What To Serve With Cassoulet? 13 Best Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with Cassoulet?

Look no further!

I’ve compiled the top 13 tasty side dishes that will go perfectly with this mouth-watering French casserole.

From crunchy green beans to herbed focaccia, there’s something for everyone here.

So what is Cassoulet, you ask?

It’s a traditional bean dish originating in southern France and typically consists of tarbais white beans, Toulouse sausage and other meats like duck confit and pork belly — all cooked together with herbs and spices until they’re golden brown and bubbling.

It can be daunting trying to choose sides for such an iconic dish, so I’ve come up with some classic options that are sure to please.

With these recipes, your dinner will be the talk of the town!

Read Also: Cassoulet Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Cassoulet

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes With Cassoulet?

• Variety: Serving side dishes with cassoulet adds variety to the meal, allowing diners to enjoy a range of flavors and textures.
• Balance: Side dishes can help balance out the richness of cassoulet by providing lighter, fresher elements such as salads or vegetables.
• Color: Adding colorful side dishes can make the presentation of a cassoulet more appealing and inviting.
• Nutrition: Side dishes are an excellent way to add additional nutrients to a meal that may be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals due to its main ingredients (such as beans).
• Comfort: Cassoulet is often served as comfort food, so adding sides like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese can further enhance this feeling for diners who are looking for something extra comforting on their plate!

What To Serve With Cassoulet? 13 Best Side Dishes

Cassoulet is a hearty, flavorful dish that can be the star of any meal.

But what do you serve with it?

Here are thirteen side dishes that will complement your cassoulet and provide additional flavor to the meal:

1. Coleslaw

Bring a bit of crunch to your cassoulet with a side of creamy coleslaw.

This easy-to-assemble recipe pairs nicely with the savory flavors in this traditional French stew.

Simply mix together your favorite ingredients, like green or red cabbage, onion, carrots and even apples if desired!

Then add a blend of mayonnaise and vinegar for added zest.

It’s perfect as an accompaniment to the aromatic meats in this warm comforting classic dish.

2. Baked Beans

Made with salty, smoky bacon and maple syrup for sweetness, baked beans are a favorite side dish to go alongside cassoulet.

Whether its pork and liver or duck confit and white beans, you can always rely on baked beans to bring it altogether.

This hearty recipe requires minimal prep time but the results speak for themselves—crispy melted cheese topping golden-crusted canned sweet beans.

Bake them uncovered in the oven until they’re fragrant, lightly browned and bubbly around the edges when served hot off the pan.

3. Potato Salad

This simple, classic potato salad is an irresistible side to your robust legume-filled cassoulet.

The perfect potluck or backyard BBQ side dish that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

The savory potatoes contrasted with the tangy-sweet vinaigrette adds unexpected flavor that rounds out the flavors of this hearty meal.

To spruce it up, add crumbled bacon, cubed cheese, and diced onions for a tasty zing.

4. Dinner Rolls

Soft and buttery dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, including cassoulet.

These classic breads are incredibly versatile – why not try a handful of different recipes – from chelsea buns to sourdough, the possibilities really are endless!

Especially with cassoulet, their lightly sweet flavor profile will balance out the heavy poultry flavors typical in this hearty dish.

Plus, having freshly made rolls adds an aromatic element sure to impress family and friends alike.

5. Mac And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy comfort food that goes well with just about anything.

Although it can be boiled in water on the stovetop according to the instructions on the package, baking mac ‘n’ cheese turns it into something extra special – especially when served alongside a flavorful cassoulet!

By adding ingredients like bacon bits or herbs and spices for flavor, this side dish will become an instant hit at your next dinner party.

6. Braised Red Cabbage

A classic side dish, braised red cabbage adds an extra punch of flavor to any meal.

The sweetness of the raisins will combine with spices such as mustard seed, turmeric and garlic in a fragrant mixture that pairs perfectly with cassoulet or other rich French dishes.

In addition, its rosy color makes it an attractive accompaniment on your plate – something sure to impress guests!

Simmering it for a long time over low heat allows the ingredients to meld into one flavorful bite.

7. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is an aromatic, salty snack that will bring out the richness of any cassoulet.

This delectable French dish can be made in a jiffy and requires only a few basic ingredients — butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.

Combine them with some crunchy French baguette slices and you have created goodness that’ll make your heart smile.

Best of all, toasting up some garlic bread doesn’t take time away from cooking time as it’s incredibly quick to prepare.

8. Roasted Vegetables

When it comes to bringing more flavor and texture to your cassoulet, roasted vegetables are the way to go.

Things like carrots, onions, squash, and garlic epitomize the earthy pleasure of slow-cooked casseroles—not to mention they’re incredibly nutritious too.

Simply cut them into small chunks or wedges; toss in olive oil and seasonings; spread on a baking sheet; roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes (or until tender); then enjoy!

9. Sauteed Spinach

This simple sautéed spinach makes a great side dish to any cassoulet.

Plus, it adds plenty of flavor and nutrition to the meal.

Briefly cooked in a hot skillet with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice, this preparation keeps the gorgeous green color of the spinach intact and helps retain its crunchy texture.

When finished off with a pinch of salt and pepper, this delicious vegetable will bring out all the flavors of your cassoulet while providing an extra serving of freshness.

10. Baked Parsnip Fries

A crunchy side dish that will definitely add more flavor to your cassoulet is baked parsnip fries.

Peel and slice parsnips, then toss with a bit of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Lay them out in an even single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

These are best served warm from the oven – perfect for dipping into steaming hot melty Gouda cheese sauce!

11. Mashed Potatoes

Forget boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes are here to add creamy, comforting goodness to your cassoulet.

Create a velvety smooth texture by using butter and hot cream as your base and adding garlic cloves, scallions, shallots, herbs and spices for added flavor.

Serve with dinner rolls or hearty crusty bread for an irresistible side that will keep everyone at the table happy.

12. Roasted Root Vegetables

Root vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, turnips, carrots and squash make a perfect side dish to cassoulet.

Simply combine the thinly-sliced root veggies with herbs and spices of your choice before roasting them in a hot oven until they become tender and crispy.

The roasty sweetness of these colorful morsels paired with earthy flavors from the creamy French stew makes for an irresistible one-dish meal that will leave everyone full and content.

13. Collard Greens with Bacon

This simple, Southern-style collard greens recipe with bacon is so good, you’ll want to forsake the main course of cassoulet and serve it as a one-pan meal.

With plenty of smoky bacon chips, these tender but chewy greens are an excellent side for any hearty stew.

Simply sauté them in a pot with garlic and onions, finish off with some apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce if desired, then sprinkle in your favorite crunchy topping — like crispy croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds!

Conclusion

In conclusion, cassoulet is a hearty and savory dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.

To make it even more delicious, it should be served with the right side dishes.

The 13 best side dishes to serve with cassoulet are coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, dinner rolls, mac and cheese, braised red cabbage, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, fried parsnip fries, mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and sautéed greens.

These sides are all easy to make and pair perfectly with the rich flavors of cassoulet.

So, next time you’re making cassoulet, don’t forget to serve it with these delicious sides for an unforgettable meal.