Name: Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a Cozy Brunch
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 rolls King’s Hawaiian Rolls (Any soft sweet bread can substitute.); 4 large Eggs (Adds richness and structure to the custard.); 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half (Almond or oat milk for dairy-free option.); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Enhances sweetness and adds flavor depth.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can be used as an alternative.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Introduces warm spice.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For dusting.); 1 cup Fresh Berries (Mix your favorites for a fresh burst.); 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (Drizzle on top.)

There’s something truly magical about waking up to the comforting aroma of sweet cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast that combines fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls with a rich custard for a cozy morning feast. Not only does this recipe promise a fast prep time for busy weekends, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy brunch gatherings or lazy mornings when you just need something special. Just imagine biting into that golden-brown exterior, revealing a soft, buttery interior that practically melts in your mouth! Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with this deliciously unique recipe?

Why is Hawaiian Roll French Toast irresistible?

Irresistible flavor: Combining the sweet, soft texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls with a luscious custard creates a breakfast delight that’s hard to resist.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunch plans.
Versatile toppings: Customize your French toast with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or flavored syrups for a personalized touch.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or friend brunches, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Healthy swaps: Opt for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, perfect for accommodating various dietary needs, just like my Vegan Sushi.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

For the French Toast

King’s Hawaiian Rolls – Provides a sweet flavor and soft texture; any soft sweet bread can be a great substitute if needed.
Eggs – Adds richness and structure to the custard, ensuring a perfect custardy consistency.
Milk or Half-and-Half – Ensures a creamy texture; almond milk or oat milk can serve as a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the flavor, making each bite even more delightful.
Vanilla Extract – Contributes comforting sweet notes; almond extract can be used as a flavorful alternative.
Cinnamon – Introduces warm spice, complementing the sweetness beautifully.

For Toppings

Powdered Sugar – A light dusting adds just the right sweetness, creating a beautiful presentation.
Fresh Berries – Offers a burst of freshness and flavor; mix and match your favorites!
Maple Syrup – Drizzle on top for a classic touch that perfectly enhances the flavors of Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup of milk (or half-and-half), 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined and smooth. This creamy custard forms the delectable base of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, so make sure it’s evenly mixed before you move on.

Step 2: Slice and Soak the Rolls
Carefully slice each King’s Hawaiian roll in half without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Dip each half into the egg mixture, ensuring each side is well-coated for 30 seconds to 1 minute, but avoid oversoaking as you want the rolls moist but not soggy. Allow excess custard to drip off before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt and bubble gently. You want the butter to coat the pan evenly, creating a rich, golden-brown crust on your French toast. As the skillet heats up, prepare to place the soaked rolls cut-side down.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the soaked Hawaiian rolls cut-side down in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Flip the rolls and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all sides are evenly browned without burning.

Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove the perfectly cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast from the skillet and transfer to a warm serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh berries for a pop of color, or drizzle with maple syrup to enhance the flavors. This delightful breakfast is best enjoyed warm, allowing you to savor each delicious bite!

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 months. This preserves the taste and texture.

Reheating: To reheat, whether from the fridge or freezer, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or pop slices in a toaster for a crispy finish.

Mix and Match: Feel free to freeze with your favorite toppings, but add fresh ones like berries and whipped cream just before serving for the best experience!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations

Get creative and make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast your own with these delightful twists!

Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy. It still offers the rich and comforting texture without compromising flavor.
Flavored Custard: Add a splash of orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture for a refreshing citrus twist! This sunny addition elevates the classic recipe and brings a bright flavor to your morning.
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips into the custard base or sprinkle them on top before serving for a decadent treat. Imagine the joy of biting into warm chocolate with each slice – pure bliss!
Spice It Up: Enhance your cinnamon game by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard. This warm spice combination adds an aromatic depth that makes each bite more enchanting.
Savory Touch: For a savory spin, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage pieces into the rolls before soaking them. The contrast of savory and sweet creates a delightful brunch experience, sure to satisfy everyone’s palate!
Crispy Coating: Dip the soaked rolls in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an extra crispy exterior. It’s a fun twist that brings new texture while keeping that fluffy inside.
Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the custard-soaked rolls for added crunch and flavor. The nuttiness complements the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls beautifully!
Dessert Style: Serve your French toast warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a luscious dessert that will wow your guests!

Feel free to experiment with these variations to find your perfect flavor combo. And if you’re in the mood for more delicious creativity, don’t miss out on my tasty Vegan Sushi or other delightful recipes that can spark joy in your kitchen!

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare the custard mixture (4 eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt) up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, slice the Hawaiian rolls and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to soak them. To keep the rolls from getting soggy, dip them in the custard mixture immediately before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a delightful breakfast that tastes freshly made!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Don’t Oversoak: Ensure the rolls are moistened but not soggy; a perfect soak is key for that lovely fluffy texture.
Small Batches: Cook in smaller groups to avoid steaming. This way, all sides can brown beautifully for the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Perfect Heat Management: Keep your skillet at medium heat. Too high and you risk burning the outside while the inside remains soggy, so adjust as needed.
Customize Custard: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings in your custard, like a hint of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest for a refreshing twist.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your French toast warm for the ultimate experience; leftover slices can lose their charm, so savor while fresh!

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast

There’s nothing quite like creating a complete breakfast experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon beautifully contrasts the sweet, buttery notes of the French toast, creating a balanced bite that everyone loves.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the sweetness while providing a vibrant color that brightens the plate.
Scrambled Eggs: Soft, fluffy scrambled eggs offer a protein-packed addition, enhancing the meal’s fluffiness and making it feel even more indulgent.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: While it’s already sweet, a drizzle of maple syrup elevates this dish to new levels of deliciousness, adding warmth and depth.
Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Serve thin slices of toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a nostalgic twist that complements the French toast’s flavors.
Creamy Yogurt: A side of yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess, enhancing the overall texture and creating a delightful fusion of flavors in each bite.
Iced Coffee: Chill with a glass of iced coffee; its bold flavors provide a refreshing counterbalance to the sweetness of the Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, perfect for those special brunch occasions when you want to impress your guests!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best King’s Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! Look for rolls that are soft, slightly squishy, and free from any dark spots or hard edges. You want the rolls to exude that sweet aroma that makes Hawaiian bread so iconic. If you can, select rolls that are fresh and within their sell-by date for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Very! Store leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This will keep them moist and delicious for a quick breakfast option. When reheating, I suggest using a skillet or toaster for a crisp finish, which brings back that delightful texture!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.

What should I do if my French toast is soggy?
No worries! If your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out soggy, try to control the soaking process next time. Soak each roll for no more than 30-60 seconds per side, allowing excess custard to drain off. Cooking on medium heat also helps achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. If it happens, pop the soggy toast into the toaster for a quick crisp.

Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! This dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily adapt it for dietary needs. Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free sweet bread. Just be sure to check that your toppings are also aligned with the dietary preferences of your guests!

How do I enhance the flavor of my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
I recommend it! To amplify the flavors, consider adding a splash of orange zest or a hint of nutmeg to your custard mixture. For a fun twist, you can even infuse flavored extracts like almond or coconut to elevate the dish. Mix and match toppings such as whipped cream or flavored syrups for endless delicious combinations!