Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Best Sweet Brunch Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 large Eggs (Provides structure and richness; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.); 1 cup Milk (Adds moisture; use whole, low-fat, or non-dairy alternatives.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor; pure preferred.); 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Adds warmth; optional.); 1 pinch Salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 dash Nutmeg (Use sparingly.); 1-2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Creates a golden crisp.); 6 rolls Hawaiian Rolls (Star ingredient; recommended to use King's Hawaiian sweet rolls.); 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (For sweetness and visuals.); 1 cup Maple Syrup (Traditional syrup for serving.)

Spread the love

As I wandered through the vibrant aisles of my local grocery store, a colorful package caught my eye: fluffy Hawaiian rolls. It sparked a memory of sun-kissed brunches filled with laughter and sweet flavors. That’s when the idea hit me: why not transform these delightful rolls into a Hawaiian Roll French Toast? This easy recipe is not only a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but it also takes mere minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weekends. With a luscious, custardy texture that both kids and adults adore, this dish elevates your brunch game without the fuss of traditional methods. So, are you ready to turn your ordinary breakfast into a sweet slice of paradise? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls meets a rich custard, making every bite a heavenly experience.

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, ideal for those busy weekend mornings when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love getting involved, from dipping the rolls to topping their creations with powdered sugar and maple syrup—plus, it keeps them coming back for more!

Versatile Toppings: Elevate your brunch by experimenting with fresh fruits or whipped cream, or try a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for seasonal flair, similar to ideas in our California Roll Cucumber Salad.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep your egg mixture in advance and refrigerate overnight, ensuring a fast and easy assembly in the morning.

Cultural Appeal: The unique twist of using Hawaiian rolls sets this dish apart from regular French toast, bringing a taste of paradise to your table.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

• Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious brunch staple!

For the Custard Mixture

Large Eggs – Provides structure and richness; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
Milk – Adds moisture and creaminess; use whole, low-fat, or any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; pure vanilla is preferred, but imitation works in a pinch.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and complexity; optional based on taste preference.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Nutmeg – Offers a subtle aromatic flavor; use sparingly to avoid overpowering.

For Cooking

Unsalted Butter – Creates a golden crisp on the French toast; replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Hawaiian Rolls – The star ingredient for sweetness and soft texture; King's Hawaiian sweet rolls are highly recommended.

Optional Garnish

Confectioners’ Sugar – Add for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Maple Syrup – Traditional syrup for serving; honey or agave are great alternatives.

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is bound to be a hit that turns any breakfast or brunch into a delightful experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a deep bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nutmeg until smooth. Ensure the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy—this will create that rich custard needed for the Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Set the bowl aside for a moment while you preheat your cooking surface.

Step 2: Heat the Griddle or Skillet
Place a griddle or large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm up for about 3-5 minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet, swirling it around to coat the surface evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter is melted and bubbling but not browned, creating the perfect cooking environment for your French toast.

Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice them in half. Dip each half into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for about 15 seconds on each side. Make sure they're fully saturated but not overly soggy—this ensures that your Hawaiian Roll French Toast has a delightful custardy center while still holding its shape.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Carefully place the soaked Hawaiian roll halves on the heated griddle, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. It's essential to keep an eye on them; you want the exterior to be crispy while the interior remains soft and fluffy. The enticing aroma will soon fill your kitchen, making it feel like a Hawaiian paradise!

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking
Once the first side is golden, gently flip the rolls using a spatula. Cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes until it matches the perfect golden-brown hue. Ensure both sides are evenly cooked, creating that irresistible texture that makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast such a hit at brunch.

Step 6: Keep Warm While Cooking Remaining Rolls
As you finish cooking each batch, transfer the cooked rolls to a plate and cover them lightly with foil to keep them warm. This step is crucial for maintaining the fluffiness and ensuring your Hawaiian Roll French Toast remains toasty as you prepare the rest of the batch.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once all the rolls are cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a sweet touch and drizzle with maple syrup for that classic finishing flavor. Feel free to add fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra special brunch experience that everyone will love!

