Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic French toast, using soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls to create a rich and indulgent breakfast. The warm, fluffy texture of the rolls combined with the cinnamon-sugar custard creates the perfect balance of flavors. Topped with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup, this dish is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a special holiday morning. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your French toast game, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Unique Flavor
The sweet and soft texture of Hawaiian rolls brings a delicious twist to traditional French toast, giving it an extra layer of sweetness and richness that’s irresistible.
2. Quick and Easy
This recipe is simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
3. Customizable Toppings
Top your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh fruit, depending on your preferences, for a breakfast that’s perfect every time.
4. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
With a 12-pack of rolls, this recipe easily serves multiple people, making it an ideal choice for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings.
5. Rich and Satisfying
The combination of the Hawaiian rolls and custard batter makes this French toast extra indulgent, ensuring that each bite is creamy, warm, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Kings Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
- Eggs
- Half and half (or whole milk)
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup (for topping)
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips between the slices of Hawaiian rolls before dipping them in the custard.
- Fruit Filling: Try adding a layer of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even caramelized apples to the French toast for a fruity variation.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
- Maple Butter: Swap out regular syrup for a maple butter drizzle to enhance the flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
Step 2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half (or whole milk), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3
Cut the Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces and slice each roll in half. You should have about 12 slices.
Step 4
Dip each slice of Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated evenly. Allow any excess liquid to drip off before placing the bread on the skillet.
Step 5
Cook the slices on the griddle or skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to add more butter between batches.
Step 6
Once cooked, remove the French toast slices from the skillet and place them on a serving platter.
Step 7
Top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup for a delicious finishing touch.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd your skillet. Cook the French toast in batches if necessary.
- Use Stale Rolls: If your Hawaiian rolls are a day or two old, they’ll soak up the custard mixture better, resulting in a more custardy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the brown sugar and cinnamon levels to your taste. If you like your French toast sweeter, add more sugar or a drizzle of extra syrup.
How to Serve
Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast hot off the skillet with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of syrup, and a side of fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or sliced peaches. You can also pair it with crispy bacon or sausage for a more complete breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Freezing
To freeze, place the French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen French toast in a skillet with a little butter for extra crispiness or in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and soft texture, you can substitute with other soft breads, such as brioche or challah.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the half and half with a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for cooking.
3. Can I add more spices to the custard mixture?
Absolutely! You can add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
While French toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
5. How do I keep the French toast warm?
If you’re making large batches, place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven at 200°F (90°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread instead of Hawaiian rolls to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.
7. Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the custard?
Yes, you can use maple syrup in place of brown sugar to infuse a different flavor into the custard mixture.
8. How can I make this recipe more indulgent?
For an extra indulgent touch, you can add chocolate chips, Nutella, or caramel sauce to the French toast before cooking.
9. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute like a flaxseed mixture or commercial egg replacer to make this recipe egg-free.
10. Can I serve this recipe with whipped cream?
Yes, whipped cream is a great topping for Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Add it along with fresh fruit for a decadent treat.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a perfect blend of sweetness, comfort, and ease. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a breakfast that will wow your family or guests. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent and flavorful treat!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes your regular French toast to the next level, featuring sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and fried to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup, it’s a sweet breakfast treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
-
1 (12-pack) of Kings Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
-
3 large eggs
-
¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk if that’s all you have)
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 small pinch salt
-
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted is fine)
-
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup for topping
Instructions
-
Prepare the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a small pinch of salt until well combined. -
Slice the Hawaiian Rolls:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, creating 12 individual pieces. If the rolls are large, you can slice each in half again to make more servings. -
Soak the Rolls:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Dip each piece of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, making sure it soaks up the liquid but doesn’t become too soggy. Place the soaked rolls directly onto the skillet. -
Cook the French Toast:
Cook the pieces of Hawaiian roll for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter to the skillet as needed. - Serve:
Once all the French toast is cooked, serve the pieces warm. Top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
Notes
-
For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey or caramel sauce.
-
You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 days and reheated in the toaster or skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American