If you’re longing for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a tropical getaway, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect dish to brighten your morning. Using those delectably soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls instead of traditional bread, this recipe transforms an everyday staple into a luscious, custardy delight. From the moment the buttery, cinnamon-scented aroma fills your kitchen to the first melt-in-your-mouth bite, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast will become your go-to recipe for easy weekend brunches or cozy mornings any day of the week.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe asks for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the fluffy sweetness of Hawaiian rolls to the rich custard blend, every component brings something special to the table.

King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Their soft, sweet nature makes the perfect base for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Large eggs: Essential for creating the rich, creamy custard that envelops the rolls.
Half and half or whole milk: Adds a silky texture and richness; half and half makes it extra decadent.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the custard’s flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic French toast spice with subtle earthiness.
Brown sugar: Adds a caramel sweetness that enhances the rolls’ natural sugar.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Butter: For cooking, it gives the French toast a golden, crispy crust and rich taste.
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup: Optional but highly recommended garnishes to elevate your Hawaiian Roll French Toast experience.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together the eggs and half and half (or whole milk) in a large bowl until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This custard blend is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, imparting that luscious creaminess and warm spice with every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls for Soaking

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This simple step helps the custard soak in better, allowing the soft bread to become saturated yet hold its shape without becoming soggy or falling apart.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each roll into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 30 seconds while turning to coat all sides evenly. Keep a close eye—too much soaking can cause the rolls to become overly soggy, so timing here is key to achieving that perfect custard-soaked interior with a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls onto the pan and cook for 30 to 60 seconds per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Turn them gently using a spatula to crisp all sides without losing their shape. The butter caramelizes the sugars in the rolls, creating a crust that’s both crunchy and sweet.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Powdered sugar dusted lightly on top adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Fresh fruit such as berries or banana slices bring brightness and a natural tang that beautifully contrasts with the rich custard. And of course, a generous drizzle of maple syrup seals the deal, adding that classic French toast indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pairing this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory. If you want to keep things on the lighter side, a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Yogurt with granola on the side is another wonderful option for added texture and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the French toast rolls in half to make mini sliders paired with cream cheese and fruit preserves. Or layer them in a parfait-style dish with whipped cream and fresh berries for a visually stunning brunch centerpiece. This versatile dish invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed will help maintain the texture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

These French toast rolls freeze beautifully. Place cooled rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture—a great way to enjoy them anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, toast the rolls in a toaster oven or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that coveted crispy exterior intact. Reheating this way preserves the magic of freshly made Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While traditional bread works for French toast, Hawaiian rolls bring a unique soft sweetness and fluffy texture that makes this recipe special. Using regular bread will give you a different but still delicious result.

Should I remove the rolls’ crust before soaking?

There’s no need to remove the crust since the rolls are already soft, and the crust adds a bit of structure to hold the custard well during cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the half and half for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute when cooking to keep it vegan-friendly and just as tasty.

How long should I soak the rolls in custard?

About 30 seconds is ideal for each side. Soaking too long can cause the rolls to become too soggy and difficult to handle during cooking.

What toppings work best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts all make excellent toppings. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for your perfect bite.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll wonder how you ever made French toast without the sweet, soft rolls that turn this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s simple, quick, and utterly comforting. Whether for a special brunch or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers pure joy on a plate. Go ahead, give it a whirl and let those fluffy rolls soak you up with warm, gooey happiness!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on traditional French toast using soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls. This recipe features a rich custard soak flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, creating a perfectly golden and crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy inside. Served warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup, it’s an indulgent breakfast treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half or whole milk until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until the mixture is evenly incorporated.
Poke holes in the rolls: Use a toothpick or skewer to carefully poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This allows the custard mixture to soak into the bread more effectively without making it soggy.
Soak the rolls: Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 30 seconds. Turn the rolls to coat all sides evenly but avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
Cook the rolls: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet and cook each side for 30 to 60 seconds, or until golden brown. Carefully turn the rolls with a spatula to crisp all sides evenly.
Serve: Remove the cooked Hawaiian roll French toast from the skillet and serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup as desired for a delicious finish.

Notes

Do not soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.
Use medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning.
You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter option, but half and half yields richer custard.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard mix.
Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American