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What to Serve with Poutine? 13 Best Side Dishes

We all know that poutine is the ultimate comfort food, right? It’s like fries, cheese curds, and gravy had a party, and we were all invited!

But let’s face it—sometimes we need to switch things up a bit. What should we serve alongside this cheesy, saucy masterpiece?

There are tons of options out there that can complement this French-Canadian classic. We’ll share ideas that won’t just fill the table, but will also tickle our cravings.

From crispy veggies to exciting proteins, we’ve got some tasty side dishes that will make our poutine experience even better. Grab a fork, and let’s get into it!

Top 13 Side Dishes for Poutine

Here are some fantastic side dishes that will bring even more flavor to your poutine:

1 – Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted beet salad is a colorful, earthy dish we can’t resist. The sweetness of the beets shines through, perfectly balancing with tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.

We throw in arugula for a peppery kick and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a zesty finish.

Key ingredients include fresh beets, creamy goat cheese, walnuts, and peppery arugula.

We often enjoy this salad as a light lunch or a side with grilled chicken. It’s simple yet impressively flavorful, perfect for gatherings or a solo snack.

2 – Spicy Coleslaw

Coleslaw is like that cool friend who always brings the crunch to the party. It’s crunchy, tangy, and a bit spicy, making it the perfect foil for poutine’s richness.

We whip up this quick side with cabbage, carrots, a splash of vinegar, and a kick of hot sauce.

Its balance of creaminess and crunch is what we love. We often add in some sliced jalapeños for that extra zing.

Perfect alongside fries, it brightens up the plate effortlessly. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

3 – Air Fryer Green Beans

Green beans are our go-to veggie side dish when we want something simple yet flavorful. Garlic and parmesan elevate these crunchy spears to a whole new level.

We toss fresh green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, and a generous shower of parmesan.

The result is a crispy exterior with that cheesy goodness we crave.

Adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end gives it a bright finish. Remember the time we made these for a gathering? They vanished in minutes—everyone went back for seconds!

4 – Truffle Fries

Truffle fries are like regular fries that decided to dress up for a swanky dinner party! They’re crispy golden sticks of joy, infused with that unmistakable earthy aroma.

We use the usual suspects: potatoes, oil, and salt, then drizzle truffle oil on top.

Adding grated parmesan and chopped parsley gives them a rich depth and freshness. These fries are a flavor sensation with a premium twist.

We once devoured a mountain of these at a local food festival; they vanished faster than we could say “more, please!”

Perfect for sharing—or not.

5 – Lemon Herb Quinoa

Lemon herb quinoa is a vibrant and refreshing side that pairs beautifully with poutine. It combines nutty quinoa with zesty lemon juice and a mix of fresh herbs. We often toss in parsley and mint for extra flavour.

The ingredients are straightforward: quinoa, lemon, olive oil, herbs, and a pinch of salt. This dish adds brightness and balances the richness of poutine.

We once served it at a barbecue, and it disappeared faster than the grilled meat! It’s light yet satisfying, making it a favourite for summer meals.

6 – Air Fryer Carrots

Air fryer carrots are our secret weapon for making vegetables irresistible. Air frying carrots and glaze them with pure maple syrup, balancing sweetness with a pinch of salt. The result is crunchy, caramelized goodness that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients include fresh carrots, real maple syrup, butter, and a sprinkle of salt. We’ve served these at dinner parties, and they vanished faster than we could say “seconds.” The sweet-savory flavor keeps us coming back for more. Perfect as a side or a cozy snack, these carrots always steal the show.

7 – Spinach and Strawberry Salad

This salad is like summer on a plate! Fresh spinach pairs perfectly with sweet strawberries and crunchy almonds. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a tangy twist, making each bite a balanced treat.

We toss in a light balsamic vinaigrette for extra zing. The sweetness of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the earthy spinach. Remember that time we made this for a picnic? It was a hit and disappeared fast!

8 – Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Air fryer zucchini chips are crispy, crunchy, and super satisfying. These little guys offer a lighter alternative to standard chips while still tickling our cravings.

Ingredients include fresh zucchini, olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of parmesan for flavor.

We’ve tried them at a gathering, and our friends polished off the entire batch in minutes. The combination of saltiness with the gentle sweetness of zucchini hits just right.

These chips pair well with dips or as a stand-alone snack, making them a versatile addition to any table.

9 – Smoky Baked Beans

Smoky baked beans bring a sweet and smoky vibe to any meal. These beans are the ultimate comfort food with a rich flavor profile.

We usually mix navy beans, brown sugar, onion, garlic, and a splash of liquid smoke.

The result? A balanced blend of sweetness and smokiness! We love pairing these beans with grilled meats or enjoying them on toast for a twist on breakfast.

One time, we made a big batch for a cookout. They were devoured quicker than we could dish them out!

10 – Apple Walnut Salad

This salad is a crunchy, sweet gem. Crisp apples and crunchy walnuts create an exciting textural contrast.

We toss in a handful of mixed greens and a drizzle of tangy vinaigrette. The flavors blend beautifully, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

We love bringing this to potlucks, and it’s always a hit. With only a few ingredients, it’s a great last-minute option.

11 – Herb Roasted Cauliflower

Herb roasted cauliflower is the side dish we can’t resist. It’s super simple but bursting with flavor.

We seasoned it with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, plus olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Roasting brings out a nice caramelized sweetness from the cauliflower, giving it a rich, nutty taste.

Everyone loves it at dinner parties, and it often gets wiped clean before other dishes even catch a break.

12 – Tomato Basil Bruschetta

This bruschetta is a classic standout at parties. It brings together ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic.

We typically mix diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and torn basil leaves, letting the flavors intertwine.

To top it off, we serve it on crispy toasted bread drizzled with olive oil. Each bite bursts with freshness.

Last time, we made a batch for game night, and it was gone within moments. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser.

13 – Sweet Potato Tots

Sweet potato tots are our go-to for a crunchy snack with a sweet side. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them addictive.

We use fresh sweet potatoes, a bit of flour, and a pinch of salt.

The sweetness shines through, balanced by a touch of spice. These tots are perfect with a dipping sauce or on their own.

Once, we brought a tray to a potluck, and they vanished before we could even snag one!

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