All recipes

Butter-Basted Roast Duck

Butter-Basted Roast Duck features crisp, golden skin and rich, tender meat infused with a simple paprika, salt, and pepper rub. Repeated basting with melted butter intensifies the duck’s savory depth and keeps every bite succulent. Serve it for a cozy weekend dinner or a festive holiday table alongside roasted vegetables or a bright salad.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook2 hrs
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyMedium
Butter-Basted Roast Duck
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  2. 2

    Mix paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; rub the spice mixture over the duck’s skin. Place the duck breast side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

  3. 3

    Spoon 1/4 cup butter over the duck; continue roasting for 45 minutes.

  4. 4

    Spoon the remaining 1/4 cup butter over the duck; roast until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should register at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).