Ratatouille is a rustic, flavor-packed vegetable stew straight from the heart of Provence, France. Made with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and onions, it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in one delicious dish.

While ratatouille is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re looking for something crispy, cheesy, or perfectly crusty, there’s no shortage of delicious accompaniments to round out your plate.

From freshly baked baguettes to creamy polenta and tender roasted meats, here are 16 side dishes that complement ratatouille beautifully. Get ready to turn this French classic into an unforgettable feast!

1.Italian Sausage

Crumble up some savory and smoky Italian sausage and sprinkle it over your ratatouille for a burst of meat and veggie goodness! Want to take it up a notch?

Cook the vegetables in some of that sausage fat for a richer, tastier stew. Sure, it’s a little less healthy, but the flavor combo is totally worth it!

And here’s a fun tip: slice up some cheese and Italian sausage for the perfect antipasto to go with your ratatouille. Easy, delicious, and ready to impress!

2.Bread

Ratatouille and bread are a match made in heaven.

Whether you reach for a crusty baguette, hearty Tuscan, tangy sourdough, or chewy ciabatta, the thick, sturdy texture of bread adds a satisfying depth to the dish.

It’s not just about heartiness–bread also brings a lovely contrast to the soft, flavorful stew. Plus, let’s not forget the best part: dipping those slices into all the rich, veggie-packed juices.

It’s a combination that’s hard to resist! To get it ready, simply brush your bread slices with olive oil and grill them until golden and toasted.

On the side, keep a small bowl of olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple yet perfect way to enjoy every bite.

3.Fried Egg

Some of the best dishes are the simplest. Ratatouille is already a flavor powerhouse, so it only needs a simple touch to make it perfect.

Add a fried or poached egg on top, and you’ve got a whole new level of delicious. Imagine slicing into that yolk and watching the golden goodness flow into the stew.

It’s a moment that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance! Serve it over a bed of rice, and you’ve got a hearty, nutritious rice bowl that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.

It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a chilly or cloudy day–comforting, flavorful, and just what you need to brighten things up.

4.Flank Steak

If you’re a meat lover like me, pairing ratatouille with a big, juicy steak is a must. Any steak cut works, but a perfectly seared flank steak is a top choice.

The rich flavors of tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers blend beautifully with the beef, creating a delight for your taste buds. This hearty, nutritious meal is perfect for lunch or dinner.

5.With an Omelet

Eggs and ratatouille? It’s a match made in heaven! Imagine creamy eggs paired with crisp, vibrant veggies–the flavor and texture are absolute perfection. Why not combine them into one amazing dish–like a ratatouille omelette?

This ratatouille omelette is quick, hearty, and perfect for any day of the week. Plus, it’s a breeze to make! Whether your ratatouille is soupy or grilled, this omelet turns out delicious every time.

6.Chicken

Chicken and ratatouille are a match made in heaven, and this combo is sure to impress.

Add a fresh garden salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a hearty, healthy meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Whether you grill or roast the chicken, it brings a burst of flavor to the table. Paired with ratatouille, it creates a well-rounded, nutritious dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

This meal is a winner for any occasion!

7.Red Wine

Ratatouille is proof that a dish packed with veggies can be a complete, satisfying meal on its own. This hearty, flavorful stew is so good, you won’t even miss the meat. Want to elevate it?

Pair it with a glass of Shiraz. The bold, savory notes of the wine perfectly complement the rich, tomato-forward flavors of the ratatouille, making it a match made in heaven.

8.Rice

Rice and ratatouille are a match made in heaven for anyone who loves a good carb. Together, they create a meal that’s both hearty and delicious.

Pair your ratatouille with a simple bowl of steamed white rice for a quick and wholesome lunch or dinner.

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, toss in some fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes to give your rice an extra burst of flavor. Either way, it’s a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

9.Pork Chops

Ratatouille just got a whole new level of delicious when you pair it with pork chops! The rich, hearty flavor of pork perfectly balances the bright, fresh veggies.

Opt for moist and tender pork chops that add a decadent touch to this classic combo. It’s a match made in heaven for a satisfying meal.

10.Quinoa

Looking for a filling rice substitute without the calories? Quinoa is your answer! It’s just as hearty, minus the guilt.

This nutritious grain pairs perfectly with the deep flavors of fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a great base for a satisfying meal.

11.Lamb

When it comes to pairing with ratatouille, steak and pork chops are classic choices. But let’s be real–nothing beats a perfectly seasoned leg of lamb. It’s the ultimate Provencal favorite, and for a reason.

Marinate that lamb in olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper, then throw it on the grill. The result? A bold, umami-packed flavor that perfectly complements the subtle, veggie-forward goodness of ratatouille.

Together, they strike a delicious balance that’s sure to impress. It’s a match made in heaven, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever paired ratatouille with anything else.

12.Rice Pilaf

Imagine a dish where rice and ratatouille come together in perfect harmony. This rice pilaf takes it to the next level with a delightful twist.

Rice cooked to perfection in butter, garlic, and a hint of sherry, then mixed with earthy mushrooms and crowned with a savory ratatouille. Who needs meat when the flavors are this rich and satisfying?

This veggie-packed pilaf is all you need to fill your belly and warm your soul.

13.Creamy Polenta

Step up your meal game with a bowl of creamy, cheesy polenta paired with vibrant ratatouille. This dish is all about balance–cornmeal and crisp veggies come together in perfect harmony.

The juices from the veggies act like a built-in sauce, coating the crispy polenta perfectly.

Top it off with some crumbled goat cheese, and you’ve got a cozy, comforting meal that’s all about balance and flavor.

14.Risotto

What’s better than a creamy, savory risotto? How about one topped with vibrant ratatouille? Imagine butternut squash-infused arborio rice, loaded with colorful veggies and finished with a hearty, flavorful veggie medley on top.

This comforting dish proves you don’t need meat to make a meal hearty and satisfying. It’s a vegetarian dream come true!

15.Pasta

Pasta and ratatouille are a match made in heaven! The caramelized juices from the veggies create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats your noodles perfectly. It’s pure genius!

Toss in some freshly grated Parmesan, and you’ve got yourself a delicious Italian-American meal.

Whether you go for spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even thick pappardelle, the pasta choice is totally up to you–there’s no wrong pick here! Want to add a Mediterranean twist?

Top it off with fresh basil, crumbled feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra burst of brightness. Pure perfection!

16.Veal

Ratatouille is rich and tender, so pairing it with something chewier adds a nice contrast. A lean and flavorful piece of veal does just the trick.

It brings another layer of flavor and texture to the table, plus a nutritional boost. Together, these two make for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both filling and balanced.