Get ready to take your breakfast game to the next level with the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe! This irresistible twist on classic French toast uses iconic King’s Hawaiian rolls to deliver bite-sized clouds of sweet, custardy bliss. Imagine the buttery, golden exterior giving way to soft pillows of tropical sweetness—all topped off with warm maple syrup. Whether you’re whipping it up for a lazy weekend brunch or looking to impress family on a special occasion, this dish is pure happiness on a plate. If you love a mix of comforting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this is the recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe so special is the simplicity of its ingredients, each one thoughtfully chosen to create an unforgettable breakfast experience. Every item serves a purpose—whether that’s giving the custard its signature richness or infusing the rolls with warm, fragrant aromas.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls: The signature sweetness and ultra-soft texture turn ordinary French toast into something magical. Slightly stale rolls are best for soaking up the custard without getting soggy.
- Eggs: They bind the custard together, giving structure and that classic French toast tenderness. Fresh, large eggs deliver the perfect ratio.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture. Whole milk is ideal, but you can swap in any kind you love, including non-dairy alternatives.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash transforms the custard, adding fragrant, sweet depth. Pure extract gives the best flavor payoff.
- Cinnamon: The comforting warmth of cinnamon is the hallmark of a crave-worthy French toast—feel free to adjust to taste.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! The tiny pinch balances out sweet flavors and lets all the aromatics shine.
- Butter for cooking: Essential for that golden-brown exterior with a touch of savory richness, and for keeping each roll from sticking.
- Maple syrup for serving: The final flourish! Its earthy sweetness unites every bite, making this breakfast completely irresistible.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Start by cracking your eggs into a shallow bowl or pie dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. This is your flavor-packed bathing suit for those sweet Hawaiian rolls, and it should be well mixed to ensure an even soak for every roll.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Rolls
Carefully separate the King’s Hawaiian rolls, keeping them as intact as possible to maintain their classic pillowy structure. You can slice each roll in half horizontally if you want a higher custard-to-bread ratio, or leave them whole for a thicker, more doughnut-like bite. Arranging them before dipping helps streamline your workflow once the custard action begins.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
One at a time, quickly dip each roll (or roll half) into the custard, letting it soak for several seconds but not so long that it falls apart. Aim for an even coating—surface-to-center—so you get that rich custard flavor in every bite. Slightly older rolls will hold up splendidly here!
Step 4: Heat the Skillet and Add Butter
Set a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous pat of butter, swirling it around so the entire surface is gleaming and ready. Butter is non-negotiable—it’s what gives your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe those golden, slightly crisp edges that are practically irresistible.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls
Once the butter is lightly bubbling, place the soaked rolls in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, until they’re deeply golden and lightly crisped on the edges. Flip and repeat for the other side. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to work in batches—just add more butter as you go to keep all that luscious browning happening.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Move the cooked rolls straight to a serving platter. While they’re still hot and cloud-soft inside, drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. This is where the magic happens—sweet, rich, fruity, and buttery, all at once. Serve immediately for the ultimate experience!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is already a showstopper, but a few thoughtful garnishes bring it completely to life. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or top with sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. A dusting of extra cinnamon never hurts, either! For a tropical twist, try a handful of toasted coconut flakes or a sliver of pineapple to tie back to those subtle flavors in the rolls.
Side Dishes
The best sides for Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe keep things light and fresh. Pair with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for contrast, or add a bright fruit salad to balance the richness. For a relaxed brunch, set out bowls of Greek yogurt and honey, or offer simple scrambled eggs to round out the meal. Anything with a bit of acidity—like citrus wedges or a berry compote—will really make the flavors sing.
Creative Ways to Present
You have so many ways to turn this recipe into a celebration! Stack the French toast rolls into a “tower,” drizzle with syrup table-side, and finish with sparklers or fresh flowers for a special-occasion brunch. Or, skewer each roll on a stick for a playful, portable breakfast—kids love them this way. For holiday mornings, try serving them in a family-style platter, piled high with garnishes, so everyone can grab their favorite pieces and toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have any leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, they store beautifully. Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, retaining much of their pillowy texture and flavor for a next-day treat.
Freezing
Want to make breakfast a snap on busy mornings? Place cooled, cooked French toast rolls on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for about two months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking. When that French toast craving hits, you’ll be prepared!
