If you love classic French toast, then you’ll absolutely adore this Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Made with the naturally sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls, this dish takes traditional French toast to a whole new level. The soft, slightly buttery texture of the rolls soaks up the rich custard mixture beautifully, creating a golden, caramelized crust while remaining irresistibly soft inside.
Perfect for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even a holiday morning treat, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Serve it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a truly delightful meal. Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this Hawaiian roll French toast is guaranteed to impress!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Uses Hawaiian Rolls – These sweet, fluffy rolls make French toast extra soft and delicious.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Perfectly Custardy – The rolls absorb the egg mixture beautifully for a rich, creamy texture.
- Great for Brunch – A unique twist on a classic that will impress your guests.
- Kid-Friendly – The natural sweetness of Hawaiian rolls makes this a hit with kids.
- Versatile – Serve with syrup, fruit, or even a sweet glaze for variety.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (cut in half)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Equipment Used
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish (for dipping rolls)
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Heat the Pan:
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. - Dip the Hawaiian Rolls:
Working in batches, dip each roll half into the custard mixture, letting them soak for a few seconds. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the French Toast:
Place the dipped rolls onto the heated skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Repeat:
Add more butter as needed and continue cooking the remaining rolls. - Serve & Enjoy:
Plate the French toast warm, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add your favorite toppings!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
These values may vary based on toppings and portion sizes.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between the rolls before dipping.
- Caramelized Version: Sprinkle some brown sugar onto the rolls while cooking for a slightly caramelized crust.
- Coconut Flavor: Add shredded coconut to the custard mixture for a tropical twist.
- Savory Style: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and serve with bacon and eggs for a sweet-savory combination.
- Baked Hawaiian French Toast: Arrange the soaked rolls in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes for an easy, hands-off version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hawaiian roll French toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can soak the rolls in the custard mixture and store them in the fridge overnight. Simply cook them in the morning for a quick breakfast.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to retain crispiness.
Can I freeze French toast?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F until warm.
What toppings go well with this recipe?
Maple syrup, honey, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce work great!
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Slightly Stale Rolls: This helps them absorb the custard without getting too soggy.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are already soft, so a quick dip in the custard is enough.
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Too high of a temperature can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
- Butter for Flavor: Adding butter to the pan gives the French toast a golden, crispy edge.
- Try a Hawaiian Syrup: Mix coconut milk with maple syrup for a delicious tropical drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Breakfast: Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
- Brunch Platter: Pair with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fruit salad.
- Dessert Twist: Top with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for a sweet treat.
- Holiday Special: Add cinnamon sugar and caramel sauce for a festive flavor.
- Tropical Vibes: Serve with coconut flakes and pineapple chunks for a Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast : Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible!
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish (for dipping rolls)
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls cut in half
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Heat the Pan:
- Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip the Hawaiian Rolls:
- Working in batches, dip each roll half into the custard mixture, letting them soak for a few seconds. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the French Toast:
- Place the dipped rolls onto the heated skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Repeat:
- Add more butter as needed and continue cooking the remaining rolls.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Plate the French toast warm, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add your favorite toppings!
Notes
Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are already soft, so a quick dip in the custard is enough.
Cook Over Medium Heat: Too high of a temperature can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.