12 Best Duck Recipes for Thanksgiving Feast

Change up your Thanksgiving menu a bit by serving duck. Although it has less meat than turkey, duck contains much fat and is tender, juicy, and so versatile.

Always a bit intimidated by a cooking duck? Don’t worry, because this menu of delicious duck recipes is simple enough to whip up for the holidays, you’ll have no trouble at all!

Brace yourself for the crispiest, tastiest duck you’ve ever tasted. They’ll impress your guests.

12 Amazing Duck Recipes for Thanksgiving

1. Roast Duck

The first thing you need to try is this juicy, tender whole duck. The honey-balsamic glaze gives nice crispiness and a beautiful look to the duck skin, and the garlic and lemon that are stuffed inside the duck cavity will make your duck have a very savory flavor.

This main dish is not only perfect for Thanksgiving, but also for other special holidays, such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Easter. (Via Julia’s Album)

2. Spiced Smoked Duck

Ever wondered how to cook smoked duck? It’s much simpler than most people think. You will only need pantry staple spices to coat the whole bird, and a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, duck fat, and Brandy for the perfect glaze.

Even though cooking this juicy meat does take some effort and time, it sure will be the star of the show on your Holiday table! (Via Girl Carnivore)

3. Roasted Duck in Wine with Potatoes, Peppers, and Mushrooms

Turkey is not the only bird that makes a good pair with potatoes on Thanksgiving! You can serve it with duck.

Make the duck look beautiful by decorating the serving platter with colorful veggies that have all the holiday colors. This whole duck recipe is going to be your new favorite dish.

Friendly tip: Prick duck skin on duck breast side and fatty parts with the tip of a sharp knife, to get a lot of fat released. Make sure not to penetrate the meat. This dish simply screams Thanksgiving dinner. (Via Crafty Cooking by Anna)

4. Bacon Lover’s Duck Egg Quiche

This recipe may not contain duck meat in it, but have you ever tried cooking something with duck eggs? Not only they are bigger than chicken eggs, but they are also much creamier. And it only takes about 45 minutes to make.

With the holidays coming up, this delicious duck egg quiche will look great on any Thanksgiving breakfast menu. Perfect for any special occasion. (Via Cooking with Janica)

5. Duck Breast with Cranberry Sauce

If you’re a fan of duck meat and cranberry, then you’ll love this awesome recipe. Dried cranberry, honey, and balsamic vinegar create a totally balanced sauce for the duck breast meat.

Serve it with green beans and scalloped potatoes to make it a complete meal. Definitely will be a hit! (Via Julia’s Album)

6. Roast Duck Stuffed with Apples

With only simple staple ingredients like fresh orange juice, lemon juice, apples, honey, and garlic powder, you can make this amazing golden brown crisp skin duck. This perfect holiday main dish is sure will bring some color to your Thanksgiving table or even Christmas dinner! (Via Simply Homecooked)

7. Slow Cooker Duck

If you’ve never cooked duck, this is a perfect recipe to begin. All you need to do is rinse and pat dry the duck with paper towels, and stuff the cavity with some vegetables. In a small bowl, mix the rub spices and coat the duck all over with the seasoning. Then place the duck in the slow cooker.

This recipe also provides instant pot steps which you’ll need to add one cup of water before putting the duck.

If you want crispy skin on your duck, simply remove it from the appliance and broil it in the oven after it’s done cooking. A perfect family meal you will love to serve. (Via Fit Slow Cooker Queen)

8. Duck and Goat’s Cheese Pithiviers

Duck doesn’t have to be served as the main course only, because it also makes a tasty appetizer. The richness of duck meat makes the perfect filling for a pie, while the acidity of the goat’s cheese keeps that richness in balance in this recipe.

You can also use store-bought puff pastry. The best part is these freeze well uncooked; all you need to do is pop them in the oven straight from the freezer. Your guests definitely will not see this twist on the brunch/appetizer coming. (Via Gourmet Traveller)

9. Duck Legs with Root Vegetables, Beer, and Honey

Carrots, parsnips, chicken stock, beer, onion, thyme, black pepper, and duck legs are the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Pairing it with mashed potatoes takes the dish over the top. A classic holiday main dish that will wow your guests. (Via House and Garden)

10. Crispy Duck with Spicy Plum Sauce

Always order Peking duck when you go out for Chinese? It’s time to make your own at home. Even though the cooking time is about 4 hours, you sure will get meltingly tender and lovely juicy meat.

Best to place the duck on the rack to allow the excess fat to drain off and score the fat for getting the crispy skin.

Sweet, spicy, and downright stunning. Serve the shredded duck with Chinese pancakes, strips of cucumber, and plum sauce. (Via Kitchen Sanctuary)

11. Roasted Duck Blackberry and Balsamic Reduction Sauce

Don’t be a little intimidated to roast duck especially if it’s your first time, because it’s surprisingly simple and made with tools you may already have in your kitchen.

In the cooking process, you need to score the duck fat, making a crosshatch pattern across the breast side. Cover the duck with a mixture of kosher salt and smoked Spanish paprika. Place it on the baking sheet then pop it into the oven.

Better to use the meat thermometer to make sure it’s completely done. This flavorful duck is really going to impress your guests! (Via She Keeps a Lovely Home)

12. Roast Duck Pizza with Figs and Arugula

Make your holiday table by serving this creative pizza. Combine pizza, roast duck, and figs, and you definitely will love this fantastic recipe. This is a perfect recipe for your next holiday dinner or celebration! (Via The Woks of Life)