What to Serve With Escargot: 35+ Best Side Dishes
As you prepare for either a dinner party or a meal for one, we got you covered with a list of what to serve with escargot.
You’re not just serving snails, but curating an intimate experience.
We’ve gathered over 35 side dishes that will compliment your escargot.
Each chosen dish showcases the flavors and create a harmony on your plate.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best sides to elevate your escargot dinner into a feast.
What to Serve With Escargot
First and foremost, embarking on the culinary journey of what to serve with escargot unveils a world of possibilities, inviting palates to indulge in a rich and savory delicacy.
While escargot can be tricky to handle, the reward lies in the experience of enjoying these delectable morsels, traditionally served in their shells.
To elevate this culinary adventure, consider an excellent side dish for escargot.
Typically served as a dish from the oven, the addition of wine and shallots infuses the ensemble with aromatic sophistication.
This creates a symphony of flavors that harmonize with the unique taste of escargot.
As you enjoy the delight of escargots, each bite showcases the art of pairing textures and tastes to create a memorable dining experience.
Garlic Butter Baguette
Next, a garlic butter baguette is a flavorful and satisfying side dish to serve with escargot.
This classic French dish enhances the richness of the escargot, allowing you to savor each delightful bite.
Preparing the garlic butter baguette is straightforward.
Just melt some butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
Brush this garlic and butter mixture onto your baguette and pop it into the oven until it’s golden and crisp.
Overall, the result is a side dish that’s not only delicious but also complements the delicate flavor of the escargot.
It’s an elegant addition to your escargot recipe that will surely impress your guests and create a memorable dining experience.
Classic French Ratatouille
Another side dish that pairs exceptionally well with escargot is the classic French ratatouille.
This classic French cuisine is a delightful dish of vegetables gently simmered until soft, aromatic and flavorful.
Overall, it’s a delicious dish that effortlessly enhances the flavors of escargot.
Ratatouille not only complements the garlic and parsley typically found in escargot, but also provides a colorful, vibrant contrast.
When considering what to serve with escargot, ratatouille is a versatile option.
It can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course.
The robust flavors of the vegetables don’t compete with the escargot, but instead highlight and elevate this French delicacy.
Charred Asparagus Spears
Moving on, consider serving charred asparagus spears with escargot.
This appetizer pairs perfectly, drawing out the savory essence of the escargot, while lending a crisp, smoky contrast.
The secret lies in charring the asparagus in a hot pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper.
This process enhances the flavor, yielding a robust side dish that stands up to the rich, garlic butter-soaked escargot.
To elevate the dish further, add hint of lemon zest over the asparagus.
Gruyère Cheese Fondue
If you’re seeking a luxurious pairing for escargot, consider dipping into a gruyère cheese fondue.
Regarded as one of the classic side dishes, this fondue enhances the taste of escargot, intensifying the flavors of the dish.
All in all, this pairing marries the earthy, buttery notes of the escargot with the creamy, nutty depth of the gruyère.
It’s a splendid way to make escargot an unforgettable experience.
When escargot is cooked just right and the dish is pulled from the oven, the fondue is the perfect warm companion.
The gruyère cheese fondue is also a great choice that can elegantly pair with escargot, providing a unique richness.
Creamy Potato Gratin Side Dish
For an utterly comforting and delicious side, you can’t go wrong with a creamy potato gratin when serving escargot.
This classic French dish pairs exceptionally well with the rich flavor of cooked escargot.
The tender potato slices, bathed in a lush cream and cheese sauce, complement the tender snails perfectly.
Sauteed Wild Mushrooms
Additionally, after indulging in creamy potato gratin, you’ll find that sauteed wild mushrooms are another superb side dish to pair with escargot.
The earthy, rich flavors of the mushrooms perfectly blend with the unique taste of the snails, making it a perfect dish for your escargot.
The mushrooms’ texture also complements the escargot’s tenderness, creating a blend of tastes and sensations that will elevate your experience.
The sauteed wild mushrooms serve as the perfect side dish, enhancing and balancing the strong flavors.
