There’s something truly magical about the way Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms a simple breakfast into a sweet, fluffy celebration of flavor and texture. Using those irresistibly soft and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls gives this dish a tender, pillowy base that soaks up the custard beautifully, creating a breakfast that’s both comfort food and a little bit of indulgence all in one bite. If you’ve been searching for a new spin on french toast that feels extra special but still comes together quickly, this recipe is exactly what you need in your brunch rotation.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create such a luscious dish. Each one plays a key role—whether it’s adding warmth, sweetness, or richness—ensuring your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.

4 large eggs: The base for your custard, eggs provide structure and richness.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but any dairy or non-dairy milk works well to keep the custard smooth.
1 Tbsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the rolls beautifully.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that’s classic in french toast.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/8 tsp nutmeg: Offers a subtle, cozy hint that elevates the overall taste.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter: For that golden, crispy finish on the griddle and luscious mouthfeel.
12 Hawaiian Rolls: Sliced horizontally; their soft texture and slight sweetness make them the star of the show.
Confectioners’ sugar (optional): Perfect for dusting and adding a touch of elegance before serving.
Maple syrup (optional): Your classic topping for a satisfying sweet finish.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a wide, deep bowl. This custard bath is where the magic begins, ensuring every slice of the Hawaiian roll soaks up those warm, fragrant flavors perfectly.

Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Warm up your griddle or a large skillet over medium heat and brush it with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This step is essential for that beautiful golden crust that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior of the rolls.

Step 3: Dip the Rolls

Take your sliced Hawaiian rolls and dip each half into the custard mixture until fully saturated but not dripping wet. Give each piece a gentle shake to remove excess liquid so it doesn’t become soggy, then transfer immediately to the heated skillet.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Cook each roll for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Flip it gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. This ensures the outside caramelizes beautifully while the inside remains tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Repeat

As you cook the remaining batches, transfer the finished french toast to a warm plate or oven-safe dish. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to keep that buttery, golden finish coming.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar over the Hawaiian Roll French Toast and drizzle with maple syrup if you like. This final flourish is the perfect sweet kiss to top off your creation.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how well it pairs with a variety of garnishes. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a bright pop of color and natural sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can take the indulgence up a notch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your favorite nuts or a smear of nut butter for some extra texture.

Side Dishes

Balancing this sweet french toast with savory sides is a fantastic way to round out the meal. Crispy bacon or lightly spiced breakfast sausage complements the sweetness of the rolls exceptionally well. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait provides refreshing contrast without overpowering the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast stacked high on a plate, layered with alternating whipped cream and berries for a stunning tower. Or, for a cozy family-style brunch, arrange the toasts in a warm baking dish sprinkled with extra cinnamon and sugar, then drizzle with syrup tableside – it’s a scene that invites everyone to dig in and savor the moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hawaiian Roll French Toast leftover, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the rolls soft and prevents them from drying out—perfect for enjoying a quick breakfast the next day without sacrificing taste or texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Lay your cooled french toast slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps them fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your frozen or refrigerated Hawaiian Roll French Toast gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven set at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it may make the toast soggy rather than maintain that wonderful texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely, but the sweet, soft texture of Hawaiian rolls is what makes this french toast recipe unique. Regular bread works fine but won’t have quite the same pillowy, subtly sweet character.

Is there a non-dairy milk alternative that works best?

Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are fantastic choices that also complement the tropical vibe the Hawaiian rolls bring to the table.

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast vegan?

While this recipe relies on eggs and dairy, you can experiment with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers and plant-based milk to create a vegan version, though the texture might vary slightly.

How do I keep the french toast from getting soggy?

Make sure not to soak the rolls too long in the custard mixture—just enough to coat them. Also, shaking off excess custard before cooking helps maintain a crisp exterior.

What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?

Keep the cooked batches warm in a low oven while you finish cooking, and serve with a spread of toppings and sides buffet-style so everyone can customize their plate.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast before, you’re in for a sweet surprise that blends soft, tender bread with warm, spiced custard in the most delightful way. It feels like a special treat, even on busy weekday mornings, and is sure to become a beloved staple for any brunch or breakfast occasion. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’ll be smiling with every bite.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic breakfast favorite by using sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian Rolls. With a rich custard spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup, it makes a comforting and indulgent morning treat that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a wide, deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
Heat the cooking surface: Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
Dip Hawaiian rolls: Working in batches, dip each horizontally sliced Hawaiian roll half into the custard mixture, letting them soak until saturated but not soggy. Shake off any excess liquid before placing the soaked rolls onto the heated griddle.
Cook the rolls: Cook the soaked rolls for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until both sides are toasted and cooked through.
Keep warm and repeat: Remove cooked rolls to a plate and keep warm. Add more butter to the griddle as necessary and continue dipping and cooking the remaining rolls in the same manner until all have been prepared.
Serve with toppings: Once all the Hawaiian roll French toast is cooked, sprinkle generously with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle with maple syrup as desired before serving immediately.

Notes

Use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls for authentic flavor and texture.
For dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use plant-based butter.
Ensure rolls are dipped just enough to soak but not fall apart.
Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose softness.
Add fresh fruit or whipped cream for extra toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American