If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your morning or impress your guests. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soak up the rich egg mixture perfectly, creating slices of golden, fluffy French toast that are bursting with flavor. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness from the rolls and aromatic spices, making it a truly irresistible treat. Whether you’re starting your day off or indulging in a weekend brunch, this recipe is simple, fun, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet how essential each one is in creating that dreamy texture and vibrant flavor. From the softness of the Hawaiian rolls to the warm cinnamon-spiced custard, every element plays a special part in bringing the dish to life.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their natural sweetness and pillowy texture create the perfect base for soaking up the egg custard.
- Large eggs: Responsible for binding and providing richness to the custard mixture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create the custard that coats the rolls evenly; whole milk gives extra creaminess.
- Sugar: Just a touch enhances the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the rolls.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a luscious, aromatic depth that makes the French toast irresistible.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, fragrant spice that perfectly complements the sweet rolls.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Butter: Used for cooking, creating a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, Nutella or chocolate sauce: Optional toppings that add extra flair and flavor when serving.
How to Make Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This flavorful custard is the heart of the recipe, and its smooth consistency will soak into the sweet Hawaiian rolls, giving them that rich and tender texture.
Step 2: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, just like you would a sandwich bun. This creates the perfect shape for a hearty French toast piece that’s easy to handle and cook evenly on both sides.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat with about one tablespoon of butter melted. Dip each halved roll into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side to soak up all that creamy goodness. Be sure to let any excess drip off so the French toast cooks up nicely and doesn’t get soggy.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked rolls onto the warmed skillet and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden brown crust with a soft and fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. Add a bit more butter as needed when cooking the rest of the rolls to keep that savory richness going.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Toppings
Once cooked to perfection, serve the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe warm with your favorite toppings — the choices are endless and they’ll make your breakfast extra special.
How to Serve Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish quite like fresh, vibrant garnishes. Dust powdered sugar over the golden slices for an elegant touch, or add a handful of fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries to introduce bright acidity and color. Whipped cream can add luscious creaminess, and for chocolate lovers, drizzle Nutella or chocolate sauce to make it decadent.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet French toast with savory sides such as crispy bacon or sausages to balance the flavors. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait complements the richness of the French toast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking several slices and layering whipped cream and berries in between for a playful French toast tower. You can even sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top to echo the tropical vibe of the Hawaiian rolls, making it visually stunning and irresistible at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The French toast will slightly soften but still taste delicious warmed up.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the leftover French toast by layering the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month and make a quick, convenient breakfast after defrosting.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to restore crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it sometimes makes the French toast rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can substitute with regular bread, but Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweetness and softness that makes this recipe so special. If you want to replicate that flavor, consider adding a bit more sugar and vanilla to your custard.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the milk and butter?
Absolutely! You can use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of regular milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil or a non-dairy margarine. Just keep an eye on the cooking temperature to avoid burning.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap out the eggs for a flax or chia seed egg replacement and use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, especially with good soaking time.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast?
Make sure to let excess custard drip off each roll before placing it on the skillet. Cooking over medium heat allows the French toast to brown evenly while cooking through without becoming soggy.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales well! Just mix a larger batch of the egg custard and keep the extras warm in a low oven while you cook the remaining rolls.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and classic French toast that makes this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe a standout breakfast treat. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, I guarantee it will become a new favorite to cherish for years to come. So grab those rolls and get ready to enjoy a breakfast adventure with each warm, golden bite!
Print
Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. With a fragrant egg custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon, these golden-brown French toast bites are perfect for a quick, delicious morning meal. Topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, and whipped cream, they offer a sweet and indulgent start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Whipped cream
- Nutella or chocolate sauce (optional)
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, creating a flavorful custard base for the French toast.
- Prep the Hawaiian rolls: Slice each Hawaiian sweet roll in half horizontally, creating top and bottom halves similar to small sandwich buns, perfect for soaking in the egg mixture.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter, ensuring the pan is hot and ready for cooking the French toast.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each halved Hawaiian roll into the prepared egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly for a few seconds on each side so the bread absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. Let any excess drip off before cooking.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked roll halves onto the hot buttered skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter to the skillet as needed between batches to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Arrange the cooked Hawaiian Rolls French Toast on a serving plate while warm. Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or optional Nutella or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use a soft blueberry or strawberry jam as an alternative topping for added flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter for cooking.
- Make sure the skillet is properly heated to avoid greasy or soggy French toast.
- Leftover French toast can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a toaster or skillet for best texture.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on your stovetop and skillet type to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
