake the Tater Tots: Preheat your oven and bake the tater tots according to the package directions until they are golden and crispy.

Make the Cheese Sauce

2. Melt the Cheese: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the shredded smoked mozzarella and 1/3 cup of unsweetened nut milk. Whisk constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth sauce. Keep it covered and warm until you’re ready to assemble the poutine.

Make the Gravy

3. Melt the Vegan Butter: In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in Flour: Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches a light golden brown color.
5. Add Seasoning: Stir in the thyme, liquid aminos, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Incorporate Nut Milk: Gradually whisk in the 2 1/2 cups of nut milk, a little at a time, until the mixture thickens and all the milk is incorporated. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm until you’re ready to use it.

Assemble the Poutine

7. Layer the Tater Tots: In a large bowl or serving plate, arrange a layer of crispy tater tots.
8. Add Cheese Sauce: Pour a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the tater tots.
9. Add Gravy: Next, pour a layer of the warm gravy over the cheese sauce.
10. Repeat Layers: Continue layering cheese sauce and gravy until the tater tots are well covered.
11. Season and Serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve

• Layered in Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a cozy presentation.
• Toppings: Consider adding:
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
• Sliced jalapeños for a kick
• Vegan sour cream for added creaminess

Additional Tips

1. Crispier Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, bake them a few minutes longer than the package instructions.
2. Cheese Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce thickens too much, add a splash of nut milk to loosen it up.
3. Flavored Tots: Use seasoned tater tots (like chili cheese) for an extra flavor boost.
4. Storage: If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain crispiness.
5. Make-Ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce and gravy ahead of time; just reheat before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Meaty Poutine: Add cooked vegan sausage or shredded jackfruit for a meaty version.
• Spicy Poutine: Incorporate hot sauce or sriracha into the gravy for added heat.
• Loaded Poutine: Top with sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions for a gourmet touch.
• Buffalo Tater Tot Poutine: Toss the tater tots in buffalo sauce before assembling for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different vegan cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad to balance the richness of the poutine.
• Perfect for Game Day: This dish is great for parties or gatherings—serve it as a fun appetizer or snack.
• Movie Night Treat: Enjoy it while binge-watching your favorite shows or movies for the ultimate comfort experience.
• Customized Bowls: Let guests build their own poutine with a toppings bar.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover tater tots, cheese sauce, and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it’s best to freeze the components separately, you can freeze the gravy and cheese sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the gravy and cheese sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of nut milk if needed.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular cheese instead of vegan cheese?

• Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese, though it won’t be vegan.

1. What kind of nut milk should I use?

• Cashew milk is recommended for creaminess, but almond or oat milk works well too.

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free flour and ensure your tater tots are gluten-free.

1. How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add cayenne pepper to the gravy or toss the tater tots in hot sauce before assembling.

1. What if I don’t have liquid aminos?

• Light soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but adjust the salt accordingly.

1. Can I use fresh herbs?

• Absolutely! Fresh thyme or even basil can enhance the flavor of your gravy.

1. Is this recipe suitable for kids?

• Yes! Kids usually love the combination of crispy tots and cheesy sauce.

1. How can I make it lower in calories?

• Use less vegan butter, reduce the amount of cheese, or use a lighter version of tater tots.

1. What if I don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce?

• A mix of soy sauce and a little vinegar can be used as a substitute.

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the cheese sauce and gravy ahead of time. Just reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Poutine is a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings comfort and fun to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. With its crispy tater tots, creamy cheese sauce, and rich gravy, it’s a satisfying dish that can be customized to your heart’s content. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in this tasty treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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