Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to transform a simple breakfast into something truly joyful, you’ll adore this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Soft, sweet, and wonderfully fluffy, this dish uses those irresistible King’s Hawaiian Rolls as the base, creating a golden, custardy delight that’s so easy to make and even easier to love. The combination of rich vanilla, warming cinnamon, and a hint of brown sugar brings out the best in each bite, making Hawaiian Roll French Toast perfect for weekend brunches, special mornings, or just because you deserve something delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in making your Hawaiian Roll French Toast both flavorful and luscious. From the sweet rolls that bring that signature softness to the eggs and milk that create a creamy custard, every item works together to build a superb breakfast experience.

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-pack): These sweet, pillowy rolls replace traditional bread for a tender french toast base.
• Eggs (3 large): The binding agent that creates a rich custard soak for the rolls.
• Half and half or whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and helps to soften the rolls perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warm sweetness and depth of flavor to the custard.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a cozy spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Gives just the right touch of caramel-like sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing the sweetness.
• Butter (4 tablespoons) for cooking: Used to create a golden crust with a rich, buttery finish.
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving: Optional toppings that add brightness, texture, and extra sweetness.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half (or milk), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This custard is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, providing a luxuriously smooth coating that soaks into each roll, ensuring a tender and flavorful interior after cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully slice your King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally, creating soft bread “sandwiches.” Dip each half gently into the custard mixture, making sure not to oversaturate them to the point of falling apart. This step lets the warm, sweet flavors meld into the bread, setting you up for that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon or two of butter until foaming. Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. The butter adds richness and helps to develop that beautiful golden crust we all love in French toast.

Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve

Transfer the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a baking sheet while you cook the rest, and keep them warm in a low oven if desired. This ensures every piece stays delightfully warm and soft for serving.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Dress up your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, sweet touch. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add bright, juicy freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness. And of course, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is the classic finish that brings everything together.

Side Dishes

For a balanced breakfast plate, serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage links to introduce some savory notes. A simple fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can also make your meal feel indulgent yet fresh. The sweet and savory combo is always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the soaked Hawaiian Rolls and securing them with a skewer for a playful French toast sandwich presentation. Or cut them into bite-sized cubes for a fun breakfast casserole or French toast bites served with dipping sauces. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is versatile enough for elegant brunch tables or casual family treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for a quick, delicious breakfast the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast by placing the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pieces will last up to 1 month and thaw quickly when needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispness. Microwaving works too but may soften the crust. A quick reheat allows you to enjoy that signature light texture and warm, buttery flavor again.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While traditional bread works, the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the uniquely soft and sweet rolls that soak up the custard perfectly, giving it a fluffier and more flavorful result than regular bread.

Is half and half necessary in the custard? Can I substitute milk?

Half and half adds extra richness, but whole milk is a fine substitute and will still make delicious french toast—just slightly lighter in texture and creaminess.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk in place of half and half or milk, and substitute butter with a vegan spread. The rolls’ sweetness and texture will still shine through wonderfully.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Absolutely! Making the custard ahead of time can deepen the flavors. Just give it a good whisk before soaking the rolls the next morning.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast?

Don’t oversoak your rolls; a quick dip to coat is enough. Also, cooking on medium heat helps the custard set without burning while maintaining a crisp exterior and soft interior.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting feeling that a plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings to the table. It’s a simple twist on a classic breakfast that carries with it a burst of sweet, tender magic in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too. Give it a try and watch everyone smile with that first delicious forkful!

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