duck and dressing recipe

The Best duck and dressing recipe

I’ve been making duck and dressing for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish originated in the Southern United States, where it was served at holiday gatherings and special occasions.

It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for cold weather. The key to making a great duck and dressing is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the sausage and herbs.

I like to use a combination of pork sausage and chicken broth to give the dressing a rich, savory flavor. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and they always get excited when they see the finished product on the table.

We usually serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, but it’s also great on its own as a main course. One of the best things about duck and dressing is that it’s easy to make ahead of time – just prepare the ingredients up to a day before, then assemble and cook it when you’re ready.

This makes it perfect for busy families or those who want to get ahead on their holiday cooking. Overall, I think duck and dressing is a classic recipe that never goes out of style.

It’s a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason – it’s delicious, easy to make, and full of nutrients. My family loves it when I make this recipe, and I know yours will too!

Duck and Dressing

Duck and Dressing

4.7 from 552 votes

A savory dish featuring roasted duck served with a flavorful herb dressing. The dressing is baked separately to achieve a crispy top and tender interior.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Duck

1 whole duck (5 to 6 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Dressing

8 cups cubed stale bread
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 large egg, beaten

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Remove the giblets from the duck and pat the duck dry with paper towels.
3Season the duck inside and out with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
4Place the duck breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
5Roast for 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
6Baste the duck with pan juices every 30 minutes.
7While the duck roasts, prepare the dressing.
8In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
9Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
10In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked vegetables, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
11Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and stir gently to moisten.
12Fold in the beaten egg until evenly distributed.
13Transfer the dressing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
14Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
15Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.
16Let the duck rest for 10 minutes before carving.
17Serve the duck slices alongside the dressing.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan with rack
Large skillet
Large mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a crispier duck skin, prick the skin all over with a fork before roasting. The dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Watch Video Of How Duck and Dressing Works

One of my favorite things about duck and dressing is how well it keeps after being cooked – just refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve again.

When reheating, be sure to heat it thoroughly so that everything is hot throughout – especially important if you’re serving it at a large gathering where people may have different eating styles.

Overall, I highly recommend making this recipe for any occasion where you want something hearty and comforting.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Duck and Dressing

Q: What type of sausage should I use in my duck and dressing?

A: You can use either pork sausage or chicken sausage in your duck and dressing – both will give you a delicious result. If you want a more traditional Southern flavor, go with the pork sausage. If you’re looking for something a bit leaner, try using chicken sausage instead.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using any herbs?

A: While herbs are an important part of traditional duck and dressing recipes, you can definitely make this dish without them if you don’t have any on hand or prefer not to use them. Just omit the thyme and sage from the ingredients list and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.

Q: How far ahead can I prepare this recipe?

A: You can prepare this recipe up to two days in advance – just mix all the ingredients together except for the sausage, then refrigerate until you’re ready to cook it.

Q: Can I substitute chicken broth for some or all of the water called for in this recipe?

A: Yes – using chicken broth instead of water will add more flavor to your duck and dressing. You can substitute up to half of the water with chicken broth if you prefer.

Q: Why does my duck turn out dry when I make this recipe?

A: There are several reasons why your duck might turn out dry when making this recipe – one common reason is overcooking. Make sure to check your internal temperature regularly so that you don’t overcook your duck.

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