Introduction
This delightful recipe brings a unique twist to the classic Thanksgiving dish by incorporating sweet potatoes, bacon, and thyme. The combination promises an unforgettable flavor profile that balances savory with just a hint of citrusy freshness from orange juice.
Tips for this recipe
– Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking.
– For bacon, aim for medium-crisp texture as it adds a pleasant crunch and flavor enhancement.
– Use fresh herbs; they will elevate your dish with more pronounced aroma and taste.
Why you will love this recipe
“Sweet Potato Stuffing with Bacon and Thyme” tantalizes the palate with its hearty mix of textures and depths of flavor, while being simple enough to prepare at home yet sophisticated in presentation. It’s a comfort food that doubles as an impressive centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients
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
Advised equipment
– Baking Dish: Ideal for oven-baked sweet potato stuffing.
– Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: For preparation of the vegetables.
– Oven Mitts: To handle hot baking dishes safely.
– Bamboo Spatula: Useful for mixing ingredients without scratching surfaces.
– Roasting Pan (Optional): Useful for additional roasted components, though not in the recipe scope.
– Oven-Safe Silicone Baking Mat: Makes cleanup easier when baking sweet potatoes.
– Food Processor with Slicing Blade: For shredding and fine chopping ingredients.
– Digital Meat Thermometer: Ensures proper cooking of bacon.
– Dutch Oven or Cast Iron Skillet (Alternative): Ideal for roasting if recipe expands beyond its original scope.
– Mixing Bowls and Kitchen Scale (Optional): For preparation, measurement accuracy, though not essential for a standard recipe execution.
History of the Recipe
This dish takes inspiration from traditional stuffings but elevates it with sweet potatoes—a versatile tuber native to North and South America. The integration of bacon adds a nod to European influences, particularly French cuisine’s love for pork products. Thyme brings an herbal touch that complements both the earthiness of the sweet potatoes and the richness of the bacon.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
Did you know? Sweet potatoes have been part of human diets for over 5,000 years! This recipe is a testament to their adaptability and ability to create comforting dishes across different cultures. The use of bacon dates back centuries as well; it’s believed that the ancient Romans introduced pork curing techniques that would eventually evolve into today’s bacon. Thyme, on the other hand, has been used since antiquity for both medicinal and culinary purposes, often associated with flavoring meats.
