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What to Serve with Duck Confit? 13 Best Side Dishes

Duck confit is a dish we love for its rich flavor and satisfyingly crispy skin. It’s always more enjoyable with the right sides, though. We’ve all been there, staring into the pantry thinking, “What goes well with this masterpiece?”

Sometimes we crave something simple, like a fresh salad, or maybe we lean towards roasted veggies for that hearty feel. Picking the perfect side can elevate the whole meal experience.

And yes, we’ve made mistakes! We’ve all paired it with something that didn’t quite make the cut.

Stick around as we reveal the sides that truly bring out the best in duck confit. Promise, it’ll be worth your while!

Top 13 Side Dishes for Duck Confit

Here are 13 of the best sides to serve with your duck confit:

DishMain IngredientsFlavorDifficultyTime
Potato DauphinoisePotatoes, cream, cheeseCreamy, richMedium45 mins
Braised Red CabbageCabbage, red wine, appleSweet, tangyEasy40 mins
Wild Mushroom RisottoArborio rice, mushrooms, ParmesanEarthy, creamyMedium35 mins
Truffle Mashed PotatoesPotatoes, truffle oil, butterSavory, luxuriousEasy25 mins
Garlic Roasted Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts, garlic, olive oilSmoky, garlickyEasy20 mins
Caramelized Onion TartOnions, puff pastry, thymeSweet, savoryMedium30 mins
Butternut Squash PuréeButternut squash, cream, nutmegSweet, smoothEasy25 mins
RatatouilleEggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, herbsSavory, herbaceousMedium45 mins
Herbed PolentaCornmeal, Parmesan, herbsCreamy, savoryMedium30 mins
Pear and Arugula SaladPear, arugula, walnuts, vinaigretteFresh, pepperyEasy10 mins
Crispy Duck Fat PotatoesPotatoes, duck fat, rosemaryCrispy, savoryMedium40 mins
Honey-Glazed CarrotsCarrots, honey, thymeSweet, earthyEasy25 mins
Fennel and Orange SaladFennel, oranges, olive oilFresh, citrusyEasy15 mins

These dishes are carefully selected to complement the rich, tender flavors of duck confit with a balance of creamy, savory, fresh, and sweet flavors.

1 – Potato Dauphinoise

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Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
Potatoes au Gratin is the ultimate potato recipe! French classic with layers of thinly sliced potato, cream, butter, garlic and cheese, you can’t go wrong!
Check out this recipe

This ain’t your average potato. These bad boys layer thinly sliced potatoes with cream and garlic. Baked until golden bubbly, they’re irresistible.

We’ve found the secret is a little nutmeg. Make sure to let them rest before serving, helps the flavors mingle.

Pair with duck confit—it’s a flavor harmony. Expect rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Drool-worthy side dish material, for sure. Use a mandoline for consistent slices; your fingers will thank you. These spuds are comfort on a plate.

2 – Braised Red Cabbage

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Braised red cabbage
Braised red cabbage
This low-fat Christmas side dish is the perfect sweet-savoury combination. Or try one of our simple twists using preserved lemon, ginger wine and bacon
Check out this recipe

Ever looked at cabbage and thought it needed a glow-up? Braised red cabbage is here to transform that humble veggie into a side dish superstar. A splash of vinegar gives it that tangy kick, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

We add some apples for an extra fruity twist—talk about flavor harmony! This dish is a real chameleon, soaking up any seasoning you throw at it. Perfect alongside duck confit, it’s both hearty and refreshing. Give it a try and watch it steal the show.

3 – Wild Mushroom Risotto

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Wild Mushroom Risotto | The Modern Proper
Wild Mushroom Risotto | The Modern Proper
Wild Mushroom Risotto from The Modern Proper
Check out this recipe

Alright, team, let’s talk about Wild Mushroom Risotto. Risotto with mushrooms feels fancy, but it’s super chill to make. We use a mix of shrooms for that earthy oomph. Stir, stir, and stir some more to get that creamy texture.

White wine adds a zing; parmesan tops it off nicely. Brown those mushrooms until they’re gold. Add broth slow and steady. Sprinkle some fresh herbs for a pop of color. This side dish hangs well with any meal, especially duck confit.

4 – Truffle Mashed Potatoes

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Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Easy to make, these Truffle Mashed Potatoes are ultra rich and creamy, with a good dose of the wonderfully earthly flavors of black truffles.
Check out this recipe

Truffle Mashed Potatoes, friends! We’re talking smooth, silky spuds leveled up with truffle flair. Rich aroma melds with buttery goodness. Use the finest truffle oil sparingly—less is more.

Mash those potatoes until they’re cloud-like. Sprinkle salt until it sings just right. These potatoes are a superstar side with duck confit. Creaminess cuts through the richness.

Pro-tip: Warm milk and butter before mixing for extra smoothness. Everyone needs this recipe in their life!

5 – Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are really tender and tasty. This recipe takes a few simple ingredients and creates a mouthwatering side dish.
Check out this recipe

Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts—because why should potatoes have all the fun? We roast them until crispy and golden. The garlic adds its sharp flair, mingling with the sprouts’ natural sweetness.

Try a sprinkle of lemon zest for zing. Our sprinkle of salt does wonders here. They’ll impress your taste buds every time. Brussels sprouts haven’t looked this good since they met garlic.

