Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Package Hawaiian rolls; 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2-3 tbsp butter (for cooking); Maple syrup; Powdered sugar; Fresh berries (strawberries, bananas, blueberries); Whipped cream; Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts); Chocolate chips

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Hawaiian rolls are the secret ingredient that takes French toast to the next level. Their naturally sweet, buttery flavour and soft, pillowy texture make them perfect for soaking up the egg mixture and caramelizing beautifully when cooked. Unlike traditional bread, Hawaiian rolls add sweetness to every bite, eliminating the need for extra sugar in the recipe. This makes them an ideal base for an indulgent and effortless French toast.

If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that’s both delicious and fast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can whip up a breakfast that feels gourmet. Whether rushing on a weekday morning or hosting a last-minute brunch, this recipe is a lifesaver. Plus, it’s so simple that even beginner cooks can quickly master it.

One of the best things about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is its versatility. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion, from cosy family breakfasts to festive holiday brunches. Serve it with a side of bacon for a hearty weekend meal, or dress it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a special celebration. No matter the occasion, this dish will impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Essential Ingredients

To make this delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

Hawaiian Rolls: 1 package (12 rolls) – their sweetness and soft texture are key to this recipe.
Eggs: 4 large eggs – for the custard base.
Milk: 1 cup – whole milk works best, but any milk will do.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – for warm, cosy flavour.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
Butter: 2-3 tablespoons – for cooking the French toast to golden perfection.

Optional Toppings and Add-Ins

Take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to the next level with these delicious toppings and add-ins:

Maple Syrup: A classic drizzle for sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of elegance.
Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
Whipped Cream: A dollop for extra indulgence.
Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful for a decadent twist.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

This recipe is easy to adapt for different dietary needs. Here are some simple swaps:

Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
Gluten-Free: Substitute Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free sweet rolls or bread.
Egg-Free: Replace eggs with mashed bananas or a flaxseed egg substitute.
Lower Sugar: Skip the powdered sugar and use fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey instead.

Hawaiian roll French toast stacked on a wooden plate, topped with powdered sugar, fresh blueberries, raspberries, and a mint leaf.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Preparing the Egg Mixture

The key to perfect French toast is a well-balanced egg mixture. Here’s how to make it:

Crack the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack 4 large eggs.
Add Milk and Flavorings: Pour 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Whisk together: Use a whisk or fork to blend everything until smooth and fully combined. The cinnamon should be evenly distributed, and the eggs should be thoroughly beaten.

Soaking the Hawaiian Rolls

Soaking the rolls properly ensures they’re flavorful and tender. Follow these steps:

Slice the Rolls: Cut the package of Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces. You can also leave them connected for a pull-apart French toast style.
Dip in the Egg Mixture: Place each roll (or the entire connected slab) into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Take care not to oversoak, as the rolls may become too soft.
Let Excess Drip Off: Lift the rolls out of the mixture and let any excess liquid drip back into the bowl.

Cooking to Golden Perfection

Now it’s time to cook your French toast. Here’s how to do it:

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and coat the surface.
Cook the Rolls: Place the soaked rolls in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Add More Butter: If needed, add more butter to the pan as you cook the remaining rolls.
Baking Option: For a hands-off approach, arrange the soaked rolls in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving and Topping Ideas

Once your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some ideas:

Classic Style: Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
Fruity Twist: Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit compote.
Indulgent Option: Add a whipped cream dollop and a chocolate chip sprinkle.
Savory-Sweet Combo: Serve with a side of bacon or sausage for a balanced meal.

Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Choosing the Right Hawaiian Rolls

The quality of your Hawaiian rolls can make or break your French toast. Here’s what to look for:

Fresh Rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls are soft and sweet, perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
Slightly Stale Rolls: If your rolls are a day or two old, they’ll hold up better to soaking and won’t fall apart as easily.
Avoid Overly Dry Rolls: While slightly stale rolls work well, avoid using too dry or hard rolls, as they won’t absorb the egg mixture properly.

Avoiding Soggy French Toast

No one likes soggy French toast! Here’s how to keep your Hawaiian Roll French Toast light and fluffy:

Don’t Oversoak: Soak the rolls for about 30 seconds per side. If they sit in the egg mixture too long, they’ll become mushy.
Use Medium Heat: Cook the rolls over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
Let Excess Mixture Drip Off: After soaking, let the rolls sit for a few seconds to allow any excess egg mixture to drip back into the bowl.
Cook Until Golden: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Customizing Your French Toast

One of the best things about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun ideas:

Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese between the rolls before soaking for a creamy, tangy twist.
Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the rolls before baking for a rich, decadent treat.
Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Fruit: Add layers of sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries between the rolls for a delightful fruity surprise.

Making Ahead for Busy Mornings

If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep your Hawaiian Roll French Toast the night before:

Assemble the Rolls: Slice and arrange them in a baking dish.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Soak Overnight: Pour the egg mixture over the rolls, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
Cook in the Morning: Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stacked Hawaiian roll French toast with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, blackberries, and mint leaves on a wooden plate.

Serving and Enjoying Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Breakfast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is delicious, but pairing it with the right sides can make it a complete breakfast feast. Here are some ideas:

Savoury Sides: Serve with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.
Fresh Fruit: For a refreshing touch, add a side of fresh fruit salad, sliced strawberries, or a fruit compote.
Yoghurt or Granola: Pair with a bowl of yoghurt and granola for a lighter option.
Coffee or Juice: Complete the meal with coffee, orange juice, or a smoothie.

Making It a Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Dish

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fantastic choice for hosting brunch or feeding a crowd. Here’s how to make it work:

Double the Recipe: Double or triple the ingredients to serve more people.
Serve as a Casserole: Bake the soaked rolls in a large baking dish for an easy, crowd-friendly option.
Create a Breakfast Buffet: Set up a toppings bar with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and nuts so guests can customize their plates.
Keep It Warm: Use a slow cooker or warming tray to keep the French toast warm throughout the meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing: Place the cooled French toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 days.
Reheating in the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes or until heated.
Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick option, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become rubbery.
Freezing: Spread leftovers in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast.

H3: FAQs About Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Here are answers to the most common questions about making and enjoying this dish:

1. Can I substitute Hawaiian rolls with another type of bread?

Yes! Brioche, challah, or cinnamon rolls work well, but Hawaiian rolls’ sweetness and fluffy texture make them ideal for French toast.

2. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Avoid over-soaking the rolls in the custard mixture. Dip them for 20–30 seconds, ensuring they’re coated but not saturated. Cooking on medium heat also helps achieve a crispy exterior without a soggy interior.

3. Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! Prepare the custard mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Soak the rolls in the morning for an easy, quick breakfast. Cooked French toast can also be frozen and reheated in the oven.

4. What are the best toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Classic options include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. For a tropical twist, try coconut flakes or pineapple.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

Dairy-free: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-free: Opt for gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls or bread.

6. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange soaked rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Refrain from microwaving, as it may result in rubbery toast.

8. How long does Hawaiian Roll French Toast last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat—sweet, fluffy, and effortless in just 20 minutes. With its perfect blend of buttery Hawaiian rolls, warm cinnamon, and rich custard, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to festive holiday brunches. Whether serving it with classic maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream, this recipe will become a family favourite.

Ready to make the most leisurely and most delicious breakfast ever? Try this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe, and let us know how it turns out in the comments or on social media! Enjoy!