If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast treat that’s irresistibly fluffy, sweet, and just a little bit special, then this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Using soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional bread gives this dish an ultra-rich texture and a subtle tropical sweetness that simply melts in your mouth. Every bite feels like a warm hug or a mini-vacation, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this twist on classic French toast, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is delightfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture. From the sweet Hawaiian rolls to the warm cinnamon in the batter, every element enhances the dish in its own wonderful way.
- Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, sweet rolls provide the perfect base, delivering a tender, fluffy bite every time.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are the heart of the custard mixture, helping to give the French toast its rich and creamy texture.
- Milk: Milk lightens the batter and keeps it smooth, giving the toast a moist, satisfying finish.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the natural sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice brings a cozy hint of warmth and spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Butter: Butter is essential for cooking, bringing a golden crust and rich flavor to each piece.
- Maple Syrup (for serving): Classic maple syrup pairs beautifully, adding sticky sweetness.
- Fresh Berries (optional): Bright berries bring freshness and a pop of color for extra delight.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and extra sweetness.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) – this low heat will keep your cooked French toast warm while you finish the rest of the batch without drying out those beautiful rolls.
Step 2: Whisk the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until all the ingredients are fully combined. This flavorful custard base is what will infuse the Hawaiian rolls with that classic French toast richness.
Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Split each Hawaiian roll in half, creating two soft pieces. Arrange them in the egg mixture and let them soak for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally so every side absorbs the custard soaks up perfectly. This soaking is key to that moist, tender texture you want.
Step 4: Heat Butter in the Skillet
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. The butter helps create a golden, crisp surface and prevents sticking, giving your French toast that perfect finish.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls in Batches
Place the soaked rolls on the skillet carefully. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown. Patience here yields a beautiful crust!
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Turn the rolls over and cook the other side until it’s also a perfect golden brown. Feel free to add a bit more butter to the pan before each new batch to keep them rich and flavorful.
Step 7: Keep Warm in the Oven
Transfer the cooked rolls to the preheated oven to stay warm while you finish cooking the rest. This step ensures every piece is served piping hot and delicious.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and, if you’re feeling fancy, add fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You’re going to love this cozy, sweet breakfast!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, keep it simple and fresh. A handful of juicy fresh berries adds a burst of color and tartness that balances the sweet rolls beautifully. A dusting of powdered sugar not only looks pretty but adds just the right touch of sweetness for a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with some crispy bacon or sausage links if you want to add savory contrast, or a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy complement. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can brighten the meal and make it feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast rolls in layers with fresh fruit or nut butter between them for a fun breakfast “tower.” You could also slice them smaller and serve them as finger foods for a brunch spread. Don’t shy away from adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They tend to be a little softer but still delicious when chilled.
Freezing
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe leftovers freeze wonderfully for longer storage. Lay individual pieces on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at about 350°F until warmed through to retain the crisp exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?
While regular dinner rolls can work, Hawaiian rolls bring a distinct sweetness and softness that really make this recipe shine. If you want to try other rolls, consider adding a bit more cinnamon and vanilla to the batter to boost flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the milk for any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The recipe will still taste fantastic.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! The Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is easily scalable. Just keep cooked portions warm in your oven set to low heat, and cook in batches as needed.
What’s the key to crisp yet tender French toast?
The secret is soaking the bread just long enough to absorb the batter without falling apart and using enough butter during cooking for a golden crust. Also, finishing cooked pieces in a warm oven helps maintain crispness.
Can I add other flavors to the batter?
Definitely! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, or even a splash of orange zest for a citrus twist. A spoonful of coconut flakes added to the batter blends beautifully with the Hawaiian rolls’ tropical notes.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite for any morning that calls for something a little extra special. Its delightful sweetness, golden crispness, and ease of preparation make it a winner every time. So why wait? Grab that 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls and whip up this heartwarming breakfast treat — I promise it will become your new go-to indulgence!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the sweet and fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast, made by soaking soft Hawaiian rolls in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-frying until golden brown. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, this recipe is served warm with maple syrup and optional fresh berries and powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 12-pack of Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the French toast warm while you cook in batches, ensuring every piece is served hot.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Soak Rolls: Split the Hawaiian rolls in half to create top and bottom pieces. Place them in the egg mixture and let soak for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Heat Skillet: Warm a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt evenly.
- Cook First Side: Working in batches, place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the underside turns a golden brown color.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Turn the rolls over and cook the other side until golden brown as well, adding more butter if necessary for even cooking and flavor.
- Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to the preheated oven to keep warm while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup and optionally garnished with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and added sweetness.
Notes
- Soaking the rolls too long can make them soggy; 2 minutes is ideal for absorption without falling apart.
- Use medium heat to ensure the French toast cooks evenly inside and doesn’t burn outside.
- Butter can be substituted with oil or non-dairy spread for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh berries add a nice tartness and color contrast, but they are optional based on preference.
- Keeping cooked pieces warm in the oven prevents the need to reheat and maintains texture.
