Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Blissful Breakfast Made Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 4 large Eggs (beaten well for smooth mixing); 1 cup Half-and-Half (or whole milk for a lighter option); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (or almond extract for variety); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (omit for a plain version); 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (or swap with white sugar or maple syrup); 6 pieces Hawaiian Rolls (the star ingredient)

As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of sweet vanilla and cinnamon filled the air, instantly whisking me away to cozy brunches in sunlit cafes. There’s something undeniably magical about transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dish, and that’s exactly what this Hawaiian Roll French Toast does. Utilizing soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls not only elevates your breakfast but also delivers an easy and quick preparation that leaves you with more time to savor the moment. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a leisurely Sunday with family, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. Are you ready to discover how to create this scrumptious breakfast delight?

Why is Hawaiian Roll French Toast the Best?

Decadent Flavor: The use of sweet Hawaiian rolls creates a luxuriously rich taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Quick Preparation: Made with just a handful of ingredients, this dish can be whipped up in no time, freeing up your morning for those you love.

Versatile Toppings: Elevate your French toast with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a personalized breakfast experience.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts, this recipe guarantees smiles all around. If you enjoy tantalizing flavors, don’t forget to check out my Pepperoni Pizza Roll and Alfredo Lasagna Rolls for more crowd-pleasing dishes!

Satisfying Texture: With a golden crisp exterior and fluffy interior, each bite feels like a warm hug.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

For the Custard
• Eggs – Key structure and richness; ensure they’re beaten well for smooth mixing.
• Half-and-Half – Provides a creamy texture; substitute with whole milk for a lighter option.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds sweetness and aroma; almond extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon – Contributes a warm spice flavor; omit for a plain version or replace with nutmeg.
• Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and depth; feel free to swap with white sugar or maple syrup.

For the French Toast
• Hawaiian Rolls – The star ingredient known for its light sweetness; regular white bread can be a substitute but will yield different flavors.

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast that’s sure to delight your taste buds!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of half-and-half, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined, allowing the eggs to incorporate air for fluffiness. This custard will infuse your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with rich flavor and creamy texture.

Step 2: Slice and Soak the Rolls
Take 6 Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half, ensuring not to cut through completely. Poke several holes in the cut sides with a toothpick to enhance custard absorption. Soak each half, cut side down, in the custard for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the bread is well coated but not soggy.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. This indicates the butter is hot enough for cooking. Make sure to evenly coat the skillet, creating a non-stick surface that will help form a golden crust on your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls
Carefully place the soaked rolls cut side down in the hot skillet, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until each piece is golden brown on the bottom. Gently flip the rolls to crisp all sides, reducing heat if necessary to prevent burning, and aim for an evenly golden appearance.

Step 5: Serve Warm
Once all sides are cooked to a delightful golden hue, remove the Hawaiian Roll French Toast from the skillet. Serve warm on a plate, and feel free to sprinkle with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness and elevate your breakfast experience.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to suit your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Replace half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk for a delightful, dairy-free alternative. You’ll enjoy the creamy texture while keeping it light!
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the custard for a sweet chocolate twist. The combination of chocolate and Hawaiian rolls will be an irresistible treat.
Tropical Paradise: Add shredded coconut and chopped pineapple to the custard for a refreshing island vibe. A dash of sunshine in every bite!
Nutty Crisp: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top before cooking for added crunch. This will give your French toast a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with its softness.
Maple Infusion: Drizzle maple syrup directly into the custard for that extra layer of sweetness. The syrup will soak into the rolls, making each bite a sweet sensation!
Berry Blast: Serve with a medley of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The tartness of the berries will perfectly balance the sweetness of the rolls.
Savory Spin: For a savory version, skip the sugars and spices, adding sautéed spinach and feta cheese instead. This twist makes for an exciting brunch dish!

Don’t forget to check out my Pepperoni Pizza Roll and Alfredo Lasagna Rolls for more delightful family-loved recipes!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Smooth Custard: Ensure the egg mixture is blended thoroughly for an even coating, enhancing the richness of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Careful Soaking: Avoid over-soaking the rolls; they should absorb custard but remain slightly firm to prevent sogginess.
Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches to ensure each piece gets an even golden-brown color, preventing overcrowding and steaming.
Pan Temperature: Maintain medium heat while cooking to achieve that perfect crispy exterior without burning the custard.
Toppings Galore: Get creative! Fresh fruits or flavored syrups can take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to the next level of deliciousness.

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Imagine a leisurely morning, where every bite of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is accompanied by something equally delightful, creating a dreamy breakfast feast.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich French toast.
Whipped Cream: Fluffy and sweet, whipped cream brings an indulgent touch that most everyone adores, perfect for a special occasion.
Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, its warm sweetness drizzled over your French toast enhances every bite, making it truly irresistible.
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweet rolls, balancing flavors for an unforgettable experience.
Nutty Granola: For a wholesome crunch, sprinkle some nutty granola on top. Its texture adds an extra layer of satisfaction to every bite.
Coconut Flakes: Adding a tropical twist, toasted coconut flakes marry wonderfully with the Hawaiian theme, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.
Chai Latte: This spiced drink matches the warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, crafting a cozy atmosphere as you enjoy your breakfast.
Yogurt Parfait: Layering Greek yogurt with your favorite fruits creates a balanced, nutritious side, serving as a delightful contrast to the French toast’s sweetness.
Iced Coffee: A refreshing iced vanilla or caramel coffee complements the dish beautifully, enhancing all those sweet flavors in a fun way.
Cinnamon Sugar Toast: For a nostalgic addition, serve cinnamon sugar toast as a side. It echoes the flavors of your main dish while adding a comforting twist.

Make Ahead Options

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a wonderful recipe to prepare ahead of time, making your mornings stress-free! You can whisk the custard (eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully. Slice the Hawaiian rolls and poke holes in them for better absorption, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply soak the rolls in the custard mixture for 30 seconds per side and cook them as directed. To maintain quality, avoid soaking the rolls too long before cooking to prevent sogginess—this way, you’ll achieve that perfectly fluffy French toast every time! Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast without the morning rush!

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the French toast securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat frozen slices in a toaster or skillet until warmed through and crispy again.

Tip: For best results, reheat the French toast from the refrigerator rather than the freezer to help restore the texture and avoid sogginess.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for Hawaiian rolls that are soft, fresh, and free from any dark spots or mold. If you can, press gently on the rolls; they should spring back, indicating freshness. The sweeter the roll, the more flavorful your French toast will be. If you can find King’s Hawaiian rolls, they are the classic choice!

How should I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a toaster or skillet; this way, you’ll restore some of that delicious crispness. Enjoy it again without losing that delightful texture!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Certainly! To freeze your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, tightly wrap cooled pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a toaster or skillet until heated through and crispy.

What should I do if my French toast is too soggy?
Very good question! If your French toast turns out soggy, it could be due to over-soaking the rolls or using a custard mixture that’s too liquidy. For next time, only soak the rolls for about 30 seconds per side, and ensure your egg mixture is well-blended but not excessively watery. If you find yourself with soggy French toast already, try to reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to help dry it out slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for anyone with egg allergies?
While traditional Hawaiian Roll French Toast uses eggs, you can substitute them with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or a commercial egg replacer. For every egg you’re replacing, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it thicken for a few minutes, and then use it in your custard mixture. This option may not replicate the exact texture but will provide a similar binding quality.

Can I customize the toppings for my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Absolutely! The more the merrier when it comes to toppings! You can add fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt. Drizzling with maple syrup or honey offers a delightful sweetness, and nuts or coconut flakes can add a lovely crunch. Get creative and tailor it to your taste!