Many people enjoy duck breast as the main dish for their meal. But did you know that many side dishes will complement your duck breast perfectly?

I have always loved duck breast. There’s something about the tender meat and crispy skin that just makes my taste buds happy. And I’m not the only one – my family also enjoys it whenever I make it for dinner.

Recently, I decided that I had to level up these duck breasts by serving some side dishes with them. So I did some researching and experimenting, and I came up with some ideas that I think are worth sharing!

Side Dish For Duck Breast

Rosemary Parsnip Fries
Mashed Pumpkin
Roasted Beet Salad
Orange Sauce
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Red Cabbage
Whipped Sweet Potato
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Glazed Carrots
Mashed Potatoes

Rosemary Parsnip Fries

Rosemary Parsnip Fries are a great side dish for Duck Breast. They have a crispy texture and a mildly sweet flavor that goes well with the rich taste of duck. Additionally, the parsnips provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

While Rosemary Parsnip Fries are a delicious and nutritious choice, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing them:

Make sure to thoroughly clean the parsnips before cooking them.
Be careful not to overcook the fries; they should be golden brown, not burnt.
If you want extra flavor, try sprinkling some Parmesan cheese on top of the fries before serving.

Mashed Pumpkin

Mashed pumpkin is a classic side dish that can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Unlike other vegetables, pumpkin has a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like duck breast. Additionally, the creamy texture of mashed pumpkin helps to balance out the rich taste of duck.

While homemade mashed pumpkin is always best, you can also find cans of pre-made pumpkin puree at most supermarkets. If you’re in a pinch, canned pumpkin puree can be used to create a delicious and easy side dish. Simply add milk, butter, and spices to taste.

However, be careful not to overcook the pumpkin, as this can cause it to become watery and bland. When done correctly, mashed pumpkin is a delicious and easy way to add some fall flavor to your meal.

Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad is the perfect side dish for Duck Breast. The sweetness of the beets pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the duck, and the creamy dressing ties everything together. Plus, the vibrant colors of the salad add a beautiful touch to any plate.

Roasting the beets is key to achieving the right flavor and texture – you want them to be tender but not mushy, with a slight hint of char. I like to roast my beets on a bed of thyme, which gives them a lovely herbal flavor.

When it comes to dressings, I prefer something light and acidic, such as balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. This helps to balance out the richness of the duck.

Orange Sauce

If you’re looking for something that will complement your duck breast, then you can’t go wrong with orange sauce. Made with fresh oranges and a variety of spices, the orange sauce is a delicious and unique way to add flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

To make sure you’re making your orange sauce right, here are some tips that can help you out:

It’s important to not overdo the spices. Too much spice can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the duck.
Watch the amount of sugar you add. The natural sweetness of the oranges can make the sauce too sweet if you’re not careful.
Be sure to simmer the sauce until it’s nice and thick. This will help it adhere to the duck and prevent it from sliding off.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great side dish for duck breast. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of duck. Roasting Brussels sprouts helps to bring out their natural sweetness and makes them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

However, when preparing Brussels sprouts for roasting, there are a few things to consider:

Make sure to trim the end off of each sprout and remove any yellow or brown leaves so that they cook evenly and don’t become mushy.
Be sure to roast the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature. This will help to caramelize the exterior of the sprouts and give them a nice crunch.
Don’t forget to season your Brussels sprouts with salt, pepper, and olive oil before roasting to bring out their flavor and prevent them from drying out.

Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is a type of cabbage that gets its name from its deep red color. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor and a crunchy texture. It can be enjoyed cooked or raw and makes a great addition to salads, slaws, and stir-fries.

When cooking red cabbage, it’s important to remember that it takes longer to soften than other types of cabbage. For this reason, it’s best to start with small pieces or shreds and cook over low heat until tender. Plus, it is also a good source of vitamins A and C, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Whipped Sweet Potato

Duck goes great with sweet potato, so why not try whipping up some whipped sweet potato? It’s easy to make and delivers a lovely sweetness that complements the duck perfectly. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C.

However, be sure to use fresh sweet potatoes – they’ll provide better flavor and texture. Additionally, don’t overdo it on the sugar – a little goes a long way. Also, make sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they’re nice and fluffy – otherwise, they’ll be difficult to mash.

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise Potatoes are a classic French dish that consists of layered, thinly sliced potatoes and cream. The potatoes are typically baked in the oven until they are tender and golden brown. Dauphinoise Potatoes have a rich, creamy flavor and a luxurious texture.

They are the perfect side dish for roasted meats or poultry. Of course, you still need to make sure that you use starchy potatoes, such as russet or Yukon gold, for the best results.

Also, note that the potatoes should be thinly sliced so that they cook evenly, and make sure to use plenty of cream and seasonings so that the potatoes are flavorfully seasoned.

Glazed Carrots

On their own, carrots can be a bit bland. But when they’re glazed with a sweet and savory mixture of honey and soy sauce, they become an irresistible side dish.

The key to achieving the perfect balance of sweet and salty is to cook the carrots until they’re just tender, then add a touch of rice vinegar to brighten the flavors.

Whether you’re serving them alongside a roasted chicken or a seared steak, these glazed carrots will round out your meal perfectly. And if you’re looking for an extra pop of color, try adding a handful of chopped scallions to the mix.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be served with duck breast. They are creamy and smooth, with a rich flavor that pairs well with the richness of the duck.

However, mashed potatoes can also be heavy and greasy, so it is important to choose the right type of potato and to cook them properly. Yukon gold potatoes are a good option, as they have a creamy texture and roast well.

When cooking, be sure to add some milk or cream to the potato water to help keep the potatoes moist. You will also want to add some butter for flavor and richness. Then, mash the potatoes until they are smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

For a lighter mashed potato, you can substitute some of the milk or cream with chicken broth. This will give the potatoes a bit more flavor without making them too heavy.

Conclusion

Now that you know about some delicious side dishes that will complement your duck breast perfectly, it’s time to get cooking! These recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients, so you can have a fantastic side dish ready in no time.

Plus, all of these recipes are perfect for any occasion – whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them on a quiet night at home. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy!