This article was updated on the 11th of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your duck confit, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for duck confit.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes for duck confit include brioche rolls, lentil ragout, and cassoulet. You can also serve sauteed kale and creamy polenta. If you want a salad, go for a simple arugula salad or a winter citrus salad. And for brunch, serve the duck confit with a frisee salad and a mimosa.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Hearty Sides
Duck confit has a rich flavor that holds up well to decadent, starchy sides. Be warned though — your meal will be indulgent with these side dishes!
Brioche Rolls
4.9 ⭐️ (20 ratings) | 2 hrs 20 mins
These simple brioche rolls are sure to impress your guests. They’re like little pillows of heaven made with butter and eggs, so they’re rich and decadent.
But they’re also light and fluffy, which makes them perfect for mopping up all the juice from your duck confit (or whatever sauce you paired them with).
And for some added sweetness, spread a small amount of honey butter on the buns. YUM!
What readers are saying…
“I made these for Thanksgiving, and they were such a big hit everyone practically DEMANDED I make them again for Christmas!“
“I’ve baked these rolls several times and they always come out really good! Highly recommend the recipe!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Crispy Roast Potatoes
4.8 ⭐️ (114 ratings) | 1 hr 40 mins
If you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it properly. And these roast potatoes fit the bill.
They’re cooked in duck fat, which gives the spuds those delightfully golden, crisp crusts you won’t get with just using regular cooking oil. The duck fat also infuses the spuds with a decadent savory flavor, making them extra special.
Another trick that makes these roast potatoes special is after boiling, the cooked spuds are shaken until a paste-like consistency forms around each one of them. This also plays a role in making them extra crispy!
What readers are saying…
This is by far my favorite recipe for roasted potatoes!
“This recipe is a REVELATION. I have now officially won the crispy roasted potato championship in our household.”
“You were right. These are the very best potatoes I have ever tasted. WOW! Will be making these over and over.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇫🇷 Pommes de terre à la Sarladaise
🧈 Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Cheddar Polenta
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 15 mins
The polenta is buttery, the duck is tender; together, they create a warm and comforting meal.
It might not look like a show-stopper but once the polenta soaks up all the juices from the duck, every mouthful will be delicious.
Cheddar cheese takes this dish up a notch, but you can use pretty much any cheese you want. Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and Pepper Jack Cheese are all excellent alternatives.
What readers are saying…
“Great recipe. Came out great – was able to swap the cheddar cheese for what I had and was delicious with a BBQ pork chop. Thanks!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Grilled Herb and Parmesan Polenta
🌶 Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Grits
Lentil Ragout
5.0 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 35 mins
Lentil ragout is a traditional French side dish, and its earthy, nutty flavor pairs fabulously with the fatty flavors of the duck.
Their soft texture also matches the melt-in-your-mouth duck, making each bite an absolute delight.
This combo is hearty enough on its own but for those days when I want to indulge, I also serve some crusty bread rolls on the side. After all, you’ll need something to soak up all that delicious broth from the ragout and juices from your duck!
What readers are saying…
“Made tonight as a side dish and was super good! I omitted the zucchini since I did not have any so doubled the bell pepper.“
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I made this twice in one week. So good!“
“This is delicious, my wife raved about the flavors.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cassoulet
5.0 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 1 hr
Duck confit is already a dish you won’t want to pass up, but when it’s paired with a cassoulet, it’s impossible to say no.
Cassoulet is another traditional French dish and it’s best described as a hearty bean stew. Traditional recipes include several ingredients that aren’t the most accessible and require 2-3 days of cooking and preparation. But this version from the Seasoned Mom is easier and only takes an hour of cooking.
Enjoy your duck confit alongside a bowl of piping hot cassoulet for the ultimate cozy, comforting dinner.
What readers are saying…
“…this dish is wonderful as well!! Warm, stick to your bones, complex taste”
“This was so delicious. Simple to make but bursting with flavor.”
