If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and a little tropical vacation all at once, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe will become your new favorite way to start the day. The sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich custard, then cook up golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside. It’s a playful twist on classic French toast that’s irresistibly comforting and perfect for weekend brunches or special mornings at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the buttery sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls to the cozy warmth of cinnamon and vanilla in the custard. Together, they create a flavor and texture that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-pack): Their soft, sweet bread is the perfect base for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs help create that rich, creamy custard that clings perfectly to each roll.
- Half and half or whole milk (¾ cup): Adds creaminess to the custard, making every bite luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the sweet flavor of the rolls.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the French toast with cozy spice and a hint of warmth.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a caramel-like sweetness that balances perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): For cooking—this helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup: Optional toppings that make this dish truly spectacular.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl and whisking them together with half and half or whole milk until smooth and combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This custard base is where all the flavor begins—it’s sweet, aromatic, and just waiting to be soaked up by the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare and Soak the Rolls
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently poke several holes into the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This little trick helps the custard soak in deeply for maximum flavor. Next, dip the rolls into the custard one at a time, turning to coat every side. Let them soak for about 30 seconds each; long enough to absorb the custard, but not so long that they start to fall apart or get soggy.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the pan and cook them for 30 to 60 seconds on each side. You want to coax that beautiful golden crust to form while keeping the inside soft and custardy. Use a spatula to turn carefully so you don’t lose any of that lovely custard inside.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Gorgeous
Once cooked, the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best enjoyed immediately, while warm and fresh. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar, and pile on fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. Drizzle maple syrup over the top for that classic finish that never fails to please.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really make this dish pop visually and flavor-wise. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet contrast and a pretty finish, while fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries introduce brightness and a lovely burst of freshness. A drizzle of pure maple syrup makes the dish decadently sweet and sticky in the best way possible.
Side Dishes
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint, or a simple fruit salad for a lighter accompaniment. If you want to go all out, serve alongside scrambled eggs or avocado slices for a balanced plate that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dish into an impressive brunch centerpiece by stacking several rolls on a platter, layering them with whipped cream and berry compote. Or arrange individual rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of syrups, nuts, and fresh fruit for a hands-on, festive feel that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe (and that might be a challenge), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the soft texture intact.
Freezing
This French toast freezes well for longer storage. Flash-freeze the cooked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely, but the magic of this recipe comes from the unique sweetness and texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls. Regular bread will change the flavor and softness, but it can still be delicious if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the half and half or milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter or oil for cooking to keep it fully dairy-free, and you’re good to go without sacrificing flavor.
Should I toast the rolls before soaking them?
No need to pre-toast because the rolls soak up the custard best when they are fresh and soft. Toasting beforehand can make them too dry to absorb the custard properly.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Don’t soak the rolls too long in the custard—about 30 seconds per roll is ideal. Also, cook them over medium-low heat so they have time to develop a crispy crust without collapsing inside.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely. Just use a bigger bowl for your custard and cook the rolls in batches. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those breakfast gems you’ll want to make over and over. It’s simple, comforting, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced. Whether it’s a weekend indulgence or a special occasion, this dish brings a slice of sunshine to your morning. Go ahead and treat yourself—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, soft King’s Hawaiian rolls into a decadent breakfast treat. Soaked in a rich custard mixture flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, then pan-fried to golden perfection, these rolls offer a delightful twist on classic French toast. Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing morning indulgence.
Ingredients
French Toast Custard
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (such as berries)
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half (or whole milk) until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prep the rolls for soaking: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This allows the custard mixture to soak in thoroughly. Work carefully to avoid tearing the rolls.
- Soak the rolls: Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. Soak each roll for about 30 seconds to absorb the custard but not so long that they become soggy.
- Heat the skillet and cook: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls into the skillet. Cook each side for 30-60 seconds until rolls are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to turn the rolls carefully, ensuring even cooking on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the rolls from the skillet and serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh fruit like berries on top, and drizzle with maple syrup to taste. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast!
Notes
- Poking holes in the rolls helps them soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Be careful not to oversoak the rolls to prevent sogginess.
- Use medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning the outside.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls can be found at most grocery stores and provide ideal sweetness and texture for this dish.
- This recipe serves 6 people, perfect for a family breakfast or brunch.
