St. Patrick’s Day Comfort Food

This Irish poutine with corned beef is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Canadian dish. Crispy French fries are topped with melty cheese curds, tender shredded corned beef, and rich beef gravy for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoying a satisfying meal, this dish is easy to make and packed with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food – Crispy fries, melted cheese, and savory gravy make for a delicious combination.
• Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – A fun Irish-inspired twist on traditional poutine.
• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Great for Sharing – Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a family meal.
• Customizable – Add extra toppings or use different types of fries for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb French fries (cooked)
• 1 cup cheese curds
• ½ lb corned beef (shredded)
• 1 cup beef gravy
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Fries

   • Cook French fries according to package instructions or make homemade fries for extra crispiness.
   • Place them in a large serving bowl or platter.

2. Add the Cheese Curds

   • Sprinkle the cheese curds evenly over the hot fries.

3. Top with Corned Beef

   • Shred the cooked corned beef and spread it over the cheese curds.

4. Drizzle with Gravy

   • Heat the beef gravy until hot.
   • Pour the gravy over the fries, cheese curds, and corned beef.

5. Season & Serve

   • Sprinkle black pepper over the top.
   • Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Guinness Gravy: Add a splash of Guinness beer to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.
• Loaded Poutine: Top with crispy bacon, green onions, or a fried egg.
• Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
• Different Cheese Options: Use shredded mozzarella or cheddar if cheese curds are unavailable.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries for a unique twist.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly, though the fries may lose crispiness.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as fries and cheese curds do not reheat well after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gravy?

Yes! Store-bought beef gravy works well, or you can make homemade gravy for a richer taste.

What’s the best way to cook the fries?

Baking or air frying works well for crispy fries, but deep-fried fries will give the most authentic texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use mushroom or vegetable gravy and replace the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

How do I make homemade corned beef?

Slow cook or boil corned beef with pickling spices for 3–4 hours until tender, then shred.

What’s a good side dish for this meal?

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese curds?

Yes! While cheese curds provide the classic poutine texture, shredded mozzarella or white cheddar also work well.

Can I use different types of fries?

Absolutely! Waffle fries, steak fries, or even tater tots would be delicious.

How do I make the dish extra crispy?

Double-fry the fries or use an air fryer to achieve the crispiest texture.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes! Sour cream, chives, or caramelized onions would all make great additions.

What drink pairs well with this dish?

A cold pint of Irish beer, such as Guinness, or a glass of whiskey complements the flavors well.

Conclusion

This Irish poutine with corned beef is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day comfort food. With crispy fries, melty cheese curds, savory corned beef, and rich beef gravy, every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating with family, or just craving a hearty meal, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Try it today and bring a little Irish-inspired indulgence to your table!