Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is utter breakfast happiness on a plate. Soft, pillowy King’s Hawaiian rolls become decadent, golden bites with a creamy vanilla custard center and a caramelized crust. The aromatic warmth of cinnamon, the richness of eggs and milk, and a hint of brown sugar come together for a morning treat you’ll crave all week. Whether you’re making a cozy weekend brunch for the family or want to impress at a holiday breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast delivers that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of humble ingredients to make this sweet, fluffy breakfast shine. Each item serves an important role, so don’t skip or substitute if you want that signature Hawaiian Roll French Toast experience. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips to guarantee success every time:

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Their signature sweetness and soft, fluffy texture serve as the perfect base for this French toast.
• Large eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs provide richness and structure to soak up all the cozy flavors.
• Half and half or whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard and ensures a tender, moist inside.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, bakery-style aroma and an extra layer of flavor in every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the rolls with a familiar, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Adds a bit of caramel-y sweetness that helps form a golden crust while cooking.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance all the sweetness and make the other flavors pop.
• Butter: Essential for achieving a crisp, golden exterior and buttery depth—you’ll want to use plenty here!
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving): The finishing touches that take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast over the top.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the eggs and your half and half (or whole milk). Once that’s smooth and creamy, add in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended and the custard turns a lovely, golden hue. This fragrant mixture sets the stage for ultra-flavorful Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

Take each King’s Hawaiian roll and use a toothpick or skewer to poke a few holes in the bottom. This little trick allows the custard to soak into the center of the rolls, so you get flavor and moisture all the way through without the rolls falling apart. It’s a small step that makes all the difference for luscious French toast bites!

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip the rolls in batches into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds—just enough to absorb plenty of flavor without getting soggy. Make sure to turn each roll so every side gets a nice coating. They should feel plump and custardy but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once foamy, add your soaked rolls. Cook each side for 30 to 60 seconds until it’s deeply golden and lightly crispy. Rotate the rolls gently with a spatula to get every surface perfectly caramelized in that gorgeous brown butter. The aroma will be unreal!

Step 5: Serve with Style

Right off the skillet, arrange your Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a serving platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar and pile on your favorite fresh berries. A final drizzle of maple syrup makes these little bites absolutely swoon-worthy. Serve immediately while warm and golden!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, shower your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of vibrant fresh berries, and a cascade of maple syrup. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream, chopped toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a fun tropical flourish. Let your creativity (and sweet tooth) lead the way!

Side Dishes

This dish can go as simple or lavish as you want. Pair your French toast with crispy bacon or sausage for a hit of savory contrast, or serve alongside scrambled eggs for extra protein. A zesty fruit salad or a bowl of Greek yogurt on the table will round out the meal and keep everyone feeling satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the toasted rolls high on a cake stand for tall, dramatic flair, or arrange them in a spiral on a large round platter with fruit and syrup in the center for dipping. You can even skewer individual rolls on fancy picks for a brunch appetizer. However you present it, Hawaiian Roll French Toast draws “oohs” and “aahs” from every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let the rolls cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep any fruit, syrup, or toppings separate to avoid soggy bites.

Freezing

These French toast rolls freeze surprisingly well! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month. When you’re ready for a treat, just reheat directly from frozen—no thawing needed.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-off-the-skillet flavor, reheat your Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. For a quick fix, use the toaster oven or pop them in a nonstick skillet with a tiny bit of butter. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the rolls chewy rather than fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

While you can swap in other sweet, fluffy breads (like brioche or challah), nothing matches the signature soft texture and subtle sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls in Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Using the original rolls really does make this recipe shine!

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

The key is to poke those holes (which helps the custard absorb evenly) and not to soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds. Any longer and the rolls can become too soft and break apart during cooking.

Can I make the custard in advance?

Absolutely! Whisk the custard the night before, cover, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just dip and cook your rolls as usual—no extra prep work needed, making breakfast a breeze.

What’s the best way to keep Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm for a crowd?

Place cooked rolls on a baking sheet and keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. This prevents sogginess and ensures every bite is served hot and golden.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) for the half and half, and use a plant-based butter. The results are still delicious, though the flavor may be a touch less rich.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it just might become your go-to breakfast treat. It’s special enough for holidays and easy enough for any lazy weekend. Gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch everyone’s face light up at the first bite!

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