Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely must try Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. This delightful twist on classic French toast uses soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that soak up a rich, fragrant custard batter, creating a perfect balance of fluffy, tender, and flavorful bites. Every morning deserves a splash of sunshine, and this recipe turns an ordinary breakfast dish into a tropical celebration of flavors and textures that your whole family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart of Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe, each playing a vital role in achieving its irresistible taste and texture. Whether it’s the buttery richness or the warm spices, every ingredient enhances this dish in a truly special way.

• Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count): The cornerstone of this dish with their soft, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Eggs (6 large): Provide structure and richness to the custard, ensuring a perfectly soft yet stable French toast.
• Milk (1 cup, whole recommended): Adds creaminess and weight, making the custard decadently smooth.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Boosts richness and helps create a luxurious texture in the custard.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the custard just enough to complement the Hawaiian rolls without overpowering them.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings an inviting aroma and depth of flavor to the toast.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy spice that’s classic for French toast but subtle enough to let the rolls shine.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a nuanced, slightly nutty spice that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and spice notes, balancing the flavors.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Used for frying, it ensures a golden, crispy crust packed with buttery goodness.
• Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for that extra wow factor.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Batter

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This blend of ingredients is what makes the custard flavorful, creamy, and just sweet enough to elevate the Hawaiian rolls without overwhelming their natural softness.

Step 2: Slice Your Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, creating sandwich-like pieces that will soak up the custard beautifully. The soft texture of the rolls ensures they’ll absorb just the right amount of custard for tender, fluffy French toast every time.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each roll half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. Be gentle but thorough — you want the custard to permeate the rolls without making them fall apart. This step is the magic behind the delightfully moist texture of this dish.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the soaked rolls for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and develop a slight crispness on the outside. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches. The result is a perfect balance of a crunchy exterior with a soft and custardy interior.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Garnishes

The joy of Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe peaks with the right garnishes to add contrast in flavor and texture. Dust the slices with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, drizzle with pure maple syrup for that classic richness, or pile on fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to bring freshness and creaminess to each bite. Toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts can add a wonderful crunch and complement the tropical notes in the rolls.

Side Dishes

Pair this French toast with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages to create a balanced breakfast experience that hits both sweet and savory notes. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette can brighten the plate, making your breakfast feel indulgent yet fresh and lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the Hawaiian Roll French Toast slices high on a wooden board for a fun brunch centerpiece, or arrange them neatly on individual plates topped with different garnishes for a beautiful, restaurant-style presentation. You can even cut them into smaller cubes and serve as a French toast casserole or fondue with dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this glorious Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the toast moist without becoming soggy and maintains its lovely flavor and texture.

Freezing

To enjoy this treat anytime, freeze the cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French toast keeps well for up to 1 month, ensuring convenient breakfasts on busy mornings or quick snacks that feel special.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisped on the edges. You can also use a toaster oven to keep the outside crisp while warming the inside gently. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make them overly soft or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

While you can substitute with other bread, Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweetness and softness that really define this recipe. Using other bread might change the taste and texture, but brioche or challah are good alternatives.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the custard?

The heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the custard, but you can use all milk to lighten the dish. Expect a slightly less creamy finish, but it will still be delicious.

How long can I soak the rolls without them falling apart?

About 20-30 seconds per side is ideal. Soaking longer may cause the rolls to become too soggy and difficult to flip, so keep an eye on their texture during soaking.

What can I use as toppings besides maple syrup?

Fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce are fantastic alternatives or additions to syrup for varied flavors and textures.

Can I prepare the custard the night before?

Absolutely! Making the custard ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle whisk before soaking the rolls to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe is the perfect way to make mornings brighter and more special without complicated steps or ingredients. Its soft, sweet rolls soaked in rich custard and kissed by warm spices will become a fast favorite at your breakfast table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll look forward to breakfast every day!

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