Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession: Hawaiian Roll French Toast! This dish takes everything you love about classic French toast and dials it up with the irresistible sweetness and pillowy softness of Hawaiian rolls. The result? A golden, custardy treat that feels a little bit tropical and absolutely decadent. Whether you make it for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special family breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is bound to be a hit with everyone at the table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe turns an everyday morning into something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how it transforms a few everyday staples into something special. Each ingredient earns its place on the list to create that signature custardy, just-sweet-enough bite. Don’t skip or substitute unless noted—it’s this exact combo that brings out the magic!

• Eggs: The foundation of any great French toast, eggs provide structure and give that rich, custard-like texture we all crave.
• Milk: Whole milk makes things extra creamy, but use your favorite dairy or non-dairy alternative to keep it flexible and still delicious.
• Vanilla Extract: This is the secret to a beautifully fragrant, bakery-style warmth in every bite.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a gentle, cozy spice that’s made for breakfast comfort food.
• Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and ensures the sweetness doesn’t overpower everything else.
• Nutmeg: A tiny dash adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile with subtle warmth.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for getting those perfectly golden, slightly crisp edges as the rolls cook.
• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, squishy, and delicately sweet—these are what make this dish truly stand out. King’s Hawaiian rolls work perfectly!
• Confectioners’ Sugar (Optional): Dust this on for a snowy, elegant finish that tastes as good as it looks.
• Maple Syrup (Optional): The classic finishing touch for a breakfast that feels extra special.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by grabbing a wide, deep bowl. This extra space makes dipping your Hawaiian rolls so much easier! Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until the mix is smooth and well combined. Whisking thoroughly helps to evenly distribute the spices and vanilla so every roll comes out as flavorful as the last.

Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush it with one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Listen for that gentle sizzle when the butter hits the pan—it’s your cue that everything is hot enough. This step ensures a golden crust without burning and gives the French toast a rich, buttery flavor.

Step 3: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Working in batches, take each sliced Hawaiian roll and dip it into the custard mixture. Let it soak just long enough to absorb, but not so long that it falls apart—these rolls soak up liquid fast! After dipping, gently shake off any excess and get ready to cook.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Arrange the soaked Hawaiian roll halves on your preheated griddle or skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping carefully once the bottoms are beautifully golden. You’re looking for a soft, custardy inside and lightly crisp, golden edges. Work in batches and keep the finished French toast warm on a plate while you finish the rest, adding more butter as needed to keep things luscious.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once all the rolls are cooked, transfer the Hawaiian Roll French Toast to your serving platter. Dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for a lovely touch, and drizzle with maple syrup if you like things extra sweet. Serve immediately, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Elevate your Hawaiian Roll French Toast from homey to wow-worthy with creative garnishes. A sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is the classic move, but why stop there? Add a swirl of lightly whipped cream, a shower of toasted coconut flakes, or a handful of fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor. Even a dash of cinnamon or a few mint leaves can make your breakfast plate look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with the right sides takes breakfast to a whole new level. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage add a savory counterpoint, while fruit salad keeps it fresh and vibrant. For a heartier spread, scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits round out the meal beautifully. No one ever complains about a side of breakfast potatoes, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Hawaiian Roll French Toast as a mini breakfast slider station—set out bowls of fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and syrups so everyone can build their own dreamy creation. For a fun twist at brunch parties, stack the rolls into a tower and stick a few skewers in for easy grabbing. You can even offer them as a sweet snack on a brunch buffet, cut into quarters with toothpicks for bite-sized happiness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’re in luck—this recipe holds up well! Cool the French toast completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, and it will reheat perfectly for a quick, delicious breakfast.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked and cooled Hawaiian Roll French Toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then pop it in the freezer until the pieces are solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and keep them for up to two months. This makes it easy to pull out just what you need on busy mornings!

Reheating

Reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in the toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy at the edges. For a quick fix, you can also use the microwave, though the rolls will be softer. Just be sure not to overcook, and your leftovers will taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use stale Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard mixture even better, leading to a creamier, more decadent French toast. If your rolls are fresh, you can leave them out overnight or toast them lightly before starting.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap in your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, oat, or soy, and use a plant-based butter alternative. The texture and flavor will still shine and you’ll have a wonderful dairy-free version of Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Definitely! Whisk your eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg together and refrigerate overnight. Give it a good stir in the morning, then proceed as directed for an even easier breakfast prep.

How do I keep the French toast warm while cooking in batches?

Place cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. This keeps each batch warm and prevents sogginess until you’re ready to serve everyone at once.

What other toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Fresh fruits like strawberries, mango, or pineapple are fantastic, as are toasted nuts, coconut, or even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt. Get creative and make each plate your own!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a way to make breakfast feel like a genuine treat, you absolutely have to try Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s simple, fun, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face—so gather your loved ones and make your morning extra special!

Print