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Start your delightful brunch on a high note by adding these delicious pairings to your Hawaiian Roll French Toast!

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of crispy bacon creates a perfect contrast to the sweet French toast, enhancing your brunch experience.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offer a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the rich custard beautifully.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an indulgent touch, making each bite feel like a special treat perfect for celebrations.

Additionally, consider pairing with a brunch cocktail.

Mimosas: This classic sweet and citrusy drink adds a festive feel, perfectly balancing the flavors of your brunch spread.

For a savory option:

Sautéed Spinach: Lightly seasoned sautéed spinach offers a healthy side, bringing a vibrant green to your plate that balances richness.

Lastly, don’t forget dessert!

Cinnamon Roll Casserole: If you’re in the mood for something sweet, a cinnamon roll casserole can harmonize the flavors while adding a delightful, gooey twist to your brunch table.

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Perfect Soaking Time: Aim for 15 seconds per side when soaking the Hawaiian rolls. Too long can make them soggy, while too short may leave them dry.
Monitor Heat Levels: Keep your griddle at a steady medium heat. If it’s too hot, the exterior will burn while the inside stays undercooked.
Batch Cooking: Cook the Hawaiian Roll French Toast in small batches for more even browning. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the temperature and affect cooking.
Garnish Effectively: Dust with confectioners’ sugar right before serving for visual appeal. Serve with syrup on the side to prevent sogginess.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices—adding a pinch of cardamom or swapping cinnamon for pumpkin spice can bring new dimensions to your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate. Just soak and cook in the morning for an effortless brunch!

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, if you have leftover cooked French toast, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To maintain quality, allow the cooked rolls to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing in a single layer. When ready to serve, reheat the slices in a preheated skillet or toaster oven until warm and crispy, and you'll enjoy delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast with minimal morning fuss!

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Room Temperature: Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast fresh for the best flavor. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure optimal taste and safety.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in the microwave or on a skillet to restore warmth.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm it up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or use the microwave—deliciousness await!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations

Feel free to add your own twist to this delightful dish and take your brunch experience up a notch!

Dairy-Free: Swap milk for almond or oat milk to make a creamy, vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor. Coconut milk adds a tropical flair too!
Seasonal Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a cozy, autumn-inspired version that warms the soul.
Fresh Fruit Topper: Elevate your Hawaiian Roll French Toast by topping it with mixed berries or sliced bananas for a burst of refreshing flavors.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the egg mixture or sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
Lemon Zest Twist: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into your custard mixture for a bright, zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
Casserole Style: For a crowd-pleasing option, layer soaked rolls in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes—just like my other popular brunch recipes!
Gourmet Toppings: Drizzle with a caramel sauce or chocolate syrup to indulge in a decadent version that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Spicy Kick: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of Sriracha to the maple syrup for a surprising dash of heat that enhances the sweetness.

Exploring these variations not only brings unique flavors but also personal touches to your meal—a true expression of love in home cooking!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting Hawaiian rolls?
When choosing Hawaiian rolls, opt for those that are fluffy and fresh. Look for packages without any dark spots or visible mold. The sweetness and texture of the rolls are key to achieving that delicious French toast. I personally recommend King's Hawaiian sweet rolls for the best flavor, but any brand will work beautifully!

How should I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for maximum freshness. Just pop them in the microwave or skillet to reheat. This way, you'll still get that delightful texture and flavor that makes this dish so special!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave!

What common issues might I encounter while making Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
If you find your French toast is soggy, it may be due to soaking the rolls for too long. Aim for about 15 seconds per side to ensure they stay custardy without becoming overly soggy. Alternatively, if it's dry, simply soak a little longer next time. Also, make sure your skillet is at a steady medium heat for even cooking.

Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for a vegan diet?
You can certainly adapt this recipe! Substitute the large eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), and use your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond or oat. These swaps will still allow you to enjoy a fluffy and delicious version of the classic Hawaiian Roll French Toast!