If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast treat that’s sweet, fluffy, and downright irresistible, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Using soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional bread transforms your usual French toast into something magical and perfectly tender. Imagine golden, cinnamon-kissed slices soaking up warm maple syrup, accented by fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar—it’s comfort and a little tropical sunshine all on one plate. This recipe is not only delightfully easy but also brings a fun twist to your morning routine that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe lies in its simplicity and the star ingredients that lend flavor, texture, and warmth. Each component works together to create that perfect balance of creamy custard and sweet, fluffy bread that you’ll want to serve time and again.
- 12-pack of Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, pillowy rolls are the foundation, providing a tender and slightly caramelized bite.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs give you that rich custard base for soaking the rolls, ensuring they cook up soft yet sturdy.
- 1 cup milk: The milk adds creaminess to the mixture and helps create that perfectly moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the rolls beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances the flavor with just a hint of spice, balancing the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt intensifies the other flavors and prevents the toast from being overly sweet.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Butter is essential for that golden crust and luscious mouthfeel when cooking the toast.
- Maple syrup: A classic topping that adds a rich, sticky sweetness the dish craves.
- Fresh berries (optional): Berries add a pop of color and a bright, fresh contrast to the sweet French toast.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A dusting of powdered sugar creates a beautiful finish and a touch of delicate sweetness.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low heat setting is perfect for keeping your cooked French toast warm while you prepare the rest, ensuring every bite stays as cozy as the first.
Step 2: Whisk the custard mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is smooth and fully blended. This mixture will soak into your Hawaiian rolls and give them that irresistible custard flavor and silky texture.
Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian rolls
Slice each Hawaiian roll in half, separating the tops and bottoms. Dip each piece in the custard, letting them soak for about 2 minutes to absorb all that luscious flavor. Turn them gently to ensure they’re evenly coated without becoming too soggy.
Step 4: Heat the skillet
Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. This hot, buttery surface is where the magic of browning happens, creating a crisp, golden crust that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior.
Step 5: Cook the soaked rolls in batches
Place the soaked Hawaiian roll halves in the skillet, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Remember to add more butter as you go to keep the crust flavorful and prevent sticking.
Step 6: Keep finished French toast warm
Transfer cooked pieces to the warmed oven to keep them nice and hot while you finish cooking the rest. This simple step guarantees that everything arrives at the table perfectly warm.
Step 7: Repeat and cook all rolls
Continue soaking, cooking, and warming batches until every roll has been transformed into this dreamy French toast. The steady rhythm of dipping and cooking makes the process almost therapeutic!
Step 8: Serve with your favorite toppings
Serve your warm slices drizzled with maple syrup, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and topped with fresh berries if you like. These final touches make the dish even more inviting and flavorful.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a delightful tartness and vibrant color to your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks pretty but introduces an extra touch of sweetness, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet French toast with savory sides such as crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs to balance flavors and add protein. A small bowl of yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream can also complement the toast’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the French toast rolls and securing them with a skewer for an adorable breakfast kebab. Alternatively, assemble them into a French toast casserole by layering soaked rolls in a baking dish and finishing with nuts or fruit before baking for a crowd-pleaser brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making a quick and tasty breakfast option for busy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked French toast by placing individual slices on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices remain delicious for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this recipe anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve the texture and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls give the French toast a signature sweet and soft texture, brioche or challah also work wonderfully. Each will yield a slightly different experience but still delicious.
Is it necessary to soak the rolls for exactly 2 minutes?
The 2-minute soak is a great guideline to ensure the rolls absorb enough custard without falling apart. You can adjust slightly based on your preferred texture, but be careful not to oversoak or the roll might become soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The flavors remain just as delightful.
What’s the best way to reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe leftovers?
The oven or toaster oven is best because it keeps the toast crispy. Microwaving can soften the texture and make it less enjoyable, so use that method only if you’re in a hurry.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
You can mix the custard ingredients up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just stir the mixture before using to ensure everything is well combined.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. It turns an ordinary morning into a delicious celebration with just a few easy steps and everyday ingredients. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend or impressing guests, this dish is sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. Don’t wait to try it and make it part of your breakfast favorites—it’s that good!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 24 pieces (assuming each roll is split into halves)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat by using soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, these bite-sized French toasts are fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for serving with maple syrup and fresh berries.
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
Cooking & Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries, optional for garnish
- Powdered sugar, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the French toast warm while you cook in batches. This ensures the cooked pieces stay at a perfect temperature without drying out.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined to create a flavorful soaking mixture.
- Soak Rolls: Split the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating top and bottom pieces. Submerge them in the egg mixture and allow them to soak for about 2 minutes, turning to ensure all sides are evenly coated and absorb the custard.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface for cooking.
- Cook Rolls – Side One: Working in batches, place the soaked rolls on the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes or until the bottom side becomes golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cook Rolls – Side Two: Flip the rolls carefully and cook the other side until it turns golden brown, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the French toast rolls to the preheated oven to keep them warm while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and garnish with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired to add sweetness and a touch of elegance.
Notes
- Soaking the rolls adequately allows the custard to be absorbed for a tender interior without becoming soggy.
- Using a non-stick skillet or griddle helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Keep cooked batches warm in a low-temperature oven to maintain texture and warmth while preparing the rest.
- Optional garnishes like fresh berries and powdered sugar elevate presentation and add fresh, natural sweetness.
- This recipe is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion meal.
