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If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Combining the sweet, fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible morning treat. The soft rolls soak up just the right amount of custard before crisping up to golden perfection, creating a decadently sweet yet balanced flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings joy to the table every single time.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma that defines this Hawaiian Roll French Toast. From the velvety custard base to the fragrant cinnamon and buttery cooking, every component matters.

King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-pack): The star of the dish, these rolls are naturally sweet and pillowy, perfect for soaking up the custard.
Large eggs (3): Eggs bind the mixture and add richness to the custard.
Half and half or whole milk (3/4 cup): Provides creaminess that makes the custard silky and smooth.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a sweet, floral note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm spice, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the custard with a subtle molasses depth.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Used for cooking, it creates a crispy, golden crust and adds a luscious richness.
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving): Optional toppings that add a final touch of beauty and flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Begin by whisking the eggs and half and half together in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This custard mixture is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, infusing the rolls with flavor and creating that irresistible creamy texture inside.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls for Soaking

Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This little trick allows the custard to penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Just be careful not to poke too many holes to avoid the rolls falling apart during soaking.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls in Custard

Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 30 seconds. Turn it to coat all sides evenly, but don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get soggy and hard to handle. This step is key for that perfect balance between custard-soaked and crisp.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls to Golden Perfection

Melt half of the butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place each soaked roll on the skillet and cook for about 30 to 60 seconds per side. Turn gently with a spatula to crisp up all sides evenly until beautifully golden brown and fragrant. Repeat with the remaining butter and rolls for that luscious buttery crust.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

To elevate this Hawaii-inspired breakfast, sprinkle the golden rolls lightly with powdered sugar. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a juicy pop that balances the sweetness, and a drizzle of maple syrup ties everything together with a luscious syrupy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to introduce a salty contrast that wakes up your palate. A side of fresh fruit salad or Greek yogurt also complements it perfectly, adding freshness and brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the rolls in a fun tower or arranging them in a circle around a bowl of fruit compote for a festive brunch centerpiece. You can also stuff the rolls before soaking with cream cheese or Nutella for an indulgent surprise inside that will wow your family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hawaiian Roll French Toast left over, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Arrange cooled, cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months, ready for a quick reheat any time you want a sweet breakfast fix.

Reheating

For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore crispiness. A quick 5 to 7 minutes at 350°F works perfectly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You can, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweet flavor and pillowy softness that really elevate this French toast. Regular bread will work but won’t be quite the same delightful experience.

Is there a substitute for half and half in the custard?

Whole milk can be used as a substitute, though half and half adds extra creaminess. For a dairy-free version, try a creamy plant-based milk, but the texture might vary slightly.

How long can I soak the rolls in the custard?

About 30 seconds per side is ideal. Any longer and the rolls may become too soggy and fall apart during cooking, so keep an eye on them as they soak.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Absolutely! Making the custard ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely. Just give it a good whisk before soaking your rolls, as some separation may occur.

What toppings go best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Classic powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup are timeless, but don’t be afraid to get creative with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or a tropical fruit salsa featuring mango or pineapple for an extra burst of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a true joy to make and even more fun to eat. Its perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crispy textures is guaranteed to brighten your mornings and win over any breakfast crowd. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, indulgent recipe? I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes in no time!

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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls (serves 4-6) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls into a decadent breakfast treat. Soaked in a rich custard of eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on all sides, these French toasts offer a unique twist with a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Served warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup, it’s an irresistible morning delight perfect for family breakfasts or special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt; whisk again until the mixture is evenly incorporated.
Poke the rolls: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This allows the custard to soak into the bread effectively, ensuring a moist and flavorful interior.
Soak the rolls: Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides evenly. Be careful not to soak longer than 30 seconds to prevent sogginess.
Cook the rolls: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to turn them carefully to get all sides browned evenly. Repeat with remaining butter and rolls.
Serve: Serve the French toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired for a delightful sweet finish.

Notes

Poking holes in the rolls is essential for the custard to penetrate and avoid a dry center.
Do not over-soak the rolls to keep them from becoming soggy and falling apart.
Use medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook evenly without burning.
Leftover French toast can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture.
Substitute half and half with whole milk or any dairy-free milk for a lighter or vegan variation (adjust egg substitute accordingly).

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