Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 pack (12 rolls) King's Hawaiian Rolls; 3 large eggs; 3/4 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 (for cooking)

Published: June 30, 2025

by Sofia

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Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls and creamy custard creates a delightful dish that stands out on any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy mornings.
Deliciously Sweet: The rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla elevate the taste of French toast to a new level.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with fresh fruit or maple syrup to customize each plate to your liking.
Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy this Hawaiian Roll French Toast for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste and fun texture, making it an excellent choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delightful dish, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick skillet or griddle
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Toothpick or skewer
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking and makes flipping easy without sticking.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to whisk ingredients together thoroughly, preventing spills.

Ingredients

To create this tasty Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
3 large eggs
3/4 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 (for cooking)
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving)

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in properly. This step is essential for achieving that perfect texture.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds on each side to ensure they are well-coated but not soggy.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the soaked rolls in batches for about 30-60 seconds per side until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them carefully.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired for an extra touch of sweetness!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a meal; it’s an experience! You can elevate this delicious dish with various toppings and sides to create the perfect breakfast or brunch spread. Here are some serving suggestions that will delight your taste buds.

Fresh Fruits

Strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries add a sweet, juicy contrast.
Blueberries: These little gems provide a burst of flavor and color.
Bananas: Sliced bananas offer a creamy texture that pairs well with the toast.

Syrups and Sauces

Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup takes the sweetness to another level.
Honey: A drizzle of honey brings a floral note that complements the rolls.
Chocolate Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate sauce is an irresistible choice.

Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds richness and balances the flavors perfectly.

Nuts

Pecans: Chopped pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Almonds: Sliced almonds offer a delicate crunch that enhances each bite.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

To achieve the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast, there are a few key tips you should keep in mind. These will ensure your dish turns out fluffy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Use fresh rolls: Ensure your King’s Hawaiian Rolls are fresh for the best texture. Stale rolls won’t absorb the custard properly.
Soak briefly: Dip rolls in the custard mixture for just 30 seconds. Over-soaking may lead to soggy toast.
Cook on medium-low heat: This allows for even cooking without burning, resulting in golden-brown perfection.
Add spices: Consider adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor that complements cinnamon beautifully.
Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast right after cooking while it’s still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some great options to consider:

Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add heartiness and balance out the meal perfectly.
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries offers a refreshing touch.
Breakfast Potatoes: Seasoned breakfast potatoes bring in delightful flavors and textures.
Smoothies: A fruit smoothie can be a refreshing drink alongside this rich dish.
Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese topped with fruit makes for a light, protein-packed side.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide additional protein to round out your brunch plate.
Avocado Toast: A slice of avocado toast can add healthy fats and make for an enjoyable combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of this delicious dish.

Over-soaking the bread: It’s easy to let the rolls soak for too long, but this can lead to sogginess. Aim for about 30 seconds on each side.
Skipping the holes: Not poking holes in the rolls prevents the custard from soaking in properly. Use a toothpick or skewer to make several holes at the bottom.
High heat cooking: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Stick to medium-low heat for even cooking.
Not using enough butter: Butter adds flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown crust. Don’t skimp—use enough butter for cooking.
Ignoring toppings: Serving without toppings can result in a less enjoyable experience. Consider using powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Freeze individual pieces by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual pieces on high for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free bread rolls instead of traditional Hawaiian rolls for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls beforehand. Just store them covered in the refrigerator overnight and cook them in the morning.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Delicious toppings include powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup. The choice is yours!

Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep as you can make it in batches and store it easily.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a breakfast; it’s a delightful treat that brings joy to any meal. With its soft texture and sweet flavor, it’s perfect for weekend brunches or any special occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for even more deliciousness!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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