Bread Stuffing (American Pacific Northwest)

Bacon, diced pears, prunes and toasted hazelnuts make this salty-sweet, crunchy bread stuffing a perfect partner for the Pacific Northwestern Roast Turkey and Gravy.

1 (1 lb) loaf rustic white bread with crust, cut into ¾" cubes (12-14 cups)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 oz (4 Tbsp.) butter
2 large yellow onions, cut into ½" dice
1 medium celery heart, sliced ½" thick
12 oz thick-cut bacon (~ 7 slices)
3 pears, firm-ripe, cored and cut into ¾" pieces
½ cup prunes, pitted, coarsely chopped (~ 16)
½ cup hazelnuts, peeled, toasted, coarsely chopped
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
2 large eggs
1½ cups chicken broth

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5). Butter a 9x13" baking dish. 

Mix the bread cubes, oil and garlic in a very large bowl, tossing to coat. Spread in a single layer on 2 large rimmed baking sheets; set the bowl aside.

Bake, stirring, swapping positions and rotating the pans halfway through, until just golden, about 12 minutes. Return the bread to the bowl. (The bread can be prepared to this point up to 3 days ahead. Cool, cover and store at room temperature.)

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Melt the butter in a 12" skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 15 minutes. Add to the bread.

Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. of the bacon fat from the pan. Add the pears and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes; transfer to the stuffing along with the crumbled bacon, prunes, hazelnuts, parsley, 2 tsp. salt,and 1 tsp. pepper. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.

Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl to blend and then whisk in the broth. Pour the egg mixture over the stuffing and gently toss to combine. Let the stuffing sit until the liquid is absorbed, 5-10 minutes, tossing again if necessary. Add up to ½ cup additional broth if the stuffing seems dry; the mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Transfer to the prepared dish. Bake until lightly browned and crisp on top, about 40 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving.