Step 1: Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan or line it with parchment paper.

If the turkey breast is not already butterflied, carefully slice it horizontally and open it like a book. Place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even thickness of about ½–¾ inch.

Step 2: Make the apple sage stuffing

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add the diced apples, sage, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the apples begin to soften.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Mix in the breadcrumbs and chicken broth until the stuffing is moist but not soggy.

6. Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before filling the turkey.

Step 3: Stuff the turkey breast

Lay the butterflied turkey breast flat on a clean cutting board. Spread the cooled stuffing evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll the turkey breast tightly around the filling. Secure it at regular intervals with kitchen twine to help it retain its shape during roasting.

Step 4: Season the turkey

Rub the outside of the rolled turkey with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Place the turkey seam-side down in the roasting pan.

Step 5: Roast until cooked through

Roast uncovered for approximately 60–75 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the turkey breast.

Begin checking the temperature after about 50–55 minutes. Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey and check the center of the stuffing separately. Both the turkey and the stuffing must reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

If the turkey browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.

Step 6: Rest and slice

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Carefully remove the kitchen twine, then slice into thick rounds to reveal the apple sage filling.

Step 7: Make the optional gravy

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in the broth and pan juices.

4. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.