Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms pillowy, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls into the most irresistible morning treat. With their buttery flavor and fluffy texture, these rolls soak up a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, crisp up golden on the outside, and melt in your mouth with every bite. If you’re looking for something that feels special yet is delightfully simple to make, you can’t go wrong with Hawaiian Roll French Toast—it’ll be the new favorite you didn’t know you needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast lies in its handful of essential ingredients—each one plays an important part in creating that signature taste and texture. From the fluffy rolls to the hint of warm cinnamon, every choice brings something a little magical to the table.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-count): The star of the show—soft and sweet, their tender crumb soaks up custard perfectly.
- Large Eggs (3): These give the custard that classic French toast richness and bind everything together.
- Half and Half or Whole Milk (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess for an undeniably luscious bite. Whole milk works well too!
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Just a splash supplies a beautiful aroma and mellow sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): For that classic, cozy warmth in every bite.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Brings a caramel-like depth and the tiniest bit of chew to the crust.
- Pinch of Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and making the sweetness pop.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, for cooking): Creates those irresistibly crispy, golden edges.
- Powdered Sugar, Fresh Fruit, Maple Syrup (for serving): Perfect finishing touches that take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast over the top.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and crack in your eggs, then pour in the half and half (or whole milk). Whisk these together thoroughly until the eggs are well blended—it should look pale yellow and a little bit foamy on top.
Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters
Next, whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This step layers flavor right into the custard, ensuring every bite of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sweet, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Prep the Rolls for Soaking
Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to poke several holes into the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This trick helps the custard really soak into the center instead of just sitting on the surface, making each bite soft and flavorful all the way through.
Step 4: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches (so you don’t overcrowd your bowl), gently dip the rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning carefully to coat every side. Don’t let them sit too long—they should be saturated, not soggy!
Step 5: Get Sizzling
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the soaked Hawaiian rolls. They should sizzle gently as they hit the pan.
Step 6: Toast Until Golden
Cook the rolls for 30–60 seconds per side, turning with a spatula to get all the sides beautifully golden and crisp (don’t forget the sides!). Each one should look caramelized and smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Pile your toasted Hawaiian Roll French Toast onto a platter, dust generously with powdered sugar, and top with fresh fruit and maple syrup if desired. Serve right away while they’re hot and fragrant!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is made for indulgent toppings! A flutter of powdered sugar looks magical, while sliced berries, bananas, or even a swirl of whipped cream turn it into a picture-perfect brunch. If you lean classic, stick with warm maple syrup—but don’t be afraid to experiment with a drizzle of honey or dollop of mascarpone.
Side Dishes
Keep things bright and fresh with a bowl of mixed fruit or citrus salad. For a heartier plate, a side of crispy bacon or chicken sausage brings a savory balance to the sweet French toast. A splash of hot coffee or a frothy latte pairs beautifully alongside, tying your brunch together in true café style.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-fun twist, try skewering Hawaiian Roll French Toast onto sticks for French toast kabobs and serve with dipping sauces like chocolate or fruit preserves. Hosting brunch? Pile the rolls onto a tiered platter with a rainbow of berries for a stunning centerpiece. Or, arrange them in a casserole dish for a “pull-apart” effect—perfect for sharing at family gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let the rolls cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—this keeps them fresh without losing too much of their delightful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, allow the cooked rolls to cool fully, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty in the freezer for about a month. Just remember to separate layers with wax paper if you’re storing a bunch.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-off-the-skillet texture, reheat your Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 8–10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven helps bring back that signature warmth and crispness you love!
FAQs
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of King’s Hawaiian?
You can, but you’ll miss that signature sweetness and soft texture. King’s Hawaiian rolls really are what set Hawaiian Roll French Toast apart, but another sweet, soft roll can work in a pinch.
What kind of milk is best for the custard?
Half and half makes your French toast extra creamy, but whole milk is a wonderful (and slightly lighter) option. Avoid skim milk, as it can yield a thinner, less rich custard.
How can I make this French toast dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a rich, unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of half and half, and sub a vegan butter for cooking. The end result is still delicious and just as fluffy.
Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast the night before?
You can whisk up the custard ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge overnight. For best results, soak and cook the rolls fresh in the morning so they stay perfectly crisp and don’t get soggy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the small, fun size of the Hawaiian rolls and the natural sweetness is a big hit. Get little helpers involved with dipping or dusting on powdered sugar for a breakfast everyone can share.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that always feels joyful and a little bit special, Hawaiian Roll French Toast will steal your heart. Easy, unforgettable, and endlessly customizable—give this recipe a spot on your weekend table and watch it disappear in seconds. Happy cooking!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional French toast, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe features sweet and fluffy King’s Hawaiian Rolls soaked in a vanilla and cinnamon-infused custard mixture, cooked to golden perfection, and served with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup. Each bite is a tropical treat that will transport you to the islands!
Ingredients
Custard Mixture:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half and half until fully combined.
- Add Flavor: Whisk in vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until incorporated.
- Prep Rolls: Poke holes in the bottom of each roll to allow the custard to soak in.
- Soak Rolls: Dip rolls in the custard mixture, ensuring all sides are coated, and let soak briefly.
- Cook Rolls: Melt butter in a skillet, then cook soaked rolls until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Dust the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Notes
- Do not soak the rolls for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust sweetness to taste with additional sugar or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, French Toast Recipe, Sweet Breakfast Ideas
