What to Serve with Duck Confit (12 Side Dishes You’ll Love)

I am an avid duck confit side dish curator because they offer a unique and delicious way to enhance my duck confit experience. Each side dish provides a different flavor, texture, and taste, making the meal even more amazing.

There is perhaps no greater culinary delight than duck confit.

The process of slowly cooking duck legs in their own fat until they are meltingly tender and crispy on the outside is a true test of a chef’s skill.

And while duck confit may be the star of the show, it’s certainly not alone on the plate.

From classic French fare to creative contemporary creations, there are endless possibilities for delicious side dishes that will perfectly complement this succulent dish.

Let’s explore some of my favorites!

Duck Confit Sides

1. Green Beans Casserole
2. Roasted Carrots and Fennel
3. Broccoli Salad
4. Balsamic Roasted Squash
5. Green Salad with Strawberries
6. Braised French Green Lentils
7. Creamy Pasta Salad
8. Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
9. Sicilian-Style Skillet Brown Rice
10. Pairing Wines (Pinor Noir, Bordeaux)
11. Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
12. French Fries

Green Beans Casserole

It is simply unbelievable how I’ve now become an evangelist of green beans casserole.

I’ve always liked green beans, but this dish takes it to a whole new level.

The creamy sauce, the crispy fried onions on top, and the tender green beans inside come together to create a flavor and texture that is out of this world.

And while it may be tempting to go for the classic French green beans casserole, I urge you to try something new and exciting.

For instance, my personal favorite is the green beans casserole with bacon and Gruyere cheese.

The salty bacon and sharp Gruyere perfectly offset the sweetness of the sauce, making for an incredibly well-rounded dish.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Roasted Carrots and Fennel

This is a dish that is simple yet elegant, and it is sure to please even the most discerning of duck confit aficionados.

The sweetness of the roasted carrots pairs perfectly with the anise-like flavor of the fennel, and the duck fat adds a richness that takes this dish to the next level.

To achieve the best results, be sure to use fresh carrots and fennel.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, try roasting them with a touch of honey for an added sweetness that will perfectly complement the duck confit.

Broccoli Salad

This may come as a surprise, but broccoli salad is one of my all-time favorite duck confit sides.

As to why it takes the cake, it’s really all about the combination of flavors, textures, and colors.

The savory duck confit, the crunch of the broccoli, the sweetness of the raisins, and the creaminess of the dressing all come together to create a flavor explosion in your mouth.

And while there are many different ways to make broccoli salad, my personal favorite is with a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.

I would also say this: remember to use fresh, crisp broccoli. Also, don’t forget the dressing. It’s very important.

Balsamic Roasted Squash

This is a dish that is both sweet and savory, and it makes for an excellent duck confit side.

The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity that perfectly offsets the richness of the duck fat, while the roasted squash provides a sweetness that brings the whole dish together.

To get the best results, use recently harvested squash.

For an extra sweetness that will go great with the duck confit, try roasting them with a bit of honey.

Green Salad with Strawberries

Now, I don’t know if I ever told you this, but duck confit is my all-time favorite food.

But even I have to admit that, sometimes, it can be a bit heavy.

That’s why I always like to serve it with a light and refreshing green salad.

And while any old green salad will do, one thing I love is strawberries.

The strawberries provide a pleasant counterpoint to the duck confit, which is rich in flavor.

So, if you’re looking for a light and refreshing duck confit side, look no further than a green salad with strawberries.

Braised French Green Lentils

This is a dish that is both healthy and delicious, and it makes for an excellent duck confit side.

The lentils are packed with protein and fiber, and they have a lovely earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the duck confit.

Use French green lentils to get the greatest effects. If you’re searching for a little more flavor, braise them in duck fat.

Creamy Pasta Salad

Despite what you may think, duck confit does not have to be heavy.

In fact, I would argue that one of the best duck confit sides is a light and creamy pasta salad.

The pasta salad is packed with flavor, yet it is still light enough to allow the duck confit to shine.

My best pasta salad is made with a creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, and a touch of Parmesan cheese.

It’s the perfect duck confit side, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

This is a dish that is classic for a reason, and it’s one of my favorites.

The creamy texture and rich flavor of the mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the duck confit, and the caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness that takes the dish to the next level.

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a creamy texture that is perfect for mashed potatoes.

And be sure to caramelize the onions slowly. This will take some time, but it’s well worth it.

Sicilian-Style Skillet Brown Rice

I know what you’re thinking: brown rice? Really?

But trust me, this dish is delicious.

The rice is cooked in duck fat, which gives it a rich flavor, and it’s studded with raisins, green olives, and Parmesan cheese.

It’s the perfect duck confit side, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Pairing Wines (Pinor Noir, Bordeaux)

If you haven’t yet tried duck confit with wine, I highly recommend that you do.

But what wine? What wines pair well with duck confit?

A Pinot Noir or a Bordeaux would be the way to go.

Both of these wines have the body and structure to stand up to the duck confit, and they will provide a delicious counterpoint to the rich flavor of the dish.

Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

What would a duck confit side dish list be without asparagus?

This classic vegetable pairs perfectly with duck confit, and it’s a dish that is sure to please.

The key to making this dish is to use fresh asparagus. It should be firm, yet tender.

And be sure to make the Hollandaise sauce from scratch. It’s not as difficult as you may think, and it will make all the difference in the world.

French Fries

This side dish needs no introduction.

French fries are a classic duck confit side, and they’re a dish that I always enjoy. There are countless ways to make them, but my personal favorite is to fry them in duck fat.

It may be a bit of extra work, but it’s well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you overcook duck confit?

Yes, duck confit can be overcooked. Nevertheless, if it is cooked for too long, it will become dry and tough. Duck confit is a dish that is meant to be cooked slowly and carefully.

What is the best way to reheat duck confit?

The best way to reheat duck confit is in a low oven. This will help to keep the duck confit moist and delicious.

What vegetable goes well with duck breast?

There are many vegetables that pair well with duck breast. Some of my favorites include asparagus, red cabbage, pumpkin, and broccoli.

Conclusion

I wouldn’t put it past myself to say that duck confit is one of my all-time favorite dishes. I love the rich flavor and the unique texture. And duck confit pairs perfectly with so many different side dishes.

Whether you’re looking for a classic French dish or something a little more contemporary, there’s a duck confit side dish for you.

So, why don’t you give one of these duck confit side dishes a try? I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. Bon appetite!