Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like pure joy on a plate, let me gush for a second about Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine those soft, buttery King’s Hawaiian rolls—already irresistible on their own—turning golden and custardy, kissed by vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. Every bite is bright and pillowy, just sweet enough, and they soak up maple syrup like little sponges of happiness. It’s the sort of playful, crowd-pleasing dish that takes your morning from meh to absolutely magical, whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and taps into the magic of a few kitchen staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding softness, flavor, or a caramelized finish that makes these rolls so special.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (1 pack, 12-count): These sweet, fluffy rolls are the superstar—their unique texture holds up perfectly to custard.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs are the heart of the custard, creating that rich coating around each piece.
- Half-and-half or whole milk (¾ cup): Half-and-half brings luscious creaminess, but whole milk works beautifully too.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Just a splash enhances the warmth and sweetness of the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Cinnamon weaves in cozy flavor, making every bite feel like a treat.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a soft caramel note and gorgeous color as the French toast cooks.
- Pinch of salt: Salt is the quiet hero, balancing the sweetness and pulling all the flavors together.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): For that beautiful golden crust and rich flavor, you need plenty of butter to sizzle in the pan.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard
Start by cracking your eggs into a large bowl, then add the half-and-half (or whole milk) and whisk together until completely smooth. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is well combined. This custard will give your Hawaiian Roll French Toast its signature creamy, aromatic magic.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls for a Custard Bath
Grab each Hawaiian roll and use a toothpick or skewer to poke a few holes into the bottom. Don’t worry, you’re not destroying them—this clever trick helps each roll soak up just the right amount of custard so they stay moist inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in small batches, gently dip each roll into the custard mixture. Give them about 30 seconds so they absorb the flavors, turning gently to coat all sides evenly. Be careful not to let them linger too long—you want them dreamy and soft, not soggy!
Step 4: Sizzle and Brown
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls into the melted butter and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, turning so every surface takes on a gorgeous golden color. Add more butter as you go and repeat until the entire batch of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is crispy and toasted on all sides.
Step 5: Serve Them Up!
Once all the rolls are cooked and smelling absolutely divine, pile them onto a platter. This is the moment to go wild with toppings—whether powdered sugar, berries, or warm maple syrup. Serve immediately for the fluffiest, most irresistible results.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
Dress up your platter with a snow-shower of powdered sugar, a tumble of fresh berries, or some whipped cream for indulgence. Classic maple syrup is always a favorite, but try drizzling warm caramel or a handful of toasted coconut for a tropical spin on your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Side Dishes
Since the French toast is fluffy and sweet, pair it with savory foods for balance. Crispy bacon, turkey sausage, or softly scrambled eggs are all perfect matches. A bright fruit salad or sliced citrus will add color and refreshing contrast, rounding out your meal in the loveliest way.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Hawaiian rolls like a tower, serve them skewered as dippable “French toast pops,” or arrange them in a circle on a platter for a brunch centerpiece. To impress guests, create a build-your-own bar with various syrups, fruit, and toppings so everyone personalizes their own Hawaiian Roll French Toast masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra French toast (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature first. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll still taste heavenly when warmed up later.
Freezing
Hawaiian Roll French Toast freezes beautifully! Arrange cooled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container, keeping them separated with parchment. You can freeze for up to one month, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for extra crispness. The microwave works too, though the texture will be softer. For best results, reheat just until warmed through and top as desired.
FAQs
Can I use something other than King’s Hawaiian rolls?
For best results and authentic flavor, stick with King’s Hawaiian rolls because of their signature sweetness and pillowy crumb. In a pinch, you can try other soft, sweet dinner rolls, but the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast really shines with the original.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the half-and-half or whole milk for your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat. Use vegan butter for frying, and you’ll end up with delicious dairy-free Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Can I prep the custard ahead of time?
Yes! Whisk up the custard mixture a day in advance—just store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, give it another quick whisk before dipping your rolls so all the flavors are evenly distributed.
What’s the best way to get even browning?
Use medium-low heat and be generous with your butter. Rotate the rolls frequently to ensure every side crisps up. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each roll space so steam doesn’t make them soggy.
How can I keep the rolls warm for a crowd?
Transfer cooked rolls to a baking sheet and keep them in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch. This keeps your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm and softly crisp until you’re ready to serve everyone together.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Hawaiian Roll French Toast enough—it’s that rare breakfast treat that feels special but is totally doable any day of the week. If you’re looking for effortless decadence with guaranteed smiles, give this recipe a try and let it brighten up your morning, brunch, or next celebration!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, tropical flavors of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. This recipe transforms soft, pillowy King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a decadent breakfast treat that’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 pack (12-count) of King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Make the Custard: Whisk eggs and half-and-half until smooth. Add vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt; mix well.
- Prep the Rolls: Poke holes in the bottom of each roll to help absorb the custard.
- Dip the Rolls: Dip each roll in the custard mixture for 30 seconds, ensuring even coating.
- Cook the Rolls: Cook in buttered skillet for 30–60 seconds per side until browned.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with powdered sugar, berries, 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: 185mg
Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, French Toast recipe, breakfast, brunch, Hawaiian Rolls, sweet breakfast
