Looking for what to serve with roast duck? Here is a collection of delicious, well-paired side dishes and appetizers to complement roast duck. These options work with whole roasted duck, duck breasts, or roasted duck legs for everyday meals or special occasions like holidays.
Duck has rich, dark, juicy meat and a stronger flavor than chicken. Roasting produces crisp skin and a savory centerpiece that pairs beautifully with many classic sides.
The recipes below are approachable, family-friendly, and chosen to balance the richness of duck. From comforting starches to bright salads and vegetable sides, these are some of the best accompaniments for roast duck.
Top side dishes to serve with roast duck include mashed potatoes, garlic butter green beans, sautéed vegetables, garlic herb rice, roasted potatoes, pan-fried carrots, tomato-cucumber salad, sweet fried plantains, and red cabbage slaw.
Here are 17 side dish ideas to serve with roast duck:
Table of Contents
- 1. Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 2. Garlic Herb Rice
- 3. Sautéed Vegetables
- 4. Fried Carrots
- 5. Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad
- 6. Garlic Butter Green Beans
- 7. Deviled Eggs
- 8. Roasted Potatoes
- 9. Steak Fried Rice
- 10. African Pepper Sauce
- 11. Coconut Rice
- 12. Corn Avocado Salad
- 13. Red Cabbage Slaw
- 14. Sweet Fried Plantains
- 15. Roasted Baby Potatoes
- 16. Mango Avocado Salsa
- 17. Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
1. Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Upgrade classic mashed potatoes with rosemary and garlic for a savory, creamy side that suits holiday or weeknight meals. Sautéing garlic in butter before adding to the potatoes deepens the flavor. These mashers can be made ahead to free up time on the day you serve duck.
2. Garlic Herb Rice
Seasoned garlic herb rice adds aromatic flavor without overpowering the duck. A little butter stirred in at the end makes the rice rich and satisfying while letting the duck remain the star.
3. Sautéed Vegetables
Sauté a mix of seasonal vegetables—Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, or root vegetables—quickly in a skillet with oil and seasoning. The earthy flavors and tender texture balance the richness of roast duck.
4. Fried Carrots
Pan-fried carrots develop tender centers and lightly crispy edges without needing added sugar. They are a simple, flavorful side that complements duck nicely.
5. Tomato Cucumber Onion Salad
This fresh, crunchy salad adds bright acidity to cut through the duck’s fat. Tomatoes and a lemon-basil dressing refresh the palate and create a well-balanced meal.
6. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Tender green beans tossed in garlic butter with a squeeze of lemon make a comforting, classic side. Their bright flavor pairs well with roast duck and rounds out the plate.
7. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs present nicely alongside roast duck. Stirring in tangy ingredients like capers, pickles, or olives into the filling creates contrast with the duck’s richness and makes an attractive starter or side.
8. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are easy to prepare and pair perfectly with duck. Crisp edges and fluffy interiors are a satisfying counterpoint to juicy duck meat.
9. Steak Fried Rice
Loaded with aromatics, vegetables, eggs, and tender steak pieces, this fried rice is festive and full of texture—an excellent, hearty companion for duck.
10. African Pepper Sauce
African pepper sauce adds bold, spicy, garlicky heat that complements roasted meats. Use it sparingly alongside duck for a bright, peppery kick.
11. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice gives a subtle sweetness and nutty aroma, lending a tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with rich duck. Adding veggies or herbs gives extra texture.
12. Corn Avocado Salad
This loaded salad combines sweet corn, creamy avocado, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a citrusy dressing. It brings freshness and bright flavor to balance duck.
13. Red Cabbage Slaw
Red cabbage slaw dressed in a zesty vinaigrette adds crunch, color, and acidity—an ideal foil to rich duck and a good make-ahead side.
14. Sweet Fried Plantains
Sweet fried plantains are caramelized at the edges and tender inside. Their natural sweetness pairs well with savory roast duck for a satisfying contrast.
15. Roasted Baby Potatoes
Garlicky, herb-roasted baby potatoes are creamy inside with crisped skins. They’re versatile and pair beautifully with duck or other roasted proteins.
16. Mango Avocado Salsa
Mango avocado salsa is light, colorful, and slightly sweet with a touch of spice. It brightens the plate and balances the richness of the duck.
17. Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
Tostones are twice-fried plantains that achieve a crisp texture and savory-sweet flavor. Their crunch and mild sweetness make a lovely contrast to juicy roast duck.
Bonus side ideas that also pair well with roast duck:
- Roast Duck Gravy: Make a gravy from the duck drippings to serve with the meat and sides.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast carrots, cauliflower, parsnips, or a medley tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Fruit Compote: Fruit compotes or sauces—orange, cranberry, or other fruit reductions—add a sweet-acid balance ideal for special occasions.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely with savory duck.
- Street Corn Casserole: A creamy corn casserole pairs well with dark, flavorful meat.
- Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy edges and a touch of sweetness complement roasted duck.
These suggestions should give you many ideas for building a memorable roast duck meal. Mix and match starches, vegetables, and bright salads to balance the richness and create a gratifying plate for any occasion.
What To Serve With Roast Duck
Ingredients
- 1 roast duck
Instructions
- Prepare roast duck using your preferred recipe.
- Choose one or more side dishes from the list above—rice, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salads, or plantains.
- Plate the duck with chosen sides and serve.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 200 | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 44 mg | Sodium: 32 mg
Additional Info
Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total: 25 mins | Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish | Cuisine: American, Western