Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon Hawaiian rolls in the grocery store. Their soft, fluffy texture and unmistakably sweet aroma called to me like a siren song. One lazy Sunday morning, craving a breakfast twist that was both comforting and exciting, I decided to experiment: what if I used these sweet rolls as the base for French toast instead of the usual sliced bread?
The result? Pure breakfast magic.
The Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe was an instant hit at my kitchen table. The rolls soaked up the custard perfectly, their natural sweetness complemented by a golden crisp outside and custardy inside. Every bite was a harmonious blend of fluffy, sweet, and lightly spiced flavors. Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for brunches, special occasions, or even a cozy weekday treat.
Today, I’m excited to share my Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe with you — a recipe that is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a breakfast newbie, this recipe will elevate your mornings with minimal fuss. Let’s dive in!
Do you want more recipes?
The Best Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably have on hand.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian rolls | 8 to 12 rolls | Use fresh or slightly day-old rolls |
| Eggs | 4 large | The custard base for soaking |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups | Whole milk or half-and-half works best |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds warm flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Classic French toast spice |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Optional, adds subtle warmth |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp | Slight sweetness in custard |
| Salt | A pinch | Balances flavors |
| Butter | For frying | Use unsalted for best control |
| Maple syrup or honey | For serving | Classic sweet topping |
| Powdered sugar | Optional, for dusting | Adds visual appeal and sweetness |
How to Prepare: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), sugar, and salt until fully combined. The custard should be smooth and fragrant.
Tip: For an extra rich custard, substitute half the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally into halves. You can also use the rolls whole for mini French toast bites, but slicing them makes flipping easier and creates a more traditional French toast feel.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip each sliced roll half into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20–30 seconds on each side, ensuring the bread absorbs the custard but does not become too soggy.
Tip: If your rolls are very fresh and soft, soak for a shorter time to prevent falling apart. For slightly stale rolls, longer soaking helps with custard absorption.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous amount of butter to coat the surface and allow it to melt until it bubbles but doesn’t brown.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked rolls on the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown on the bottom—about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Repeat
Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the remaining rolls.
How to Serve
The beauty of Hawaiian roll French toast is its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
Classic Style
Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Tropical Flair
Top with sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey or pineapple syrup for a taste of the islands.
Savory Twist
Spread cream cheese between the halves before dipping in custard for a creamy surprise. Pair with crispy bacon or ham on the side.
Nutty and Crunchy
Add chopped pecans or walnuts either sprinkled on top or inside the sandwich before dipping.
Whipped Cream and Chocolate
Top with freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or Nutella for an indulgent treat.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Cook in coconut oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free sweet rolls or bread alternatives.
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese between two halves to create a stuffed French toast sandwich.
- Spiced Up: Add pumpkin pie spice or cardamom to the custard for seasonal twists.
- Overnight French Toast Bake: Arrange soaked rolls in a baking dish, pour custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a hassle-free brunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but fresh rolls soak up custard quickly and can become soggy. To prevent this, soak briefly or let fresh rolls sit uncovered for a few hours to firm up.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can soak the rolls in custard and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, simply cook the rolls as directed.
3. What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
You can substitute with brioche or challah bread for a similar sweet and rich French toast experience.
4. How do I keep the French toast warm while cooking?
Place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F) to keep them warm without drying out.
5. Can I freeze leftover Hawaiian roll French toast?
Yes! Let the French toast cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
6. Can I use other toppings besides syrup?
Definitely! Fresh fruit, whipped cream, nut butters, yogurt, or even savory toppings like bacon or avocado all work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is an excellent way to elevate a classic breakfast staple with minimal effort. The naturally sweet and tender Hawaiian rolls soak up the rich custard beautifully, making every bite a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weekend breakfast, a special brunch for family and friends, or a festive holiday morning treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable — from vegan to savory to stuffed variations, there’s a version for everyone.
Try this recipe out and let me know how it transforms your breakfast routine! Your mornings deserve a little sweetness and a lot of joy, and this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is the perfect place to start.