Reheating
For best results, reheat the rolls in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 8–10 minutes. This method helps revive their fluffy interior and crispy edges. In a pinch, you can also microwave them for 30–40 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll lose just a bit of that fabulous texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sweet rolls for this recipe?
While King’s Hawaiian rolls are truly perfect for this dish, you can absolutely experiment with other sweet dinner rolls if needed. Just look for something soft and fluffy, and ideally let them “age” for a day or two so they soak up the custard just right.
Do I need to use whole milk, or will low-fat or dairy-free options work?
Good news—all kinds of milk will work here! Whole milk adds the most richness, but low-fat, almond, oat, or soy milk can all step in. The rolls themselves are so luscious that you can customize as needed for your preferences or dietary needs.
How do I keep the rolls from getting too soggy?
Dip each roll quickly to coat—don’t let them linger in the custard for too long. Using day-old rolls is also key! They’re just sturdy enough to soak up the custard and hold their structure when cooked.
Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! You can soak the rolls ahead and keep them covered in the fridge overnight, then just cook fresh in the morning. Or, cook the French toast in advance and reheat as described above for a super-fast breakfast.
Is there a way to make this recipe even more decadent?
Absolutely! Use half-and-half in place of milk, add a pinch of nutmeg, or sandwich a bit of cream cheese and berries inside each roll before dipping for a stuffed French toast twist. The Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is easy to riff on to suit your cravings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a little breakfast sunshine, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is simple, rewarding, and bound to make anyone at your table smile. From lazy weekends to special celebrations, it’s an easy way to make mornings feel extra special. Give it a try—you’ll want to savor every last fluffy, syrup-drenched bite!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Using King’s Hawaiian rolls as the base, this dish offers a unique twist on classic French toast, with a hint of pineapple sweetness.
Ingredients
King’s Hawaiian Rolls:
1 package
This is the star of the show. The original King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are the ideal choice. Their unique recipe, which includes a touch of pineapple juice, gives them their characteristic softness and sweetness. While you could technically use other brands of sweet dinner rolls, the texture and flavor of King’s Hawaiian are unparalleled for this specific recipe. It’s worth seeking out the name brand for the authentic experience. For best results, use rolls that are a day or two old. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly saturated and mushy.
Eggs:
4 large
The eggs are the foundation of our custard. They provide the protein structure that cooks up to create the classic French toast texture, binding the liquid to the bread. Using large eggs ensures you have the right ratio of egg to milk for a rich but not overly “eggy” custard. For the best flavor and color, opt for fresh, high-quality eggs.
Milk:
1 cup
Milk thins the eggs, creating a smooth custard that can easily soak into the rolls. It adds moisture and creaminess, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture. However, you can easily substitute it with 2% milk, half-and-half for an even more decadent version, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk if needed.
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon
Vanilla is the essential aromatic that elevates the custard from simple to sublime. It adds a warm, floral sweetness that complements both the cinnamon and the inherent sweetness of the rolls. Using pure vanilla extract will provide a much more complex and robust flavor than imitation vanilla.
Cinnamon:
1/4 teaspoon
Cinnamon is the classic French toast spice. Its warm, woody notes are a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the dish. It creates that familiar, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as the French toast cooks. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can also be a wonderful addition.
Salt:
Pinch
Don’t skip the salt! Even in a sweet recipe, a small pinch of salt is crucial. It doesn’t make the dish salty; instead, it enhances all the other flavors. It balances the sweetness of the rolls and syrup and makes the vanilla and cinnamon notes pop.
Butter for Cooking:
As needed
Cooking French toast in butter is non-negotiable for the best flavor. Butter adds a rich, nutty taste and helps to create that perfectly golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the total salt content of the dish, but salted butter will also work in a pinch.
Maple Syrup for Serving:
As needed
The classic finishing touch. A drizzle of pure maple syrup ties all the flavors together. The earthy sweetness of the syrup is the perfect complement to the fluffy, cinnamon-infused rolls.
Instructions
- Mix Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half.
- Soak Rolls: Dip each roll in the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for a few seconds.
- Cook French Toast: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked rolls until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer custard, you can use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Feel free to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
