Hawaiian Roll French Toast (Soft, Sweet, and Perfect for Brunch!)

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!

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

1. Prepare the Custard:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I prepare the Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?

  Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Also, you can cook the French toast and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to regain the crispy exterior. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked French toast for up to a month.

  What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls in this French toast recipe?

  You can substitute Hawaiian rolls with brioche, challah, or regular dinner rolls. Brioche and challah will offer a similar rich, buttery flavor, while dinner rolls will be a more neutral base. You can also use slightly stale rolls for better custard absorption. The substitution ratio is 1:1, using the same number of rolls as the original recipe.

  How do I know when the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfectly cooked?

  The French toast is perfectly cooked when it’s golden brown and crisp on the outside, and the inside is soft and custardy. Look for a color change from a pale yellow to a deep golden hue. The cooking time is approximately 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat. Use a spatula to gently press on the toast to ensure it springs back slightly.

  Can I double or scale up this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe for a larger crowd?

  Yes, you can easily double or scale up the recipe. When doubling, use a larger bowl for the custard and a larger skillet or griddle. You may need to cook the French toast in batches. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as the rolls may take a bit longer to cook when the skillet is crowded. Consider using two skillets to speed up the process.

  What are the nutritional highlights of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

  This French toast provides carbohydrates from the rolls, protein from the eggs, and some healthy fats from the milk and butter. The eggs are a good source of choline and Vitamin D. The milk contributes calcium and other essential nutrients. Adding fresh fruit toppings will increase the vitamin and fiber content, making it a more balanced meal.