If you’re craving a dish that feels like a luxurious celebration on your plate, then the Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe is ready to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy, golden fries piled high with tender chunks of succulent lobster, smothered in a velvety, nutty brown butter cheese sauce that brings out every indulgent flavor. This spectacular take on classic poutine takes comfort food to a gourmet level, blending rich seafood sweetness with the perfect balance of seasoning and creaminess. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an impressive dinner to share with friends, this recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet impeccably selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From crispy fries to rich cheeses and fresh lobster, these essentials come together effortlessly to create something extraordinary in your own kitchen.
- Frozen French fries: A convenient base that crisps up perfectly for that satisfying crunch.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the fries while helping the Old Bay seasoning stick deliciously.
- Old Bay seasoning: Infuses the fries and cheese sauce with a classic, savory spice blend that complements seafood beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Butter (for lobster and sauce): Adds luxurious creaminess and helps meld flavors seamlessly.
- Cooked lobster meat: The crown jewel, tender and sweet, bringing that unmistakable seafood delight.
- Garlic: Freshly grated to add a fragrant warmth to the cheese sauce.
- Flour: The thickening agent that turns butter into a silky roux for the sauce.
- Lobster or seafood stock: Intensifies the seafood flavor in the sauce for depth and richness.
- Whole milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the cheese sauce.
- Gruyere cheese: Offers a nutty, mellow flavor that melts beautifully.
- Fontina cheese: Contributes a mild, buttery richness, perfect for that gooey texture.
- Fresh cheese curds: Classic poutine element that melts slightly for authentic texture contrast.
- Scallions or chives: Provide a pop of fresh green color and a mild onion flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Perfect Your Fries
Start by spreading out your frozen fries on a parchment-lined baking tray to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss with Old Bay seasoning and a pinch of salt, which will give your fries that signature hint of spice and flavor right from the start. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crunchy, the ideal foundation for the luscious toppings.
Step 2: Warm and Butter the Lobster
While your fries crisp up, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and add the cooked lobster meat. Toss gently to coat every piece in the buttery goodness and allow it to warm through for about two minutes. Since the lobster is already cooked, your goal here is just to infuse it with buttery flavor and keep it tender and succulent for the assembly.
Step 3: Craft the Brown Butter Cheese Sauce
The sauce is where the real star power shines. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat and let it brown lightly, achieving that deep golden color and nutty aroma that defines brown butter. Add the grated garlic and stir briefly to release its fragrance. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for two minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in your lobster stock and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Remove from heat and blend in the grated Gruyere and Fontina cheeses along with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. This sauce will be luscious, rich, and perfectly seasoned to elevate every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Poutine
Pile the piping hot fries into a sturdy baking or heat-proof serving dish. Scatter the warm lobster pieces and fresh cheese curds evenly over the fries. Finally, lavish the entire dish with your velvety brown butter cheese sauce, coating everything in gooey goodness. Garnish with freshly sliced scallions or chives to add a refreshing touch of color and mild sharpness that balances the richness. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the contrast of textures firsthand.
How to Serve Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding scallions or chives on top not only brightens the presentation but also cuts through the richness with a subtle oniony freshness. If you want an extra touch, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or a little lemon zest can enliven the dish further, making it look even more inviting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This rich Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, crisp salads like a lemon arugula salad or a light cucumber and fennel slaw. These sides provide a refreshing counterpoint that helps balance the indulgence of the poutine while keeping the meal feeling well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a gathering, serve this poutine in individual cast iron skillets or mini casserole dishes. You could also try layering the fries, lobster, curds, and sauce in clear glasses for an eye-catching layered effect. No matter how you present it, this dish will look as spectacular as it tastes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fries, lobster, and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps each component fresh and prevents sogginess or flavor loss, so your poutine tastes just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
Although you can freeze leftover cheese sauce and lobster meat individually, freezing cooked fries is not recommended as they tend to lose their crisp texture upon thawing. To preserve the best quality, freeze only the lobster meat and cheese sauce, and reheat with freshly cooked fries when ready.
Reheating
Warm the cheese sauce gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep it smooth. Reheat lobster meat briefly in butter just enough to warm it through without overcooking. Reheat fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5–7 minutes to regain their crispness. Then assemble your poutine fresh for best results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lobster instead of cooked meat?
You certainly can, but fresh lobster will need to be cooked before adding to the dish. Using pre-cooked lobster meat saves time, ensures tenderness, and prevents overcooking, which can make lobster tough.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential in this recipe?
Old Bay adds a distinctive, savory spice that complements the seafood and cheese beautifully, but if you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne can provide a similar flavor profile.
Can I substitute other types of cheeses in the brown butter sauce?
Gruyere and Fontina offer excellent meltability and flavor, but you can experiment with other mild, melting cheeses like Havarti or a sharp white cheddar for a different but still delicious result.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on butter and cheese for its signature flavor and texture. To adapt it, you’d need to use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives and modify the sauce accordingly, which may affect the taste and consistency.
How do I make homemade fries for this poutine?
For homemade fries, cut russet potatoes into sticks, soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, pat dry, toss in olive oil and Old Bay seasoning, and bake or fry until golden and crispy before assembling your poutine.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved showstopper in your recipe collection. The combination of crispy fries, tender lobster, and that irresistibly rich cheese sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a gourmet comfort meal, this dish promises to deliver smiles and warm memories with every bite. So go ahead, dive in and enjoy every luscious forkful!
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Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Lobster Poutine with Brown Butter Cheese Sauce elevates the classic Canadian comfort food by adding succulent lobster meat and a rich, nutty cheese sauce made with gruyere, fontina, and fragrant Old Bay seasoning. Perfectly crispy baked fries are topped with warm lobster, fresh cheese curds, and a decadent brown butter sauce, making it an indulgent dish that’s great for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 1 bag of frozen french fries
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay spice seasoning
- Salt, to taste
For the Lobster:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb cooked lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
For the Brown Butter Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove, grated or pressed
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup lobster or seafood stock
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 4 oz gruyere cheese, grated
- 4 oz fontina cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay spice seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- Fresh cheese curds
- Scallions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Spread the frozen fries out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with the Old Bay spice and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly. Bake the fries according to the package directions until crispy and golden.
- Cook the Lobster: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cooked lobster meat and toss to coat in the butter. Heat until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm until assembly.
- Make the Brown Butter Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Add the grated garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook the roux for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the lobster or seafood stock and whole milk, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in the grated gruyere and fontina cheeses along with the Old Bay seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to assemble.
- Assemble the Poutine: Place the hot baked fries into a heat-proof baking or serving dish. Top evenly with the warm lobster pieces and a generous amount of fresh cheese curds. Pour the warm brown butter cheese sauce over the fries, lobster, and curds. Garnish with chopped scallions or chives. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Notes
- Use cooked lobster meat to avoid overcooking and maintain tenderness.
- If fresh cheese curds are unavailable, small pieces of mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- For best texture, bake fries according to package instructions instead of frying.
- Adjust the Old Bay seasoning to taste depending on desired spice level.
- The brown butter cheese sauce can be gently reheated if it thickens too much before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
