25 Reasons Ratatouille Craves More than Bread

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25 Reasons Ratatouille Craves More than Bread

So you think a French baguette is the only sidekick worthy of ratatouille? Think again. From smoky sweet potatoes to air fryer salmon, we’ve rounded up 25 sides that will make you reevaluate your entire ratatouille experience.

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A lower-carb alternative that complements ratatouille without overpowering it. The use of cauliflower mimics the classic potato salad texture.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Pan of garlic knots with marinara sauce.
Instant Pot Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These garlic knots bring the comforting feel of bread but with a garlicky twist. They’re an Instant Pot marvel that provides a quick, yet impressive side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice on a spoon with melted cheese strikes.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The cheese adds a nice richness that pairs seamlessly with ratatouille’s zingy tomato base.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Butter on a round white plate.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Their smoky flavor offers a counterpoint to ratatouille’s brightness. A good choice if you’re looking to create a multi-textural dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

While ratatouille is already veggie-centric, these grilled vegetables offer a smoky addition that diversifies the flavor palate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Apple Pecan Salad

A salad with apples, walnuts and cranberries.
Apple Pecan Salad. Photo credit: Feast + West.

A refreshing side that adds a crunch and sweetness to your meal. It helps cleanse the palate between bites of hearty ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pecan Salad

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These potatoes are slow-cooked in a garlic and rosemary infusion. They absorb these flavors, offering a more complex carb option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Korean Pickled Radish

Korean Pickled Radish served in a bowl.
Korean Pickled Radish. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Adds a spicy, tangy kick as a side. It’s a cultural crossover that makes the dish feel globally inspired.
Get the Recipe: Korean Pickled Radish

Potatoes au Gratin

Overhead shot of potatoes au gratin cooked in an oval baking dish.
Potatoes au Gratin. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A rich and creamy dish that provides a contrast to ratatouille’s more acidic profile. Ideal for those looking for a heavier side.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

Creamy Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Creamy Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This is a cool, creamy option that contrasts well with the hot, stew-like ratatouille. The avocado offers a smooth texture and a different type of richness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Egg Salad

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Lamb chop with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Lamb Chops. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick to prepare and rich in flavor, these lamb chops offer a robust, meaty side that can hold its own next to a flavorful ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A modern twist on the classic mac and cheese. The cauliflower reduces the carb load, making it a more balanced side option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Crispy Accordion Potatoes Recipe (Viral Tiktok Recipe)

Accordion potatoes on a skewer seasoned with spices.
Crispy Accordion Potatoes Recipe (Viral Tiktok Recipe). Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A trendy side that provides visual intrigue and a unique texture. It brings a contemporary touch to the traditional ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Accordion Potatoes Recipe (Viral Tiktok Recipe)

Apple Pear Slaw

Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad.
Apple Pear Slaw. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A sweet and tangy side that lightens the meal. It adds a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the stewed components of ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

A picture of biscuits with bacon and cheese on top cooling on rack.
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

The bacon and cheddar offer a salty, savory touch. These biscuits are a more indulgent bread option that adds a different set of flavors to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe

Cooked air fryer corn ribs stacked on a chopping board
Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

A playful and visually appealing side that’s also finger-friendly. The corn ribs bring a bit of fun to an otherwise sophisticated dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Corn Ribs Recipe

Pasta Chips

Oven baked pasta chips with tomatoes and sour cream.
Pasta Chips. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Crispy and highly snackable, these offer a crunch that ratatouille naturally lacks. A novel choice for those looking to mix up textures.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Chips

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus on a white square plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A side that adds both visual and flavor sophistication to the table. The asparagus is cooked to perfection with smoky and woody notes.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

French Baguettes

Bread, olives, and cheese on a wooden table.
French Baguettes. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

The traditional go-to for ratatouille, these baguettes offer a classic, if not expected, carb component to your meal.
Get the Recipe: French Baguettes

Irresistible French Fries

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Irresistible French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A less conventional side that brings a casual element to your ratatouille feast. Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they provide a textural contrast.
Get the Recipe: Irresistible French Fries

Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a platter.
Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A high-tech approach to a rustic side, these potatoes are both fluffy and crispy. They offer a diverse textural experience when eaten alongside ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

A picture of mashed cauliflower potatoes with butter.
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A lower-carb option that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor. The mash pairs well with ratatouille, especially for those seeking lighter sides.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A bite-sized, crunchy option that can be easily shared. It adds a casual, fun element to the meal without overshadowing the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Cat Head Biscuits

Cheesy biscuits in a skillet on a table.
Cat Head Biscuits. Photo credit: Feast + West.

These oversized biscuits offer a hearty, Southern twist to your French-themed meal. They hold their own but don’t outshine the ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Cat Head Biscuits

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright and flavorful, these potatoes introduce Mediterranean flair. Their lemony tang complements the tomato base of ratatouille.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

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