Sweet Potato Stuffing

Last night we had company. Since they are moving to another country in November, we thought we would treat them to a Thanksgiving-inspired meal. We would have gone all out, but it was a normal week-day evening and with kids doing homework and uncleaning the house, I had to go with "easy". Instead of sweet potatoes AND stuffing, we put them together, made it the night before, and warmed it and served it. I speak from experience when I say this one freezes well. We made way too much last Thanksgiving, and we pulled from the freezer bag (all-the-way baked)  for quite awhile before we ran out.

This is one of those recipes I clipped from a magazine to try. We tried it and loved it, and now it is my Go-To recipe when I need a Thanksgiving stuffing. It is an easy way to get the stuffing done and have sweet potatoes with it.

Sweet Potato Stuffing with Bacon and Thyme

From Bon Appetit (Nov. 2009)

• 10 cups 3/4-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 red-skinned 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 teaspoons (or more) coarse kosher salt
• 1 1/3 cups fresh orange juice
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups low-salt chicken broth

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 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.

4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 15x10x2-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.

5. Bake stuffing uncovered until top is lightly browned and crisp around edges, 50 minutes to 1 hour.