Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If you’re ready to experience breakfast bliss, look no further than Hawaiian Roll French Toast! It’s the ultimate twist on a brunch favorite, boasting pillowy-soft rolls soaked in a spiced custard, then browned until perfectly crisp on the outside and irresistibly tender inside. This recipe delivers just the right amount of sweetness and warmth, making it perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Trust me, Hawaiian Roll French Toast will fast become the most-requested dish at your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how it transforms a humble handful of ingredients into something truly magical. Each element plays a starring role, bringing richness, fragrance, or that perfect pop of color and sweetness you crave at breakfast.

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The signature soft, slightly sweet rolls create the fluffiest, most decadent French toast bites ever.
• Large eggs: Essential for a custardy base that gives structure and richness to every bite.
• Half and half (or whole milk): Lends a velvety texture and added creaminess to the custard.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds cozy, fragrant notes.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice that plays perfectly off the sweet rolls.
• Brown sugar: Adds mellow sweetness and helps the French toast develop a gorgeous golden color.
• Pinch of salt: Balances out the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
• Butter: Makes for beautifully crisp, caramelized edges as you cook each roll.
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving): The perfect trio of toppings, ready to make your plate picture-perfect.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking the eggs and half and half together until the mixture is completely smooth and unified. This creamy custard base is what gives your Hawaiian Roll French Toast its luxurious, melting texture.

Step 2: Add Flavors to the Custard

Gently whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and just a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. These flavors infuse the custard and ensure every bite is fragrant and sweet, but not too sugary. Stir until everything is well incorporated and there are no streaks of sugar or spice.

Step 3: Prep the Rolls for Maximum Soak

Take each King’s Hawaiian roll in hand and, using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each roll. This nifty trick lets the custard seep right inside, giving you the most flavorful and tender Hawaiian Roll French Toast imaginable.

Step 4: Soak the Rolls

Working in batches so you don’t overcrowd your bowl, gently dip the rolls into the custard. Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Be careful not to linger too long in the custard, or the rolls can become soggy and difficult to handle.

Step 5: Heat Butter and Prepare Pan

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle set over medium-low heat. Butter is the secret to those crisp, caramelized edges that make Hawaiian Roll French Toast completely irresistible!

Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection

Add a batch of soaked rolls to the skillet, leaving a bit of space between each so they brown properly. Cook each side for 30–60 seconds until deeply golden brown, turning with a spatula to ensure every surface gets its time to shine. If you like an extra crispy exterior, feel free to add a little more butter as you go.

Step 7: Serve with All the Fixings

Transfer the French toast rolls straight from the skillet onto a serving platter. While they’re still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar, then top with fresh berries and a healthy drizzle of maple syrup. Hawaiian Roll French Toast absolutely shines with bright, fruity, and sweet touches!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you have so many options! A delicate dusting of powdered sugar is a classic, while a handful of fresh berries adds brilliant bursts of color and tang. Don’t forget a drizzle of real maple syrup for a touch of indulgence—your breakfast deserves it!

Side Dishes

This French toast pairs fantastically with crisp bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, or a refreshing fruit salad. The richness of the dish goes beautifully with something savory or tart on the side, making your brunch feel like a true feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Try slicing the Hawaiian Roll French Toast into halves or thirds and serving on a platter with toothpicks for a brunch buffet or gathering. Arrange the rolls in a circle with a bowl of whipped cream or yogurt in the center for dipping—they’re as fun to eat as they are to make!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), let the Hawaiian Roll French Toast cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making for quick and happy breakfasts!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast for future mornings. Once cooled, arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. When solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month without losing their lovable flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring your French toast back to life, simply pop the rolls into a toaster oven or a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and re-crisped. They’ll taste every bit as amazing as when first made—maybe even better after a little anticipation!

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You certainly can swap in another type of bread, but the fluffy, subtly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls are what give Hawaiian Roll French Toast its signature taste and texture. If you have to substitute, go for something soft and slightly sweet for best results!

What if I don’t have half and half?

No worries! You can use whole milk or even a mixture of milk and a splash of cream. It may be a touch less rich, but your Hawaiian Roll French Toast will still come out beautifully soft and custardy.

How do I avoid soggy French toast?

The key is to soak the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming overly saturated—about 30 seconds per roll is perfect. Also, make sure your skillet is preheated and don’t overcrowd the pan, so each roll browns up nicely.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute a thick non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or coconut for the half and half, and use your favorite plant-based butter for cooking. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so you can still enjoy fabulous Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

What spices can I add for variety?

While cinnamon is classic, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile. A grating of fresh orange zest also tastes wonderful in the custard for a bright, citrusy twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about gathering loved ones around a plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast—those golden, fluffy rolls just beg to be shared. Give this recipe a try and watch it steal the show at your next breakfast or brunch. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

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