Say goodbye to ordinary French toast and hello to this Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, custardy mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection—it’s the ultimate indulgent breakfast. With a touch of sweetness from the rolls and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon in the batter, this recipe takes French toast to the next level. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, these little bites will wow your family and friends!
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Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Soft and Fluffy: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard perfectly, making each bite soft and tender.
- Slightly Sweet: The natural sweetness from the rolls adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Easy to Make: A quick and simple recipe that’s ready in no time.
- Perfect for Brunch: Great for a special breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert.
- Customizable: Top it with syrup, fruits, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or any milk of choice)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Directions
- Prepare the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. - Soak the Rolls:
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping the tops and bottoms together. Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 10-15 seconds. Make sure the rolls are fully coated but not overly soggy. - Cook the French Toast:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed. - Serve:
Transfer the French toast rolls to a serving platter. Top with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just stir it well before using.
- Add More Flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg into the custard for an extra warm, spiced flavor.
- Use Stale Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard better, resulting in a more flavorful French toast.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! You can use brioche, challah, or regular dinner rolls if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and a plant-based butter alternative.
How do I keep the French toast warm?
Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet and keep it in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
No problem! You can leave it out or replace it with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Freeze the cooked French toast in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster oven or microwave when ready to eat.
Tips and Notes
- My Tip: For extra indulgence, serve with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
- Pro Trick: Lightly toast the rolls before soaking them in the egg mixture—this helps them hold their shape better.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with bacon or sausage and fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
Variations
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese or Nutella between the tops and bottoms of the rolls before soaking them in the custard.
- Coconut French Toast: Use coconut milk in the custard and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add a drizzle of cream cheese icing for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat.
- Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and serve with crispy bacon and eggs for a savory option.
- French Toast Bites: Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces before cooking for fun, dippable snacks.
