Have you ever made something so elegant and flavorful that your guests stopped mid-bite to ask, “Wait… did you make this yourself?” That’s exactly the kind of magic this Duck Crostini with Blackberry-Thyme Jam & Brie brings to the table. It’s a little bit sweet, a little savory, and 100% stunning. And yes, it’s way easier than it looks.

Hand is holing duck crostini with blackberry jam

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Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, curating a chic holiday spread, or just want to treat yourself to something a little fancy (because why not?), these duck crostini are an absolute showstopper. They’re rich, jammy, melty, crispy, and layered with bold flavor in every bite.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these gorgeous little bites, share my favorite tips for working with duck breast, and answer some common questions about building crostini that are both beautiful and balanced.

Let’s talk about why this recipe is such a win for your next gathering, or just your next slow evening with a glass of red.

Why You’ll Love These Duck Crostini with Blackberry Jam

This duck crostini recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a catered event but is absolutely doable in your own kitchen. The ingredients come together beautifully – each one enhancing the others.

Here’s why I love this recipe so much:

Perfect balance of flavors: Crispy duck skin, soft and creamy Brie, a hit of sweetness from the blackberry-thyme jam, and a toasty base.
Elegant but approachable: These crostini look like they belong on a five-star menu, but I promise they’re easy to assemble.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the jam and crostini ahead of time, sear the duck last minute, and assemble just before serving.
Great for entertaining: They’re just the right size for party bites, and the flavor profile works beautifully for brunches, cocktail hours, and holiday spreads.

It’s comfort food that grew up and got chic 

Let’s Talk About Duck

If you’ve never cooked duck at home before, don’t stress! It’s much more forgiving than you’d think. And when you use high-quality duck breast like the ones from Maple Leaf Farms, the results are always tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

I love using Maple Leaf Farms duck because:

Their duck breasts are super consistent in quality and size.
They’re easy to find in many grocery stores and online.
They have that beautiful thick layer of skin that crisps up perfectly when seared.
The meat is rich, flavorful, and tender – everything you want in a special-occasion protein.

Duck is a bit more elevated than your average appetizer topping, but paired with brie and blackberry-thyme jam, it’s unforgettable. Trust me on this!

The Magic of Blackberry-Thyme Jam

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m a fan of quick jams. And this blackberry-thyme jam? Absolute flavor bomb.

Here’s why it works so well:

Blackberries are tart, slightly sweet, and rich in color.
Thyme adds an earthy, herby undertone that balances the richness of the duck and creaminess of the cheese.
A splash of balsamic vinegar deepens the flavor and ties it all together.

And don’t worr – this is not the kind of jam you need to can or preserve. It takes 15 minutes, one saucepan, and minimal effort.

You can make it with fresh or frozen blackberries, so it works all year round.

Brie Makes Everything Better

Brie has a beautiful way of melting into warm toast, creating a creamy base for whatever you put on top. I love using it on crostini because it adds richness without overpowering the other toppings.

Want to take it to the next level? Torch the Brie slightly on each crostini before topping with duck and jam. It melts just enough to feel extra indulgent and creates that gooey, stretchy cheese moment we all love.

How to Build a Perfect Crostini

Let’s break it down step-by-step:

Toasty base: A sliced baguette brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with flaky salt. Toast until crisp.
Soft cheese layer: Thin slices of Brie, laid across the crostini.
Protein with texture: Thinly sliced, seared duck breast. Juicy and crispy-skinned.
Sweet-savory topping: Blackberry-thyme jam spooned over the duck.
Optional finishers: Fresh thyme, microgreens, more flaky salt or a tiny drizzle of the jam juice.

Everything is layered with intention. Each bite has crunch, melt, richness, brightness, and a pop of sweet acidity.

When to Serve These Crostini

This duck appetizer recipe works for a wide range of occasions:

Cocktail parties
Holiday dinners
New Year’s Eve hors d’oeuvres
Intimate date nights
Celebratory brunches
Bridal or baby showers
Fancy girls’ nights in (you know the vibe – sparkling wine, fancy bites, lots of laughter)

These duck crostini with blackberry jam hold up well at room temperature, and you can assemble a platter in about 15 minutes once everything’s prepped.

What Wine Pairs Well with Duck Crostini?

If you’re thinking about the full experience (and you should!), here are a few pairing suggestions:

Pinot Noir: The go-to with duck. Its light tannins and bright acidity complement the blackberry and duck without overpowering them.
Sparkling Rosé: For a more festive feel. The bubbles cut through the richness of the duck and brie.
Merlot: Smooth and fruit-forward, this pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam.

Even a bold cider or a herby mocktail with rosemary and lemon would work well if you’re skipping alcohol.

Common Questions About Duck Crostini

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Camembert or a creamy goat cheese would also work, though brie is my top pick for texture and mildness.

Can I make the jam ahead?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

How do I keep the crostini from getting soggy?
Assemble just before serving. You can also lightly spread the cheese on warm toast—it creates a barrier between the bread and the juicier toppings.

Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it’s delicious slightly warm or at room temperature.

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

Duck breast: Use Maple Leaf Farms duck breast for the best flavor and quality.
Baguette: I use a classic French baguette, but ciabatta or sourdough would work too.
Honey vs. maple syrup: Both are lovely, but maple syrup gives a deeper flavor that pairs especially well with the balsamic.
Frozen blackberries: Thaw first and drain a little juice if they’re extra watery.

The “Wow” Factor

Here’s how to really impress your guests:

Torch the Brie. A quick pass with a kitchen torch or even under the broiler melts the brie just slightly. It makes everything taste warmer, richer, and just that little bit more special.

Add a garnish. A fresh thyme sprig, a few microgreens, or even a couple of edible flowers make these crostini look like they came straight from a catering tray.

Serve on a beautiful platter. Presentation matters. A dark wood board or matte ceramic plate lets the vibrant colors of the duck and blackberry jam shine.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a signature appetizer that feels luxurious, tastes incredible, and doesn’t require you to be a trained chef – this is it!

These duck crostini with blackberry jam are one of my go-to dishes when I want to impress without stressing. The ingredients layer beautifully, the textures are satisfying, and the flavors are complex but approachable.

And once you’ve made blackberry-thyme jam once, you’ll find a million other uses for it (trust me, it’s amazing on grilled cheese or stirred into yogurt too).

Now let’s get into the full recipe so you can start prepping. Your guests (or just you!) are in for a treat.