“This is the best cassoulet I’ve had! Really hard to stop eating it! And I didn’t have any chicken!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Salads
If your palate easily gets overwhelmed by bold, decadent flavors, pairing your duck confit with a salad is the way to go. The leafy greens and fresh veg are the perfect contrast to the richness of the duck. And a bright, tart dressing always helps offset bolder flavors.
Frissee Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Duck confit isn’t just for dinner — it’s also great for a fancy brunch, especially with a side of this frisee salad.
Frisee is from the chicory family, and it has a distinct bitterness that keeps the duck from getting too heavy. The leaves also have a nice fresh bite that contrasts with the duck’s tender meat.
Pair this meal with a cold glass of mimosa to tie everything together!
What readers are saying…
“What a nice summer salad!”
“This salad is amazing! My whole family (kids and all) loved it.”
“This salad was delicious. I will definitely make this again. Oh and the basil Vinaigrette dressing, a definite keeper.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Arugula Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (14 ratings) | 15 mins
Sometimes, a simple side is best when it comes to duck confit.
It’s bright and refreshing, and additions like tomatoes, couscous, avocados, and pepitas make it satisfying but not heavy.
But what I really love about this salad is how easy it is to customize! I sometimes like to add roasted chickpeas, peas, dried cranberries, or cucumber to the mix for extra texture and flavor.
What readers are saying…
“…this dish is wonderful as well!! Warm, stick to your bones, complex taste”
“This was so delicious. Simple to make but bursting with flavor.”
“This is the best cassoulet I’ve had! Really hard to stop eating it! And I didn’t have any chicken!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Winter Citrus Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 15 mins
Duck and orange is a tried and tested flavor combination, and serving a citrus salad is an easy way of bringing them together.
The citrusy flavors balance out the fattiness of the duck, but this salad has a lot more to offer. It also has pomegranate seeds for small bursts of sweetness, and avocado to bring some creaminess. JZ Eats also adds goat cheese for an added subtle tartness, but I prefer using feta for a pop of saltiness.
Prop your duck confit over this gorgeous winter salad for an Insta-worthy meal.
What the chef says…
“Toss the spinach in half the dressing before adding the rest of the ingredients. I like to do this with all my salads to make sure the dressing is really mixed in there without breaking any of the salad toppings.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze
5.0 ⭐️ (118 ratings) | 40 mins
Grilled peaches are simple but elegant, perfect for a warm summer evening.
The sweet, succulent peach contrasts with the tangy vinegar blue cheese, and it all comes together in a beautiful symphony of flavor. And the open heat helps caramelize and char the peaches, infusing them with a delectable smokiness.
I like serving these grilled peaches as a starter before a duck confit, but they also work well as a side or even as a dessert!
What readers are saying…
“These are excellent! Easy to make just don’t reduce the vinegar too much; it thickens as it sits.“
“This was very tasty. The glaze didn’t firm up for me very much. And go light on the glaze, it can easily over power the peaches. Grilled peaches for the win!“
“This recipe is amazing! I took the skin off the peaches and I used mascarpone cheese instead of the blue cheese it called for.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pistachio Pesto Pasta Salad
4.9 ⭐️ (8 ratings) | 30 mins
Not in the mood for leafy green salads? Whip up this pasta salad to go with your duck confit instead.
Unlike other mayo-dressed recipes, this features a pesto dressing which keeps the pasta light. This vibrant green sauce also brings a bright, citrusy kick that complements the richness of your duck.
And if that’s not enough, How Sweet Eats adds burrata to the mix for an extra tangy hit.
What readers are saying…
“I don’t care for regular pasta salad but this has my name all over it! Making it this weekend!”
“I have made this so many times and it is my favorite! The pesto is incredible.”
“That pesto pasta was my lifeblood, and the addition of burrata is (as the kids say) FIRE!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables
Not the biggest salad fan? Stick with warm, veggie sides to go with your duck confit! They also bring a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients to complete the meal.
Pickled Red Cabbage
4.9 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 3 hrs 45 mins
Pickled red cabbage and duck confit are a classic pairing.
