Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Duck Breasts with Sage and Cheddar
Tender duck breasts stuffed with aged white cheddar, prosciutto, and fresh sage, wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection. A simple yet impressive wild game appetizer or dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: duck breasts, duck recipes, stuffed duck
Servings: 4
- 8 boneless, skinless duck breasts
- 8 slices of prosciutto
- Aged white cheddar, cut into ¼-inch thick slices
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- McCormick Montreal steak seasoning, to taste
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Butcher’s twine
Place the duck breasts on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each breast horizontally, stopping before cutting all the way through.
Wrap each cheese slice with prosciutto and place it in the center of the breast. Top with a fresh sage leaf and close the breast.
Brush both sides with olive oil and season with Montreal steak seasoning.
Preheat the Traeger grill to 400°F. Once the grates are hot, place the duck breasts on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 5 minutes.
Rotate the duck 90° and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Flip the duck over and cook for another 5 minutes (total cook time ~15 minutes).
Remove from the grill and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Slice on a bias or angle and serve immediately.
Traeger Grill:
Preheat the Traeger to 400°F. Place the duck breasts on the hot grates and close the lid. Cook for 5 minutes, then rotate 90° and cook for another 5 minutes. Flip the duck over and cook for an additional 5 minutes, for a total of 15 minutes. The Traeger adds a subtle smoky flavor while keeping the bacon crisp and the duck tender.
Traditional BBQ Grill:
Preheat a medium-high grill to approximately 400°F and lightly oil the grates. Place the duck breasts over indirect heat and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, adjusting for the size of the breasts. For extra crispiness on the bacon, finish over direct heat for 1–2 minutes per side. This method delivers a perfectly cooked duck with a slightly smoky, grilled flavor.
- Adjust cooking times for smaller duck breasts to avoid overcooking.
- Medium-rare is ideal for duck, but cook to your preferred doneness.
- Tying the breasts with butcher’s twine keeps the stuffing neatly inside during cooking.
- Serve as a show-stopping appetizer or main dish with sides like roasted vegetables or polenta.
- You can swap cheddar for gouda, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.