Real Canadian Poutine

1 (14 ounce) package frozen French fries

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups beef broth

salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 ½ cups cheese curds

Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.

Spread fries in a single layer over prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven until light brown, about 15 minutes.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour vigorously. When mixture bubbles, reduce heat to low; cook and stir until the mixture thins, about 2 minutes. Whisk in beef broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until gravy has thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Place fries on a serving plate or in individual bowls. Distribute the cheese curds over the fries; pour hot gravy over the fries and curds. Serve immediately.