Truly, pairing escargot with sauteed wild mushrooms will make each bite delicious.
Lemon Butter Artichokes
Next, you’ll want to consider tangy delight of lemon butter artichokes.
This side dish offers a playful contrast to the rich, earthy taste of escargot, typically served as an appetizer.
If you’ve tried escargot before, you know the butter sauce it’s cooked in brings out the unique flavor — a technique mirrored in the preparation of the artichokes.
First, season with salt and pepper, then braise the artichokes in a butter mixture infused with fresh lemon juice.
Once tender, serve the artichokes with additional lemon butter sauce for dipping.
Finally, for a special escargot dish, consider placing the escargot on top of the artichokes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
With this pairing, even those uncertain about what escargot tastes like can be tempted to indulge.
White Wine Risotto
Next on your list should be a creamy white wine risotto. It’s a comforting side dish that complements the delicate flavors of escargot perfectly.
Rice is a versatile ingredient, allowing it to effortlessly meld with a variety of dishes, including what to serve with escargot.
This risotto, usually served as a side, is infused with white wine, imparting a subtle, sophisticated flavor that can match the escargot’s distinct taste.
Consider serving the escargot in their shells, placed atop the risotto for a visually appealing dish.
This combination is a testament to how escargot can be served — with a side that enhances its inherent elegance.
Crispy Green Beans Almondine
While you might not initially think of pairing escargot with vegetables, crispy green beans make a surprisingly delightful side dish.
This classic French dish, with its combination of toasted almonds, butter, and fresh green beans, provides the perfect contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of your escargot dish.
- The beans’ crunchiness balances the escargot’s tender texture.
- The almond’s nuttiness complements the land snails’ earthiness.
- The butter ties it all together, enhancing both flavors.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Switching gears, you’ll find that balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts are a unique and flavorful companion to your escargot.
The deep, sweet-tart flavor of the balsamic reduction is used for escargot to cut through the richness of the snails, typically served covered in garlic butter.
You’re looking for a balance, and these sprouts, caramelized and crispy, provide just that.
The sprouts can also be served with a sprinkle of parmesan, which pairs well with the snails per serving.
If you’re after a different spin on Brussels sprouts, popular options include garlic roasted or tossed in a honey mustard glaze.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Diving into a more decadent side dish, you’ll find that truffle mashed potatoes bring an elevated richness to your escargot serving.
This dish combines the earthy allure of truffles with the comforting familiarity of mashed potatoes.
To further enhance the flavor, consider the following ingredients:
- A sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness.
- A hint of butter and garlic sauce for a rich, creamy texture.
- A dash of minced shallots for a mild, sweet onion taste.
Pair your truffle mashed potatoes with a baguette slathered in garlic butter, and you’ve got a meal that’s truly indulgent.
As for a wine to pair, a crisp white wine balances the richness of the potatoes and escargot beautifully.
Just like garlic and wine, truffle mashed potatoes and escargot are a match made in culinary heaven.
Red Wine Poached Pears
After savoring the richness of truffle mashed potatoes, you’ll find the sweet, tangy taste of red wine poached pears to be a delightful contrast.
These pears are bathed in a burgundy-infused syrup, with the red wine adding a depth of flavor that dances on the palate.
The addition of lemon juice provides a subtle tartness, balancing the wine’s sweetness.
Serve them elegantly on a piece of rye bread toast or a thin slice of crispy baguette, adding a crunch that complements the pear’s softness.
The interplay of textures and flavors creates a culinary experience that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Simple Green Salad
A simple green salad is the next dish you’ll want to consider when planning your escargot menu.
This humble side dish, often overlooked, is a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the rich, garlic-butter coated escargot.
The beauty of the green salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here are some components you might include:
- A mix of crisp, fresh greens like romaine, arugula, and spinach. These provide a crunchy contrast to the soft escargot.
- A homemade vinaigrette, perhaps with lemon and olive oil, to cut through the richness.
- A sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Heirloom Tomato Tart
On your quest for the perfect escargot companion, don’t overlook the vibrant allure of an heirloom tomato tart.
