If you are craving a comfort food that feels indulgent yet totally plant-based, you are going to fall head over heels for this Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe. It takes crispy golden tater tots, smothers them in a dreamy, velvety vegan cheese sauce, and then douses the whole spectacle with a fragrant, herb-spiked vegan gravy. This dish is the perfect cozy treat that satisfies those savory cravings with every bite, proving just how magical vegan comfort food can be. Plus, it’s so simple to make, anyone can whip it up and impress friends or family without any fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: crispy tater tots bring crunch, the vegan cheese sauce adds luscious creaminess, and the rich herb gravy ties everything together with heartwarming depth and aroma.
- 1 package tater tots: The base of the dish, offering perfect crispy texture when baked just right.
- 1/2 package shredded smoked vegan mozzarella cheese: Adds a smoky, melty richness that mimics traditional cheese beautifully.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened nut milk: Used to melt the cheese smoothly without overpowering flavor—cashew milk works wonders here.
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter: Essential for making the gravy with a silky mouthfeel and rich flavor.
- 5 tablespoons flour: Acts as the thickening agent, creating that perfect gravy consistency.
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened nut milk (cashew recommended): Provides a creamy base for the gravy, subtly nutty and smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme: Infuses the gravy with an earthy, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons liquid aminos or light tamari: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the gravy.
- 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce: Delivers complexity and a slight tang, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Key for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors in this recipe.
How to Make Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tots
Start by baking your tater tots according to the package instructions until they are irresistibly crispy and golden brown. This crunch is what gives the dish its signature satisfying bite that contrasts so wonderfully with the softness of the sauces.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan set over medium-low heat, gently melt the shredded smoked vegan mozzarella together with the unsweetened nut milk. Whisk constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without burning. Once melted, cover the pan to keep the sauce warm and ready for assembly.
Step 3: Make the Herb Gravy
In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until it turns a light golden brown, this creates a nutty flavor base for your gravy. Add thyme, liquid aminos or tamari, vegan Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then gradually whisk in the nut milk. Cook gently until the mixture thickens into a luscious gravy. Reduce heat and keep it warm alongside your cheese sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Poutine
Use a large bowl or serving plate and start by layering crispy tater tots. Pour over a generous amount of the warm cheese sauce, then drizzle with the rich herb gravy. Repeat with remaining tots and sauces until everything is beautifully coated. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while everything is glorious and hot. Dig in and savor every bite of this vegan delight that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
How to Serve Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich gravy and cheese sauce. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika or a crack of black pepper for an extra flavor kick.
Side Dishes
If you want to balance this hearty dish, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted seasonal vegetables also make a lovely companion, providing the perfect textural and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try serving this Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic appeal. You can also layer it in a clear glass to show off the enticing layers of tots, cheese sauce, and gravy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover poutine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tater tots, cheese sauce, and gravy separate if possible to retain the crispy texture of the tots.
Freezing
You can freeze the oversized portions of the cheese sauce and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly and whisk well to restore smoothness.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the cheese sauce and gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring often. Reheat tater tots in the oven to regain their crispness before assembling the dish again. This helps maintain the original satisfying texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade tater tots for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade tater tots add a personal touch and can be just as crispy and delicious. Just be sure to bake or fry them until golden to get that perfect crunch for your poutine.
What is the best vegan cheese to use for the cheese sauce?
Shredded smoked vegan mozzarella works wonderfully because it melts well and offers a mild smoky flavor. However, a high-quality vegan cheddar-style cheese also works if you prefer a tangier taste.
Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the gravy. Just mix it properly and adjust cooking time until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is liquid aminos the same as soy sauce?
Liquid aminos and soy sauce are similar but have different flavors and sodium content. Liquid aminos are a great gluten-free, less salty alternative perfect for this poutine’s umami-rich herb gravy.
How spicy is this Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy or cheese sauce to introduce some heat if you love spicy foods.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe as your next comfort food adventure. It’s loaded with flavor, texture, and wholesome plant-based goodness, making it perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests with a vegan twist on a classic favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be so happy you did!
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Vegan Tater Tot Poutine with Cheese Sauce and Herb Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Tater Tot Poutine recipe offers a comforting twist on the classic Canadian dish by layering crispy tater tots with a creamy smoked mozzarella-style vegan cheese sauce and a rich, savory vegan gravy. Perfectly baked tater tots combined with smooth, flavorful sauces create a satisfying and indulgent meal suitable for vegan diets.
Ingredients
For the Tater Tot Poutine:
- 1 package tater tots
- 1/2 package shredded smoked vegan mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup unsweetened nut milk (such as cashew or almond)
For the Gravy:
- 5 tablespoons vegan butter
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened nut milk (cashew recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons liquid aminos or light tamari
- 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tater Tots: Bake the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are golden brown and crispy, ensuring a crunchy base for the poutine.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the shredded smoked vegan mozzarella and the unsweetened nut milk. Whisk continuously to gently melt the cheese without burning. Once melted and smooth, cover the pan to keep the sauce warm while you prepare the gravy.
- Make the Gravy: In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook the mixture until it turns a light golden brown, forming a roux. Stir in the thyme, liquid aminos or tamari, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the 2 1/2 cups of unsweetened nut milk, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.
- Assemble the Poutine: On a large serving plate or bowl, layer the crispy tater tots, generously drizzle with the vegan cheese sauce, and then cover with a ladle of the hot vegan gravy. Repeat the layers until most of the tater tots are used and nicely coated with sauce and gravy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tater tot poutine hot to enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Use cashew nut milk for the creamiest cheese sauce and gravy, but almond or oat milk can also work.
- Make sure to whisk continuously when melting the cheese and making the gravy to prevent lumps and burning.
- This recipe is fully vegan, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy and animal products.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions as additional toppings.
- Leftover poutine can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve crispiness.
