The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been part of my soul a gift passed down from my grandmother, who taught me that food made with love brings people together. I still remember her kitchen filled with the warm scent of roasted meats, golden olive oil, and herbs that grew right outside her window.
One of her most memorable dishes was roast duck with apple stuffing, a recipe she used to make on special family Sundays. It wasn’t something we had often duck was a treat but when we did, it was pure magic. The skin would crisp perfectly, the apples would soften inside the duck, soaking up all the savory juices, and the whole house smelled like celebration.
Now, in my kitchen in Crete, I’ve adapted her recipe to make it a bit lighter and simpler while keeping that deep, homely flavor. This classic roast duck with apple stuffing is one of those recipes that make you slow down, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the process. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a quiet weekend dinner, this dish never fails to impress.
The classic roast duck with apple stuffing isn’t just a meal it’s a memory in the making. Every time I cook it, I think about how food connects us across generations. You’ll find this dish surprisingly easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for any occasion. Let’s make your kitchen smell like a little Greek countryside feast!
Ingredients
You’ll need simple, fresh ingredients to create layers of flavor in this classic roast duck with apple stuffing.
For the Duck:
- 1 whole duck (about 5–6 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small lemon, cut in half
For the Apple Stuffing:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious!):
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Duck
Start by patting the duck dry with paper towels this helps the skin crisp beautifully. Remove any excess fat from the cavity. Rub the duck inside and out with sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Squeeze the lemon halves over the skin and place them inside the cavity for extra flavor.
Let the duck rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you prepare the stuffing.
2. Make the Apple Stuffing
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the diced apples and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Add breadcrumbs, walnuts, cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Stuff the cooled apple mixture into the cavity of the duck. Don’t pack it too tightly leave space for air circulation to help the duck cook evenly.
3. Roast the Duck
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the duck breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
After 1 hour, you can pierce the duck skin with a fork to help render the fat and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
4. Add the Glaze (Optional)
Mix honey, balsamic vinegar, and orange juice together. In the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush this glaze over the duck for a golden, glossy finish.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the duck reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and brown, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Serve slices of the duck with a spoonful of the apple stuffing and a drizzle of the pan juices.
Serving Suggestions
The rich flavor of classic roast duck with apple stuffing pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
- Sautéed green beans or steamed asparagus
- A fresh salad with arugula, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds
For a complete Greek-inspired meal, serve it with a glass of Cretan red wine and a slice of homemade bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Recipe Card 🦆🍎✨
TIME ⏱️
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 2 hrs
Rest: 15 mins
Total: ~2 hrs 45 mins
INGREDIENTS 🧺
- 1 whole duck (5–6 lbs)
- Olive oil, herbs, lemon, garlic
- Apples, onion, butter, breadcrumbs, honey
- Optional glaze: honey, balsamic vinegar, orange juice
INSTRUCTIONS 📝
- Dry and season duck with herbs, salt, and garlic.
- Make stuffing: cook onion, apples, and breadcrumbs in butter. Add honey, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Stuff duck and roast at 375°F for 2 hours, basting often.
- Brush with glaze in the last 20 mins.
- Rest before carving and serve with apple stuffing.
NOTE 💡
For extra crispy skin, let the duck sit uncovered in the fridge overnight before roasting.
NUTRITION 🍴
(Per serving, approx.)
Calories: 480 | Protein: 28g | Fat: 35g | Carbs: 15g
100-Word Short Version of Marilyn’s Story
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, Greece! I grew up watching my grandmother turn simple ingredients into comforting meals. Her roast duck with apple stuffing was always the centerpiece of family gatherings tender, fragrant, and full of love. Now, I’ve added my own twist to her recipe, keeping it simple yet elegant. This classic roast duck with apple stuffing brings back those memories and creates new ones every time I make it. It’s a recipe that warms your home, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and reminds you that cooking is about love, sharing, and a touch of tradition.
Conclusion
Cooking a classic roast duck with apple stuffing isn’t just about preparing a meal it’s about celebrating tradition, patience, and the joy of sharing. The combination of crisp skin, juicy meat, and sweet-savory apple filling creates a harmony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or simply want to surprise your loved ones with something extraordinary, this dish promises to deliver both taste and emotion. So light a candle, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the aroma fill your home just like my grandmother’s did in Crete. ❤️