Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your classic breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is about to become your new obsession! Imagine the pillowy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls, soaked in a rich vanilla custard, then cooked until golden and finished with your favorite toppings. Every bite delivers a warm, perfectly sweet flavor that will have everyone at the table smiling—and asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is in how a handful of simple ingredients transform into something magical. Every component here adds a layer of flavor, from the lush richness of half-and-half to the signature touch of vanilla and cinnamon—don’t skimp on any of these!

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls (1 12-pack): Their signature sweetness and super-soft texture set this French toast apart!
• Eggs (3 large): Eggs form the base of your custard, binding the other ingredients and giving that creamy richness.
• Half and half (¾ cup): Adds extra creaminess and depth to the custard—whole milk works in a pinch, but half and half makes it extra special.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A must for that classic French toast aroma and flavor—don’t be shy!
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings a cozy, spicy warmth that pairs so beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): This adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps the outside turn that irresistible golden brown.
• Salt (tiny pinch): Just enough to balance the sweetness and sharpen all the flavors.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): For rich flavor and a golden, crisp exterior—salted or unsalted is totally fine.
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, syrup (for topping): The finishing touch! Get creative with your favorites.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is its flexibility. Whether you want to take it dairy-free, go wild with flavors, or cater to special diets, there’s absolutely room to make it your own!

• Stuffed French Toast: Slice an opening in the rolls and tuck in softened cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves for a gooey surprise.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use your favorite plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute. The rolls themselves are usually dairy-free, but always double-check the label!
• Spiced Up: Add a dash of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of coconut extract to the custard for extra-tropical flair.
• Make it a Casserole: Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, pour over the custard, and bake for a hands-off breakfast perfect for a crowd.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make Your Custard

Crack your eggs into a large bowl and add the half and half. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined—make sure there are no streaks of egg white left! Next, sprinkle in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give it another good whisk so that the custard is fragrant and beautifully blended.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls for Maximum Soak

This extra step is my not-so-secret trick for getting the custard to soak in without making the rolls soggy. Gently poke a few holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or wooden skewer. This helps the egg mixture seep in, giving every bite that custardy goodness.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Add a few rolls at a time to your custard bowl. Let them sit for about 30 seconds—just enough for them to soak up the flavor, but not so long that they get mushy. Turn them gently with a fork to coat every side, then transfer them to a plate while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and melt a couple tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked rolls in the pan, leaving space between each. Rotate the rolls every 30 seconds or so, browning each of the four sides, plus the top and bottom. You want a deep golden crust all over, so don’t rush—if your heat is too high, the outside will burn before the center cooks through!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once you’ve cooked all the Hawaiian Roll French Toast, serve them immediately while they’re warm and pillowy. Dust with powdered sugar, pour over a little maple syrup, and add fruit if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in while they’re still fluffy and heavenly!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

The finishing touches are half the fun! For these sweet, fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast bites, a dusting of powdered sugar looks stunning and adds a hint of sweetness. Fresh berries, sliced banana, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut give a vibrant, tropical feel that pairs perfectly. And of course, pour on your favorite syrup for the ultimate treat!

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of this French toast with a side of crisp bacon, sausage links, or even a light fruit salad. If you want to lean into the brunch vibes, serve alongside softly scrambled eggs or a dollop of whipped cream—so satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these into a breakfast board! Pile the Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter surrounded by bowls of toppings—think syrups, jams, whipped cream, nut butters, and sliced fruit. Or, skewer the rolls and serve as French toast “kebabs” for a playful twist that’s sure to impress at brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast (good luck—they tend to disappear fast!), cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

Absolutely—you can freeze this recipe for future cravings! Arrange cooled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to two months. They taste just as wonderful after reheating!

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 20-second bursts until warm. For a quick crisp, a few minutes in a skillet with a dab of butter does wonders. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving to freshen them up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting brunch, or just want to treat yourself on a cozy weekend morning, Hawaiian Roll French Toast will absolutely earn a spot in your breakfast rotation. I hope you love every fluffy, golden, sweet bite—don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite in your home, too!

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