Roast duck is a succulent and flavorful dish that makes for a special meal. Its rich taste and tender meat deserve to be complemented by equally delicious side dishes.

To help you create the perfect dining experience, here are 20 tasty side dishes that pair wonderfully with roast duck, enhancing its flavors and making your meal truly memorable.

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The best side dishes to serve with roast duck are mashed potatoes, yellow rice, french fries, Brussels sprouts with bacon, ratatouille, grilled asparagus, mushroom risotto, deviled eggs, baked zucchini, eggplant salad, butternut squash, carrot mash, blistered tomatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and caramelized carrots.

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1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted duck. The creamy, comforting texture of the potatoes is the perfect contrast to the rich, juicy meat, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

2. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts with bacon is a mouthwatering side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the smoky, savory taste of bacon. This combination enhances the delicious flavors of the roast duck, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

3. French Fries

Crispy French fries are a fun and tasty side dish to serve with roast duck. Their satisfying crunch and savory flavor provide a playful contrast to the tender, juicy duck meat, making for an enjoyable and delicious meal.

4. Blooming Onion

A Blooming Onion is a unique and flavorful choice. This large, battered, and fried onion, cut to resemble a flower, provides a fun and interactive side dish. Its crispy texture and savory taste are an excellent complement to the richness of the duck, offering a pleasing contrast.

5. Brown Rice and Vegetables

Brown rice with vegetables is a wholesome and nutritious option. This side dish is not only healthy but also provides a lovely textural contrast to the roast duck. The chewiness of the rice and the variety of vegetables complement the tender meat well, making for a balanced and flavorful plate.

6. Cauliflower Parmesan

Cauliflower Parmesan is a creative and lighter alternative to traditional heavy sides. Baked cauliflower florets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese offer a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the duck. It adds a cheesy, savory dimension to your meal.

7. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that goes beautifully with duck. This vegetable stew, made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, is rich in flavor and brings a medley of vegetables to your plate. Its hearty and rustic nature complements the duck perfectly.

8. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus adds a fresh and slightly smoky element to the meal. The charred edges and tender stalks provide a nice textural contrast to the roast duck. Season them with a bit of lemon juice or Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.

9. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet side that complements the savory richness of roast duck wonderfully. Its natural sweetness pairs well with the meat, and its velvety texture makes it a comforting addition to the plate. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg, which will enhance the sweet potatoes and create a perfect harmony with the duck.

10. Caramelized Carrots

Caramelized Carrots offer a delightful mix of sweetness and a touch of earthiness. Roasting or sautéing carrots until they are tender and caramelized brings out their natural sugars and intensifies their flavor. This process creates a side dish that's not only delicious but also has a depth of flavor that pairs exceptionally well with the rich and complex taste of roast duck.

11. Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash is a delightful side dish that offers both sweetness and a touch of caramelization. When cooked in an air fryer, the squash becomes tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, creating a wonderful texture. Season it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or herbs to enhance its natural flavors, making it a perfect complement to the rich and savory roast duck.

12. Blistered Tomatoes

Blistered Tomatoes are a simple yet vibrant addition. Cooking them quickly at high heat brings out their natural sweetness and adds a bit of char, which enhances their flavor. Their juiciness and slight acidity are excellent for balancing the rich and decadent taste of the roast duck, adding a fresh and light element to the dish.

13. Polenta

Creamy polenta is a smooth, comforting dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of roast duck. The rich creaminess of the polenta balances the savory duck, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.

14. Potatoes au Gratin

Potatoes au Gratin is a rich and creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with roast duck. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cheese and a creamy sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. The indulgent, cheesy dish complements the tender, savory duck meat, creating a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

15. Yellow Rice

Yellow rice, seasoned with turmeric and other spices, adds a burst of color and flavor to your roast duck dinner. The aromatic spices and fluffy texture of the rice complement the rich taste of the duck, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

16. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a luxurious and creamy dish that complements the rich flavors of roast duck. The earthiness of the mushrooms paired with the creamy rice creates a comforting and satisfying side. Each spoonful of this velvety risotto, enhanced with a bit of Parmesan and a hint of garlic, adds a touch of elegance to your meal.

17. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic side dish that brings a creamy and tangy flavor to the table. They are not only delicious but also provide a nice contrast in texture to the roast duck. The filling, usually made with egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, can be adjusted to your taste and makes for a delightful bite-sized treat.

18. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic potato side. Boiled until tender and then smashed and roasted until crispy, they offer a fantastic combination of creamy inside and crunchy outside. Seasoned with herbs and a bit of garlic, these potatoes are a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to the savory roast duck.

19. Baked Zucchini

Baked zucchini is a light and healthy option that balances the richness of the duck. Sliced zucchini, seasoned and baked until tender, offers a subtle and slightly sweet flavor. This simple yet tasty side dish adds a wholesome element to your duck, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

20. Eggplant Salad

Eggplant salad is a flavorful and refreshing choice. Roasted or grilled eggplant mixed with fresh herbs, olive oil, and perhaps a touch of vinegar or lemon juice, creates a medley of flavors. This salad's unique texture and rich taste make it an excellent complement to the succulent roast duck.

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