Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Stuffing
2 12-ounce packages Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
12 ounces smoked ham (such as Black Forest), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
Instructions:
Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 250 degrees F. Spread out the bread on 2 baking sheets. Bake, rotating the pans and stirring halfway through, until lightly toasted, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ham, onion, celery, jalapeño, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat. Let cool slightly.
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the bread and ham mixture. Transfer the stuffing to the prepared dish. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pineapple and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the brown sugar and stir until just dissolved, about 30 seconds.
Uncover the stuffing and scatter the pineapple on top. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes.
