If you have a sweet tooth and a love for cozy breakfasts, you are going to adore this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It takes the classic comfort of French toast and elevates it with the irresistibly soft, fluffy sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. This delicious twist brings a delightful burst of tropical flavor and pillowy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe never fails to impress with its perfect balance of creamy custard and golden crispiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that luscious custard soak, delicate sweetness, and inviting aroma that make every bite unforgettable.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: These rolls are soft and sweet, giving the French toast its signature pillowy texture and tropical flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs provide the rich structure and custardy coating that soak into the rolls.
- 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess without overpowering the custard mixture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This boosts the indulgence factor, making the French toast extra rich and luscious.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adding just the right amount of sweetness to complement the rolls.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For warm, fragrant notes that elevate the entire dish.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Butter or oil for cooking: To achieve a golden, crispy exterior on each piece.
- Optional toppings – maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit: These add extra layers of flavor and freshness when serving.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is what transforms the sweet Hawaiian rolls into luscious, tender French toast. The flavors meld beautifully here, creating a rich base that soaks perfectly into the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally. Using the rolls sliced in half is key for getting that golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and dreamy. The size is also ideal for dipping and cooking evenly without falling apart.
Step 3: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. The right temperature ensures a golden crust forms without burning or drying out the French toast, which is exactly what you want for this recipe.
Step 4: Soak the Rolls
Dip each roll half into the custard, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side. You want each piece to absorb enough liquid to get that creamy interior but not so much that they become soggy and fall apart. This step is crucial to achieve the perfect texture in your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked roll halves onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning. Repeat this process with the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil as needed to keep the skillet greased.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once all the French toast pieces are cooked, serve them warm. They are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with some classic and fresh garnishes. Dusting with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness, while a drizzle of real maple syrup complements the tropical flavor beautifully. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas adds a burst of color and natural sweetness that balances the richness of the custard.
Side Dishes
For a truly satisfying meal, pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage links. The salty and smoky notes create a wonderful contrast against the sweet and tender toast. A light side of yogurt or a simple green salad can also offer a fresh, tangy balance if you prefer to keep things lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your French toast pieces and layering with cream cheese or whipped cream for a decadent twist. You can also cut the French toast into bite-sized cubes and serve them as a fondue with warm chocolate or caramel sauce. Another fun idea is to make mini sandwiches by placing a layer of fruit preserves between two toast halves—perfect for serving at brunch parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though French toast is best enjoyed on the day it’s made. Just make sure to cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
To preserve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe for longer, you can freeze the cooked pieces. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month. This is a great way to have a quick breakfast ready to heat up whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the toast soggy. A quick toast in a skillet on medium heat also works beautifully to refresh the crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are perfect for their sweetness and texture, you can use brioche or challah as great alternatives. Just remember that their texture and flavor will alter the final outcome slightly.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Soak the rolls only for a few seconds on each side to absorb the custard without oversaturating. Also, cooking on medium heat ensures the exterior crisps up nicely while the inside stays moist but not soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a plant-based butter or oil for cooking.
What toppings work best with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always wonderful. You can also get creative with fresh fruit, whipped cream, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The soft texture and sweet flavor of the Hawaiian rolls make this French toast a kid-friendly dish that can quickly become a family favorite at the breakfast table.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It turns an everyday breakfast into a special occasion with just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love. Its sweet, creamy, and lightly spiced flavors will brighten up your mornings and put a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try and savor the comforting, tropical goodness that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a deliciously golden and fluffy breakfast treat. Soaked in a rich custard mixture of eggs, cream, and spices, then pan-fried to perfection, this dish serves as a quick and comforting morning meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
French Toast Batter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Main
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half
- Butter or oil, for cooking
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Slice the rolls: Cut each Hawaiian roll horizontally in half to create a top and bottom piece, perfect for soaking and cooking.
- Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking and aid browning.
- Soak the rolls: Dip each roll half into the custard mixture, allowing it to absorb the liquid for a few seconds on both sides, ensuring each piece is evenly coated but not overly soggy.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked roll halves onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
- Repeat the process: Remove cooked pieces and continue dipping and frying the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil as needed to maintain a non-stick surface.
- Serve: Serve the warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately, topped with optional maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit for a delightful, sweet breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use a gentle soaking time for the rolls to avoid sogginess while ensuring they absorb enough custard for a fluffy texture.
- Adjust cooking temperature as necessary to cook through without burning the exterior.
- This recipe works well with other sweet bread rolls if Hawaiian rolls are not available.
- To keep cooked French toast warm, place finished pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet inside a low oven (about 200°F) until serving.