This side dish is a symphony of flavors: the sweet, juicy heirlooms, the buttery pastry, and the tangy goat cheese.
You’ll relish the way the tart’s crispiness contrasts with the escargot’s succulent texture.
The bright acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the snails, creating a balance that’s nothing short of culinary perfection.
Choose heirloom varieties for their unique, robust flavors and stunning colors, which will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Remember, baking the tart just until the tomatoes are blistered will retain their freshness.
This heirloom tomato tart isn’t just a side dish, it’s an experience that complements your escargot exquisitely.
Caramelized Onion Quiche
Diving into the realm of savory delights, a caramelized onion quiche makes for an exquisite pairing with escargot.
This rich and creamy delight, with its robust flavors, presents a delightful contrast to the delicate escargot.
The sweet, caramelized onions add a depth of flavor, while the fluffy, eggy mixture creates a comforting texture.
The flaky crust provides a satisfying crunch, offering a culinary experience that’s as multilayered as it’s delicious.
Consider the following elements that make this quiche a worthy companion to escargot:
- The sweet and savory balance caramelized onions and creamy custard.
- The firm, yet crumbly crust that juxtaposes the soft escargot.
- The versatility of the dish, which allows for the addition of your favorite cheeses or herbs.
This is an intimate, indulgent meal that invites you to savor each bite.
Roasted Root Vegetables
While you might not initially think of it, serving roasted root vegetables with escargot will take your meal to a whole new level of flavor.
These earthly delights, when roasted to perfection, offer a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the rich, buttery taste of escargot.
Whether its carrots, parsnips, or beets, their robust flavors and textures provide a delightful contrast, enhancing each bite of your gourmet treat.
Roasting brings out the natural sugars in these vegetables, caramelizing them to perfection.
A light sprinkling of sea salt, hint of rosemary, and a drizzle of quality olive oil will further elevate these humble roots.
So, don’t overlook this combination.
It’s not only visually appealing but also a gastronomic delight, balancing the complex flavors of your escargot dish.
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry
You’ll find that a spinach and feta puff pastry serves as a delectable side dish to your escargot.
This light, flaky pastry filled with creamy feta and vibrant spinach provides a delightful contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of the escargot.
When selecting this side dish, consider the following:
- The quality of your puff pastry. Opt for a buttery, high-quality variety for the best texture and flavor.
- The balance of spinach and feta. You don’t want one ingredient overpowering the other. Use equal parts.
- The baking time. Ensure the pastry is golden and the filling is hot but not oozing out.
The spinach and feta puff pastry is a sophisticated choice that adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
Fresh Fig and Arugula Salad
If you’re searching for a light yet flavorful accompaniment to escargot, look no further with a fresh fig and arugula salad.
The natural sweetness of ripe figs delicately balances the peppery bite of arugula.
Tossed with a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey, this salad is a symphony of flavors that complement the richness of escargot.
The addition of crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds introduces a creamy crunch, adding depth and complexity.
This salad isn’t just a taste sensation, it creates a visually stunning plate with its vibrant greens, deep purples, and soft whites.
Captivating to both the eyes and the palate, a fresh fig and arugula salad is an intimate dining experience that’s hard to forget.
French Onion Soup
For a truly classic French pairing, try a bowl of warm, savory French onion soup alongside your escargot.
This soup, steeped in a rich broth of caramelized onions, is a symphony of flavors that complements the buttery, garlicky taste of escargot perfectly.
Here are some key elements that make French onion soup a great side dish:
- The depth of flavors: The sweetness of caramelized onions, the richness of the broth, and the tang of the cheese all combine to balance the intense flavor of escargot.
- Its warming effect: The hot soup provides a comforting contrast to the sometimes-chilly escargot.
- The textural contrast: The softness of the soup juxtaposed with the chewy escargot enhances your overall dining experience.
Olive Tapenade Crostini
Next on the list, olive tapenade crostini is your go-to side dish when you’re serving escargot.
