Hawaiian Roll French Toast

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is your new go-to recipe. Imagine fluffy, slightly sweet rolls soaked in a rich egg custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. This quick and easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is perfect for busy mornings or whenever you crave a sweet breakfast treat that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just minutes. It’s soft, flavorful, and truly a crowd-pleaser that brings a tropical vibe right to your breakfast table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
• Fluffy and sweet: Hawaiian rolls provide a soft texture with a hint of natural sweetness.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different toppings and add-ins to suit your mood or dietary needs.
• Kid-friendly: This recipe is simple enough for kids to enjoy and can get them excited for breakfast.
• Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to the sweet, fluffy, and golden bite you’ll love—no fancy items needed, just basics that blend into breakfast magic.

• Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that create the perfect base for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: Essential for the custard base, they bind the flavors and provide protein.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the custard soak into the bread without getting soggy.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor to elevate the dish.
• Cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Butter: For cooking, providing a golden crust and rich flavor.
• Optional sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar to finish, depending on your sweetness preference.

Variations for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This recipe is a blank canvas waiting for your creativity! You can easily tweak it to fit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.

• Berry twist: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top for a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Chocolate chip delight: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the custard or on top for a sweet indulgence.
• Vegan version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.
• Spiced up: Add nutmeg or ground ginger along with cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
• Tropical flair: Top with toasted coconut flakes and sliced pineapple for an island-inspired treat.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will soak into your Hawaiian rolls and give your French toast that rich, creamy flavor.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Cut your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create sandwich-sized pieces. This size keeps the custard inside and ensures an even cook.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each half into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly but not soak so long that they become soggy.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and add rich flavor.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Place soaked rolls onto the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Transfer the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast onto a plate and get ready to add your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Use day-old rolls: Slightly stale Hawaiian rolls soak custard better without falling apart.
• Don’t over-soak: Limit dipping time to avoid a mushy texture in the cooking process.
• Control the heat: Medium heat is best for cooking through without burning the outsides.
• Try butter and oil mix: Use butter for flavor and a bit of oil to prevent butter from burning in the pan.
• Keep warm in oven: Keep finished pieces in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) while you cook the rest.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Fresh fruit, powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream are excellent garnishes that enhance flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a smoothie bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the French toast halves into mini towers or cut them into bite-sized cubes for a fun twist—perfect for sharing or brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. This lets you enjoy breakfast anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat to retain crispiness, avoiding sogginess that microwaves can cause.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can substitute with brioche or challah bread for a similar sweetness and texture, but Hawaiian rolls are unique in their soft, sweet flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Hawaiian rolls contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free rolls to make this recipe safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I prepare the custard the night before?

Absolutely! Preparing the custard ahead helps flavors to blend; just give it a quick whisk before soaking the rolls.

What are some good toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Popular toppings include fresh berries, sliced bananas, maple syrup, honey, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even Nutella.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe typically serves 4 people, depending on portion sizes and appetite.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is a speedy, scrumptious way to brighten your mornings with a sweet, tropical touch. Whether you’re making it for a quick solo breakfast or a fun brunch with friends and family, you’ll love the soft texture and rich flavor that only Hawaiian rolls can bring. Give it a try soon—your breakfast routine just got a whole lot tastier!

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