If you’ve ever wondered how to turn soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into an unforgettable breakfast treat, this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the perfect harmony of pillowy, buttery roll halves soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, cooked to golden perfection, and finished with luscious toppings that bring every bite to life. This dish takes the classic French toast concept and elevates it with the tropical, sweet charm of Hawaiian rolls, creating a weekend breakfast that’s cozy, indulgent, and full of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the building blocks of the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe. Each component adds its own magic — from the soft sweetness of the rolls to the warm spices in the custard — making every bite irresistibly flavorful and perfectly textured.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package, 12 rolls): Their natural sweetness and fluffy texture are the star of the show, replacing traditional bread with a uniquely tender base.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and richness that soak into the rolls, turning them into the perfect custardy foundation.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture; whole milk works best, but your favorite milk works well too.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the cinnamon and vanilla.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a cozy spice that makes the dish comforting and fragrant.
- Salt (a pinch): Rounds out the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons for cooking): Gives a golden crust and adds richness while cooking each roll half.
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, Nutella or chocolate sauce: These toppings deliver the final wow factor with sweetness, freshness, and indulgence.
How to Make Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This custard mixture is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. The aromatic vanilla and cinnamon will infuse into the rolls beautifully during soaking.
Step 2: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
Take each Hawaiian roll and slice it in half horizontally as if you were preparing a sandwich. This ensures the custard soaks into every nook and cranny, making the inside tender while the outside crisps up golden and delicious.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about one tablespoon of butter. Dip each half-roll into the egg custard, allowing it to soak for a few seconds to absorb that perfect custardy texture. Let the excess drip off before carefully placing the roll halves on the hot skillet.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Cook each dipped roll half for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. You’ll want that wonderful balance of slight crispiness and tender interior. Add a little more butter to your skillet as needed between batches to keep things sizzling and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now the fun part—serve your Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe warm and pile on your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer a classic drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries for brightness, a cloud of whipped cream, or even a generous swirl of Nutella, this dish is ready to impress.
How to Serve Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can take your Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe from delicious to decadent in seconds. Fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries add vibrant color and a fresh burst of flavor, while a sprinkle of powdered sugar creates a beautiful snowy finish. Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream to add lightness and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this French toast with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness, or add a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. A small glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of your favorite coffee will round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the French toast halves to create a delightful breakfast tower, or cut them into smaller cubes and serve with fondue-style dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel. For a brunch crowd, arrange the plates with a colorful spread of garnishes and sides to impress your guests visually and in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, worry not! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These rolls maintain their softness well but are best eaten within 2 days to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe leftovers for longer storage. Place cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They freeze nicely for up to 1 month, making them perfect for busy mornings when you want an easy treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This helps maintain their crisp edges and prevents sogginess, ensuring they taste freshly made. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
While you can use regular bread, the charm of this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe lies in the sweet, soft texture of the rolls, which adds a unique flavor and tender bite that traditional bread can’t quite match.
Is it okay to use skim milk or a non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! While whole milk adds creaminess, skim or non-dairy milks like almond or oat work fine too. Just be mindful that they might slightly alter the richness of the custard.
How long can I soak the rolls in the egg mixture?
Typically, a few seconds on each side is enough. Soaking longer can make the rolls too soggy and difficult to handle while cooking, but feel free to experiment depending on the roll’s freshness.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just keep the ratio of eggs, milk, and spices consistent, and cook the rolls in batches to maintain that perfect golden crust without overcrowding your skillet.
What’s the best way to get even cooking on the French toast?
Use medium heat and ensure your skillet is preheated with enough butter to coat the surface. Cook the rolls patiently on each side for those beautiful golden edges and a soft custard center.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe is one of those delightful breakfast treasures that quickly becomes a household favorite. Its combination of fluffy sweet rolls, spicy-sweet custard, and endless topping possibilities makes mornings a little more special. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try — it’s the perfect holiday weekend treat or a cozy brunch anytime you want to indulge in something truly comforting and delicious.
Print
Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. With a rich egg and milk custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon, the rolls are dipped and pan-cooked to a golden perfection. Serve warm topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce for a delicious start to your day. Perfect for a family breakfast or brunch, this easy-to-make dish delivers sweet, fluffy French toast with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or any preferred milk)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Whipped cream
- Nutella or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the custard base for the French toast.
- Prep the Hawaiian rolls: Slice each Hawaiian sweet roll in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom piece, similar to sandwich buns.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle on medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each halved roll into the egg mixture, soaking each side for a few seconds so it absorbs the custard. Let the excess drip off before placing onto the hot skillet to avoid sogginess and splatter.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked roll halves onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed when cooking the remaining pieces.
- Serve warm: Transfer the cooked French toast rolls onto a plate. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of Nutella or chocolate sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use Hawaiian sweet rolls for their unique sweetness and fluffy texture that complements the custard soak.
- Adjust cooking heat as necessary to prevent burning the butter or French toast.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Make sure not to soak the rolls too long to avoid them becoming too soggy and falling apart.
- Leftover French toast can be refrigerated and reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture.
