Florentine Stuffed Turkey Breast Half
A flavorful stuffed turkey breast with spinach, walnuts, and apples, perfect for special occasions or family dinners, offering savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in turkey breast half (1 to 3 lb.), skin removed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine, divided ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 2 fresh garlic cloves, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken broth or water ⓘ
- 3 slices wheat bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted walnut pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped Granny Smith apple ⓘ
Instructions
- Rub the turkey breast with 1 tablespoon margarine, thyme, and sliced garlic.
- In a large nonstick skillet, over medium-high heat, sauté the onion and celery in 1 tablespoon margarine for 4 to 5 minutes or until soft.
- Fold in the spinach, chicken broth, bread cubes, toasted walnut pieces, chopped Granny Smith apple, salt, nutmeg, and pepper until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff the prepared mixture into the turkey breast half, then secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or sage in place of thyme. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to prevent a soggy stuffing. You can also use leftover bread or even cornbread for the stuffing mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Florentine stuffed turkey breast half with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Maryland Cream Of Crab Soup for a delightful starter. Consider a light wine like Chardonnay to complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. For best results, cover with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Stuffed Turkey Breast Half contains roughly 602 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1288mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and stuff the turkey breast just before baking. This will save you time on the day of cooking and allow the flavors to meld together.
What should I do if the turkey breast is too large?
If your turkey breast is larger than 3 pounds, you may need to increase the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Consider making extra stuffing to use alongside the turkey.
Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead?
Absolutely! A boneless turkey breast can be used for this recipe. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time, as boneless breasts may cook faster. Follow the same internal temperature guidelines for safety.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).