Simple tricks make simple foods great. Brussels sprouts, a creamy dreamy companion for duck confit.

6 – Caramelized Onion Tart

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Caramelized Onion Tart
Caramelized Onion Tart
This caramelized onion tart is a super-simple recipe using only six ingredients and very basic kitchen equipment. But I promise you, every person who tries this tart will ask you for a recipe. One thing
Check out this recipe

Caramelized Onion Tart, anyone? These tarts bring onions to life. Hints of sweet and savory sneak through every bite. Caramelization is key, slow and steady wins here.

We throw in some thyme for a herbal twist. Goat cheese whispers creaminess, but don’t stack it high. Puff pastry flakes add the crunch we crave.

Onions need patience, time makes them golden. Watch them shine as a side with duck confit. Easy, breezy, flavorful layers—worth every bite.

7 – Butternut Squash Purée

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Easy Butternut Squash Puree | My Baking Addiction
A butternut squash puree recipe. A blend of butter and cozy autumn spices. Perfect on its own or a great base for many autumn recipes.
Check out this recipe

Ever tried squashing squash? It’s pretty cool. Squash gets smooth and velvety when puréed. We roast it first, brings out the sweet notes. Bit of nutmeg adds warmth. Blend until creamy. Pair with duck confit for a balance of flavors.

Don’t forget the butter, gives it a rich finish. Watch salt levels, they can sneak up on you. Orange color looks great on the plate. It’s a sweet and savory hit every time.

8 – Ratatouille

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Ratatouille
Ratatouille
This ratatouille recipe with ripe summer tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper is a delicious version of the classic French vegetable stew.
Check out this recipe

Throw those veggies in a dish! Ratatouille is vibrant and healthy. We layer eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Slow-cooked with tomatoes. Garlic and herbs add depth. Smells amazing right out of the oven.

Warm bread soaks up the sauce. We tweak spices for extra kick. Go heavy on the olive oil. Ratatouille mingles flavors so well. Rich and tangy. A great pair with duck confit, it complements its richness. Cooking this is truly an art.

9 – Herbed Polenta

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Herbed Polenta
Herbed Polenta
Get Herbed Polenta Recipe from Food Network
Check out this recipe

We know, we know—polenta doesn’t always get the spotlight. But Herbed Polenta is seriously underrated, especially with duck confit. We cook it until it’s smooth and creamy. Hints of rosemary and thyme elevate it.

Cheese? Bring it on! Parmesan or gouda work wonders. A little butter makes it lush. Try grilling for extra texture. Serve warm, it’s a cozy vibe. Let’s face it, polenta is like a comfort hug we’re here for anytime, especially next to that crispy duck.

10 – Pear and Arugula Salad

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Pear and Arugula Salad - Eat Yourself Skinny
Pear and Arugula Salad – Eat Yourself Skinny
This Pear and Arugula Salad is made with chopped pears, creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans all tossed with a bright honey vinaigrette!
Check out this recipe

Pear and arugula—stars of our salad show. A crisp mix awaits, no fuss needed. Add crumbled cheese for tasty, creamy bites. Walnuts provide crunch, because texture matters.

A splash of balsamic balances sweetness. We dress it light; less is more. It’s all about harmony here. Shreds of taste and smell, kind of wholesome.

Pear and arugula are a match made in salad heaven. Tartness works well, adding a refreshing twist to our meal lineup.

11 – Crispy Duck Fat Potatoes

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Crispy Roasted Duck Fat Potatoes - Well Seasoned Studio
Crispy Roasted Duck Fat Potatoes – Well Seasoned Studio
Roasted duck fat potatoes are a game changer. Deeply flavored and rich, these potatoes have a creamy center and are seriously crispy!
Check out this recipe

Crispy duck fat potatoes are in the house! These little chunks of joy are fried in duck fat until golden. Trust us, they’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

We actually use the duck fat for extra flavor; it’s what sets them apart. Salt them fresh out of the oven while they’re hot, the flavor just clings.

Ain’t it cool how simple ingredients make the best food? Grab a spud and taste that crunch, it’s a winner—every time.

12 – Honey-Glazed Carrots

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Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey roasted carrots are deliciously tender and sweet. Baked whole with olive oil and glazed with honey, they make a sensational side dish to serve with any meal.
Check out this recipe

Honey-glazed carrots are like a sweet hug on a plate. We toss carrots in honey and roast until tender.

They get this amazing caramel glow. A sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh vibe. Salt balances the sweetness just right.

We enjoy playing with spices—cinnamon can add warmth. Or maybe some ginger for a surprise twist. Remember, fresh carrots make all the difference. They’re great pals with duck confit, enhancing each bite with their flavor pop.

13 – Fennel and Orange Salad

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Fresh Fennel Orange Salad
Ready in just 10 minutes! A bright and fresh fennel orange salad with zesty, garlicky Mediterranean dressing. Great with chicken and fish.
Check out this recipe

This salad mixes fennel’s crunch with orange’s zing. Juicy oranges dance with thin fennel slices. We toss in almonds for a little crunch.

Olive oil and lemon juice make a light dressing. Salt and pepper add flavor depth. It’s fresh, simple, and feels like sunshine on a plate. Mint might just be the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.

We lean into the freshness during spring and summer. It’s refreshing and pairs well with anything.

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