Duck confit is a classic French dish known for its rich, succulent flavors and tender texture.

It is made by slowly cooking duck legs in their own fat, resulting in a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.

While duck confit is delicious on its own, pairing it with the perfect side dishes can elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Here are 15 amazing side dishes that complement duck confit wonderfully and will make your meal truly memorable.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with duck confit are creamy mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, garlic green beans, roasted root vegetables, sautéed Brussels sprouts, mushroom risotto, potatoes au gratin, ratatouille, yellow rice, and French lentil salad.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Mashed Potatoes
2. Braised Red Cabbage
3. Garlic Green Beans
4. Potatoes au Gratin
5. Roasted Root Vegetables
6. Brussels Sprouts
7. Mushroom Risotto
8. Lentil Salad
9. Ratatouille
10. Caramelized Shallots
11. Yellow Rice
12. Roasted Fennel
13. Creamed Spinach
14. Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
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What To Serve With Duck Confit

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish to serve with duck confit. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes provides a comforting and delicious base that balances the richness of the duck. The simplicity of this dish allows the flavors of the duck confit to shine while adding a satisfying element to the meal.

2. Braised Red Cabbage

Braised red cabbage is a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs well with duck confit. The tangy and slightly sweet flavors of the cabbage help to cut through the richness of the duck, providing a delightful contrast. The slow cooking process also ensures that the cabbage is tender and full of flavor.

3. Garlic Green Beans

Garlic green beans are a simple yet tasty side dish that complements duck confit. The fresh, crisp green beans are quickly sautéed with garlic, adding a burst of flavor and a vibrant touch to the meal. The lightness of this dish provides a nice contrast to the rich and succulent duck confit.

4. Potatoes au Gratin

Potatoes au gratin is a delicious and indulgent side dish that pairs wonderfully with duck confit. Made with thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and a creamy sauce, this dish is baked until golden and bubbly. The rich flavors and crispy top of potatoes au gratin create a delightful contrast to the tender duck meat.

5. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with duck confit. A mix of vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and beets are roasted until caramelized and tender, enhancing their natural sweetness. The earthy flavors of the root vegetables are a fantastic match for the savory duck confit.

6. Brussels Sprouts

Sautéed Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with duck confit. The Brussels sprouts are cooked with garlic and a touch of balsamic vinegar, adding depth and tanginess to their natural flavors. Their slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture create a wonderful contrast to the rich duck confit.

7. Mushroom Risotto

Wild mushroom risotto is a creamy and earthy side dish that pairs excellently with duck confit. The combination of Arborio rice, wild mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and velvety dish that complements the tender duck meat. The umami flavors of the mushrooms enhance the overall dining experience.

8. Lentil Salad

French lentil salad is a light and flavorful side dish that balances the richness of duck confit. Made with Puy lentils, shallots, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette, this salad adds a fresh and earthy element to the meal. The tender lentils and zesty dressing create a lovely contrast to the savory duck confit.

9. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew that complements duck confit beautifully. Made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this dish is slow-cooked with garlic, onions, and herbs to create a flavorful and aromatic side. The medley of vegetables adds a light and refreshing element to the rich duck confit.

10. Caramelized Shallots

Caramelized shallots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with duck confit. Slowly cooked in butter, the shallots develop a deep, rich flavor and a tender texture. The sweetness of the caramelized shallots complements the savory duck confit, adding a touch of complexity to the meal.

11. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice is a fragrant and colorful side dish that enhances your duck confit meal. Cooked with turmeric, saffron, or annatto, the rice takes on a vibrant yellow hue and a delicate, earthy flavor. The fluffy texture of the rice provides a lovely base for the tender and succulent duck confit.

12. Roasted Fennel

Roasted fennel is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that goes well with duck confit. The fennel is roasted until tender and caramelized, releasing its natural sweetness and anise-like flavor. The unique taste of the roasted fennel adds a distinctive and complementary element to the rich duck confit.

13. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a rich and comforting side dish that balances the flavors of duck confit. Made with fresh spinach, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both creamy and flavorful. The smooth texture and bright flavors of the creamed spinach provide a lovely contrast to the savory duck confit.

14. Pear and Blue Cheese Salad

Pear and blue cheese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs excellently with duck confit. The combination of sweet, ripe pears, tangy blue cheese, and crisp greens creates a delightful balance of flavors. The fruity sweetness and sharp cheese flavors contrast the richness of the duck confit, making it a memorable addition to your meal.

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