French toast is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy life’s little luxuries. When made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, this classic breakfast takes on an exciting new twist. The sweet, buttery rolls soak up the rich, spiced custard, creating French toast that’s irresistibly fluffy on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside.
This dish brings together two of my favorite things—French toast, with all its nostalgic charm, and Hawaiian rolls, with their tropical sweetness. It’s the perfect way to turn a lazy weekend morning into something special. Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or treating your family to a delightful breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to impress.
If you’ve never made French toast with Hawaiian rolls, you’re in for a treat. Their subtle sweetness makes them a natural fit for this dish, and they hold up wonderfully in the custard without getting soggy. Plus, their perfectly portioned size means every piece is a little work of art on the plate. Let’s dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s an Elevated Classic: Hawaiian rolls add a hint of tropical sweetness, creating a fun and delicious spin on the traditional French toast recipe.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, even if you’re new to cooking. The step-by-step process is foolproof!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday brunch or just looking to brighten up a normal weekday morning, this recipe always feels special.
- Customizable Toppings: From fresh fruit to powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream, you can personalize this dish to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk Together the Custard:
In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half (or whole milk), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and frothy. This fragrant custard is the key to infusing the rolls with rich, warm flavors. - Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls:
Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create two pieces. This not only helps the custard soak in evenly but also ensures a better golden-brown crust when cooked. - Heat the Skillet:
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the cooking surface evenly. - Soak the Rolls:
Working with a few pieces at a time, dip each roll half into the custard mixture. Let them soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Be gentle to avoid breaking the rolls but ensure they’ve absorbed enough custard to become flavorful. - Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked rolls onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp. The cinnamon will create a lovely caramelized exterior. - Repeat for the Rest:
Add the remaining butter to the skillet as needed and continue cooking the rest of the rolls in batches. Adjust the heat to prevent burning but keep it steady enough to achieve a golden crust. - Serve Warm:
Arrange the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter or individual plates. Dust with powdered sugar for a light, elegant touch. Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet and fluffy, but brioche or challah can be a good substitute if needed.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are soft, so a quick dip in the custard mixture is enough to infuse them with flavor without making them soggy.
- Work in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the skillet, cook the rolls in small batches. This ensures even cooking and keeps the French toast from steaming instead of browning.
- Keep it Warm: If you’re making a large batch, place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish the rest.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Toppings Galore: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly versatile. Top it with bananas, toasted coconut, chocolate drizzle, or even a tropical fruit compote for an extra-special treat.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap the half-and-half for almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?
Yes! You can whisk the custard together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Can I use leftover rolls?
Absolutely! Slightly stale Hawaiian rolls are perfect because they absorb the custard without falling apart.
What other toppings work well?
Try Nutella, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a dessert-inspired version.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (though they’re so delicious, that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Related Recipes
If you love this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, here are a few other recipes to inspire your next breakfast:
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is more than just a breakfast—it’s an experience. The soft rolls, infused with spiced custard and cooked to golden perfection, bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning or hosting a brunch, this recipe is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Why settle for ordinary when you can start your day with something extraordinary?
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Description
French toast is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy life’s little luxuries. When made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, this classic breakfast takes on an exciting new twist. The sweet, buttery rolls soak up the rich, spiced custard, creating French toast that’s irresistibly fluffy on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside.
This dish brings together two of my favorite things—French toast, with all its nostalgic charm, and Hawaiian rolls, with their tropical sweetness. It’s the perfect way to turn a lazy weekend morning into something special. Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or treating your family to a delightful breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to impress.
If you’ve never made French toast with Hawaiian rolls, you’re in for a treat. Their subtle sweetness makes them a natural fit for this dish, and they hold up wonderfully in the custard without getting soggy. Plus, their perfectly portioned size means every piece is a little work of art on the plate. Let’s dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk Together the Custard:
In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half (or whole milk), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and frothy. This fragrant custard is the key to infusing the rolls with rich, warm flavors. - Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls:
Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create two pieces. This not only helps the custard soak in evenly but also ensures a better golden-brown crust when cooked. - Heat the Skillet:
Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the cooking surface evenly. - Soak the Rolls:
Working with a few pieces at a time, dip each roll half into the custard mixture. Let them soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Be gentle to avoid breaking the rolls but ensure they’ve absorbed enough custard to become flavorful. - Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked rolls onto the preheated skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and slightly crisp. The cinnamon will create a lovely caramelized exterior. - Repeat for the Rest:
Add the remaining butter to the skillet as needed and continue cooking the rest of the rolls in batches. Adjust the heat to prevent burning but keep it steady enough to achieve a golden crust. - Serve Warm:
Arrange the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter or individual plates. Dust with powdered sugar for a light, elegant touch. Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Toppings Galore: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly versatile. Top it with bananas, toasted coconut, chocolate drizzle, or even a tropical fruit compote for an extra-special treat.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap the half-and-half for almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.
