SWEET POTATO STUFFING WITH BACON AND THYME

Sweet Potato Stuffing with Bacon and Thyme image

Provided by Matt Lee

Yield Makes 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

10 cups 1-inch cubes sourdough baguette with crust (from about 1 1/2 one-pound baguettes)
1 pound thick-cut bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
6 1/2 cups 3/4-inch cubes peeled redskinned sweet potatoes (yams; about 2 3/4 pounds)
4 cups 1/2-inch onion pieces (from about 2 large onions)
3 cups 1/2- to 3/4-inch celery pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 1/4 teaspoons (or more) coarse kosher salt
1 1/3 cups fresh orange juice
3 large eggs
1 1/3 cups low-salt chicken broth

Steps:

Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Spread bread cubes in single layer on large baking sheet; bake until almost firm to touch, about 10 minutes. Cool. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
Place bread cubes in extra-large bowl. Cook bacon in heavy large pot over medium heat until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Pour off and discard all but 3 tablespoons bacon drippings from pot; place pot over medium-high heat. Add butter, then sweet potatoes, onions, celery, thyme, and 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt to pot. Sauté until onions are slightly soft but not brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add orange juice and bring to boil; cook until sweet potatoes are almost tender and juice is almost absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add bacon and sweet potato mixture to bowl with bread cubes. Season with more salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cool slightly. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 15 x 10 x 2- inch glass baking dish. Whisk eggs and 1 1/3 cups chicken broth in medium bowl to blend; add to stuffing and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
Bake stuffing uncovered until top is lightly browned and crisp around edges, 50 minutes to 1 hour.