This Italian classic combines the hearty richness of black and green olives, capers, and anchovies, all finely chopped, to create a flavorful spread.
This tapenade is then generously slathered on thinly sliced, toasted baguette.
The crunchiness of the baguette beautifully complements the softness of the escargot, while the saltiness of the tapenade enhances the subtle flavors of the snails.
Moreover, the simplicity of this dish allows the escargot to remain the star of the show.
The pairing isn’t just delightful to the palate, but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated and intimate dining experience.
Parmesan Polenta Fries
Dive into the world of parmesan polenta fries, a side dish that will bring a delightful crunch to your escargot meal.
These golden, crispy fries are a perfect complement to the earthy, buttery flavors of escargot.
The fries are made from polenta, which is cornmeal boiled into a porridge and then fried until crispy.
Sprinkle them with a generous amount of parmesan cheese to add a savory kick that pairs wonderfully with escargot.
- The fries’ crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the escargot’s soft, tender profile.
- The parmesan offers a salty, umami flavor that enhances the escargot’s natural richness.
- The cornmeal base of the fries provides a subtle sweetness, further diversifying your palate.
Indulge in parmesan polenta fries and discover the joy of a well-rounded escargot experience.
Stuffed Provençal Tomatoes
Switching gears, let’s explore the appeal of stuffed provençal tomatoes, another stellar side dish that can elevate your escargot dining experience.
Originating from France’s Provence region, these tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a tantalizing mix of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, and olive oil, then roasted to perfection.
Each bite releases a burst of juicy tomato mingled with the robust garlic-parsley stuffing. It’s a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery escargot.
The vibrant acidity of the tomatoes serves to cleanse the palate, enhancing the sublime flavors of the snails.
Plus, the warm, rustic presentation of stuffed provençal tomatoes adds an unmistakable touch of authenticity to your table, making your intimate dinner feel like a trip to a quaint French bistro.
Stacked Ratte Potatoes
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting side to complement your escargot, you can’t go wrong with stacked ratte potatoes.
This dish, known for its rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, perfectly balances the unique taste of escargot.
- Ratte potatoes are a French variety, small in size and oval in shape, with thin skin and yellow flesh. They’re known for their nutty, earthy flavor.
- To prepare stacked ratte potatoes, you’ll need to slice them thinly, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, layer them in a baking dish, and bake until golden and crispy.
- Pairing these potatoes with escargot creates a dining experience that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Fennel and Citrus Salad
For a refreshing contrast to the rich escargot, your choice should be a fennel and citrus salad.
This salad brings together the distinct, slightly sweet licorice flavor of fennel with the vibrant, tangy notes of citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits.
Fresh and light, it’s the perfect antidote to escargot’s earthy richness.
Thin slices of fennel are tossed with citrus segments, a handful of fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette.
You can add a touch of sophistication with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds or toasted almonds.
The result is a salad that’s not only visually stunning but also delightfully complex in flavor.
You’ll find that it’s a refreshing, well-balanced side that allows the escargot to shine while providing its own memorable flavors.
Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes
You’re going to adore duck fat roasted potatoes as the next side dish with your escargot.
This delicacy is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that enhances the richness of the snails.
The potatoes are first parboiled to ensure a tender interior, then roasted in succulent duck fat until they reach a perfect, golden crispness.
The result? A side dish that’s:
- Unbelievably rich and flavorful.
- Perfectly crunchy on the outside.
- Soft and tender on the inside.
The subtle gamey undertones of the duck fat complement the earthiness of the escargot, while the contrasting textures add a delightful complexity to your meal.
What to Serve With Escargot
The culinary exploration of what to serve with escargot unfolds as a delightful journey of taste and refinement.
As you enjoy your escargot, the realization that escargot is typically served as a dish of culinary artistry becomes evident.
An excellent side dish for escargot, designed to complement its rich and savory profile, adds an extra layer of indulgence to the experience.
The inherent deliciousness of escargot, combined with the thoughtful pairing of sides, transforms each bite into a celebration.
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