Duck confit, also known as preserved duck or salt duck, has been popular in European cuisine for centuries.
It’s prepared by salting the duck and then submerging it in fat to preserve it for up to six months at room temperature.
This gives it its signature rich flavor and tender texture. But what to serve with duck confit? To make duck confit even more delicious, serve it with one of these lists of what to serve with duck confit.
1. Brioche rolls
This is the first on our list of what to serve with duck confit. Brioche rolls have a lovely texture and buttery flavor that goes well with the rich duck confit.
In addition, the rolls are made in advance so you can enjoy your feast without worrying about dirty dishes or spending time in the kitchen.
How to make it!
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place brioche on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and brush evenly on both sides with melted butter.
- Sprinkle thyme leaves over the top of each roll, then cut into thirds or quarters if desired. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned and crisp around the edges.
2. Frisee salad
This is next on our list of what to serve with duck confit. Frisee salad is a great side dish for duck confit. A frisee salad can be made quickly and easily by simply cutting up the frisee lettuce and adding a dressing of your choice.
Our favorite dressings for this dish are balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of honey. You will want to chop up some shallots or scallions before you dress the salad so that they’re ready when you serve the dish.
We love making this as an appetizer at parties because it’s light, healthy, and always hits the spot. Frisee is also really easy to grow in your backyard garden, making it even more appealing!
3. Lentil Ragout
It is important to have a side dish that will complement the flavor of the duck and help fill you up. Using red lentils, balsamic vinegar, shallots, and a touch of honey, Lentil Ragout can satisfy your hunger and palate.
This hearty dish is also high in protein, making it an ideal option for vegetarians or meat lovers looking for a filling meal.
The ingredients are simple to get, and they include red lentils, vegetable broth, olive oil, balsamic vinegar(optional), dried thyme, sea salt, and pepper to taste
4. Pickled Red Cabbage
Pickled red cabbage is the perfect side dish for duck confit. It’s tangy and crunchy and complements the duck’s richness. I love adding a touch of honey for sweetness and some apple cider vinegar for a little acidity.
The ingredients include Red cabbage, kosher salt or pickling salt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and whole black peppercorns. If you are wondering what to serve with duck confit, you can’t go wrong with pickled red cabbage.
5. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes are a classic side dish for any roasted meat or poultry. The crispy skin and fluffy, soft interior perfectly contrast the rich, tender duck. Add some fresh herbs and a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork so they’ll cook evenly. Place them on top of some parchment paper (or aluminum foil) in an oven-safe dish or pan.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the potatoes, add salt and pepper, then wrap them up tight in parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place them in an oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes.
6. Creamy Cheddar Polenta
Creamy cheddar polenta, as part of what to serve duck confit with, is a side dish that can be made ahead of time. And then reheated in the oven for the last few minutes.
It’s rich, creamy, and a nice change from mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. The recipe below uses water as a base and contains only five ingredients: cornmeal, butter, salt, milk, and cheddar.
7. Arugula Salad
Arugula salad is a great option for serving as a side dish for duck confit. It has the right balance of sweetness and tartness, and it pairs well with the rich flavors of duck.
The peppery taste of arugula is also complementary to the fatty meat, making this dish a satisfying appetizer or light dinner.
This recipe can be served in two ways: as a side salad or atop crostini as an antipasto-style appetizer.
8. Braised Peas with Leeks and Lettuce
Braised peas and leeks are not left off the list of what to serve with duck confit. The earthiness of the peas is a nice contrast to the rich, fatty duck confit dish.
In addition, I like to add some lettuce for color and a crunch factor. One thing you should remember when cooking braised peas is not over-seasoning them because they will take on more flavor from the stock as they simmer.
9. Cider-Glazed Turnips
Cider and orange juice work together in this side dish to create a delicate flavor that is perfect for accompanying duck confit. The sweetness of the cider and orange juice balances out the acidity of the vinegar.
It creates a tangy yet sweet taste that will make you want seconds. The required ingredients are: peeled and diced turnips, butter, apple cider, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and salt.
10. Citrusy Winter Avocado Salad
Duck confit is a type of preserved duck meat that has been cooked in its own fat. It can be a delicious, rich meal paired with the right side dish.
Citrusy winter avocado salad is one of my favorite side dishes that are on the list of what to serve with duck confit. This recipe for citrusy winter avocado salad is easy and quick.
It’s perfect for a last-minute dinner party appetizer or light lunch. Ingredients include ripe avocado, grapefruit olive oil, lemon juice, honey, pinch salt, pinch ground black pepper, and mixed salad greens.
In a medium bowl, combine the avocado cubes, grapefruit segments, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings.
11. Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a traditional French dish composed of meat and white beans. Traditionally, the dish uses duck or goose as the main protein source. The cassoulet consists of three layers: beans, meats, and bread crumbs.
Furthermore, cassoulet is best served warmly on garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. It can be frozen for up to two months, so consider making it in advance.
A quick way to prepare it from frozen would be thawing overnight in the refrigerator. Then, cook in a crock pot on high heat for four hours. Looking for what to serve with duck confit, go for cassoulet!
12. Grilled Peaches with Palsamic Glaze
Grilled peaches are a great way to serve a sweet side dish that pairs well with salty dishes. Here is how you can prepare them: Preheat an outdoor grill or stove-top grill pan over medium-high heat.
Next, slice the peach in half, then cut the halves into 1/2-inch slices and place them on a plate. Brush both sides of the peach slices with balsamic vinegar and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Grill until tender, about 2 minutes per side (4 minutes total). The peach should have grill marks when done. Remove from heat, brush again with balsamic vinegar, and serve warm or at room temperature.
13. Sauteed Kale
Yes! Sauteed kale is on the list of what to serve with duck confit, but it can also stand on its own. This is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a veggie-heavy dish that’s light and healthy.
What’s more, it’s easy to prepare—you’ll only need 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time.
Here are the ingredients: fresh kale leaves rinsed and chopped, onion (chopped), olive oil or coconut oil, salt, and pepper, as needed.