The sweet and tangy taste of the pickled cabbage works really well to cut through the richness of the duck. The two flavors balance each other so well that you’ll never serve one without the other again.
The best part? Making this pickled red cabbage is a breeze and there’s no cooking involved. The catch is you do have to wait at least 3 hours before you can dig in, so plan ahead!
What readers are saying…
“I came across this pickled red cabbage recipe and it was so easy to make and super tasty! I will definitely make it again!“
“I just made 3 batches, one with chili oil and one with miso and chilli oil and one plain. So excited to taste!!””
“Great recipe! I ended up making two batches one batch I added a tablespoon of red pepper flakes for some extra kick.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Braised Peas with Leeks and Lettuce
4.2 ⭐️ (8 ratings) | 25 mins
Veggies are a must when you’re serving duck as a main dish, but they don’t have to be boring.
This springtime side is packed with leafy greens and peas. They’re braised in butter until tender, which enriches them and brings out their natural sweetness. As soon as they’re off the heat, freshly chopped mint, chives, and grated lemon zest are mixed in, adding a burst of freshness.
Epicurious also finishes them off with chopped pistachios for crunch, but I like going with parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
What readers are saying…
“Easy, fabulous and works with so many proteins! Make it your own (bowls, vegan, etc.) Wonderful flavors!”
“Very tasty and springy. Easy to adjust for what you have on hand.“
“I really enjoyed this dish. I’ve made it 3 times now.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Caramelized Roasted Turnips
4.2 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 40 mins
Serving the duck for a holiday meal? These roasted turnips are a must-have side.
They’re perfectly tender in the middle but have enough caramelization on the outside to make them interesting. Plus, they’re seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried chives, adding a savory touch that enhances their natural sweetness.
Pro-tip: Broil the turnips for an extra two minutes to caramelize them further.
What readers are saying…
“This was an extremely easy recipe and it was delicious! I forgot to add the butter, but it still tasted great.”
“Delicious way to enjoy turnip!”
“I made this tonight and it was delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Lemon Garlic Sauteed Kale
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 20 mins
Pressed for time and want something easy? Sauté up some kale.
These leafy greens have a sharp, bitter flavor that can help offset the richness of your duck. But don’t be afraid of this flavor — a little minced garlic and fresh lemon juice mellows out the bitterness, making for a more balanced taste.
And the best part? Kale is a nutrition powerhouse, so you’re in for an extra healthy meal!
What readers are saying…
“I was looking for a new side dish for the abundant kale in my garden. This was easy and delicious!“
“This recipe was easy and delicious. I will make it again.“”This recipe was easy and delicious. I will make it again.“
Beautiful easy side dish… Got the exact results I wanted.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
5.0 ⭐️ (47 ratings) | 40 mins
These wrapped green beans are the perfect elegant, nourishing side dish for your duck confit.
The keys to this dish are blanching the green beans and pre-cooking the bacon. Both are extra steps that ensure you get vibrantly green and crisp-tender green beans and crunchy bacon wrap.
And to finish these green bean bundles, they’re brushed with a brown sugar mixture to help caramelize them further.
What readers are saying…
“Made this as a side dish yesterday – OH MY GOODNESS! It was beyond tasty, easy to make and turned out perfectly.”
“I have made this dish several times for family and guests and I always get rave reviews. I do all the prep ahead of time and just pop it in the oven before mealtime.”
“These green beans are fantastic- I now get asked to bring them for all family gatherings. My grandsons love them.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧀 Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
🥓 Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
What To Serve With Duck Confit
Ingredients
- 1 portion duck confit
Instructions
- Prepare your duck confit according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: brioche rolls, frisee salad, lentil ragout, pickled red cabbage, crispy roasted potatoes, creamy cheddar polenta, arugula salad, braised peas with leeks and lettuce, cider glazed turnips, citrusy winter avocado salad, cassoulet, grilled peaches with balsamic glaze, and sauteed kale.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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