Classic Roast Duck with Apple Stuffing 🍎🦆

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, our kitchen was always filled with laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of roasting meat and herbs. My grandmother used to make roast duck on special occasions, and she always said, “A duck cooked with love never disappoints.”

This classic roast duck with apple stuffing reminds me of those joyful Sundays when the whole family gathered around the table. The crackling skin, the juicy meat, and the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon made every bite taste like celebration.

I’ve taken her traditional recipe and added my own twist balancing savory herbs with sweet, tangy apples. It’s perfect for festive dinners, romantic evenings, or when you just want to spoil yourself with something truly special.

The best part? This roast duck with apple stuffing isn’t difficult it just asks for a little time and love. Trust me, the result will make everyone think you’re a professional chef. 😉

Let’s start roasting some memories together.

Ingredients 🧂🍏

For the Duck:

• 1 whole duck (about 2.5–3 kg / 5–6 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (Greek, if you can!)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 orange (halved, for stuffing or rubbing the skin)

For the Apple Stuffing:

• 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Glaze (optional but delicious!):

• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Duck

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Rinse the duck under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels this helps achieve that crisp golden skin later.

Remove any excess fat from the cavity and around the neck. Then rub the entire duck (inside and out) with salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of olive oil. For extra aroma, rub half an orange over the skin. It gives a subtle citrus note that blends beautifully with the apples.

Use a sharp knife to gently prick the duck’s skin all over (just the skin, not the meat). This helps the fat render out during roasting, leaving the skin irresistibly crisp.

Step 2: Make the Apple Stuffing

In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and celery, and sauté until they turn soft and fragrant. Stir in the chopped apples, thyme, cinnamon, and breadcrumbs (if using). Season with salt and pepper.

Cook for about 5 minutes, just until the apples start to soften but aren’t mushy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

This mixture will become your duck’s flavorful heart sweet, herby, and comforting.

Step 3: Stuff and Truss the Duck

Stuff the cavity of the duck with the apple mixture, then close it with kitchen twine or toothpicks. Don’t overpack the stuffing needs space to expand slightly during roasting.

Place the duck breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan. This allows the fat to drip off while roasting, ensuring crispy skin.

Step 4: Roast the Duck

Roast in the preheated oven for 2 to 2½ hours (about 40 minutes per kg / 20 minutes per pound).

Every 30 minutes, spoon out the fat that collects in the bottom of the pan save it! Duck fat is liquid gold for roasting potatoes or veggies later.

If the skin browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 5: Glaze for Extra Shine (Optional)

In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the duck with the honey-orange-soy-balsamic glaze. It gives the bird a glossy finish and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory stuffing.

Once the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the juices run clear, remove the duck from the oven. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Serve your classic roast duck with apple stuffing with sides that balance its richness:

• Roasted baby potatoes tossed in duck fat 🥔
• Steamed green beans with lemon butter 🥦
• A simple arugula salad with pomegranate seeds for freshness 🍃

Pour a little of the pan juices over the sliced duck for extra flavor, and serve with a dry red wine or spiced mulled wine if it’s wintertime.

This dish tastes even better the next day if there are leftovers!

Notes 📝

• Tip: If your duck is frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge for at least 24 hours before cooking.
• Stuffing Variations: Add dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for texture and sweetness.
• Crispy Skin Trick: In the last 15 minutes, increase oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) for that perfect golden crunch.
• Duck Fat Bonus: Strain and store it it makes heavenly roasted potatoes or adds depth to soups.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) ⚖️

Approximate values (for 6 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 42 g
• Fat: 34 g
• Carbs: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g

Recipe Card 📜

🕒 Time:

• Prep: 20 mins
• Cook: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Total: 2 hrs 50 mins

🥕 Ingredients:
Duck, apples, onion, celery, butter, thyme, cinnamon, breadcrumbs, olive oil, orange, honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare and season duck.
3. Sauté apple stuffing.
4. Stuff, truss, and roast.
5. Glaze and finish roasting.
6. Rest, carve, and serve!

💡 Note: Save the duck fat it’s liquid gold!

🍽️ Nutrition:
~520 kcal | High in protein | Rich flavor & crispy skin

Conclusion 💛

This Classic Roast Duck with Apple Stuffing is a dish that connects tradition with love. It’s not just about roasting a duck it’s about creating moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.

Cooking this recipe always reminds me of family gatherings back home in Crete the laughter, the warmth, and the scent of apples and herbs filling the air. I hope it brings the same joy and comfort to your table too.

So go ahead, tie on your apron, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s make magic happen in the kitchen.

Short 100-Word Story Version 💬

Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! This Classic Roast Duck with Apple Stuffing takes me back to cozy family dinners where my grandmother’s laughter filled the kitchen. The mix of crispy duck, sweet apples, and warm spices brings pure comfort to any table. It’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary evenings into cherished memories. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or a quiet night, this recipe delivers love, flavor, and a little sparkle of tradition. 🍎🦆✨