There’s something truly magical about breakfast—those quiet, cozy moments in the morning when the world still feels soft and unhurried. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate indulgence for mornings like these. Sweet, pillowy, and beautifully caramelized, it’s a dish that combines simplicity with a touch of decadence. The soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls are transformed into golden-brown bites of heaven, soaked in a rich custard and topped with your favorite fixings. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
PrintHawaiian Roll French Toast: A Sweet Breakfast Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until fully combined. This creates the base of your custard. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy, with the spices evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Take the King’s Hawaiian Rolls and, using a toothpick or skewer, poke several small holes in the bottoms of each roll. This step is crucial as it allows the custard to soak into the bread, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Be careful not to poke too many holes or too deep—just enough to let the custard seep in without oversaturating the rolls.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture. Let each roll soak for about 30 seconds, turning them to ensure all sides are evenly coated. Avoid soaking them for too long, as this can make the rolls soggy and difficult to handle. You want them to absorb just enough custard to become flavorful without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook the Rolls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the soaked rolls to the pan. Cook them for 30 to 60 seconds per side, using a spatula to carefully turn them. Be sure to brown all sides evenly for the best texture and appearance. The rolls should be golden brown with a slight crispiness on the edges.
Repeat this process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Keep an eye on the heat—medium-low is ideal to cook the rolls through without burning them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the cooked rolls on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Don’t Over-Soak: While it’s tempting to let the rolls sit in the custard longer, doing so can make them too soggy. Stick to about 30 seconds per roll.
- Use the Right Heat: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the rolls cook through evenly without burning. Too high, and the exterior will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
- Serve Immediately: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, while the rolls are still warm and crispy.
- Experiment with Toppings: While powdered sugar and maple syrup are classics, feel free to get creative. Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
French toast is a beloved classic, but using Hawaiian rolls takes it to a whole new level. Their natural sweetness and fluffy texture make them the perfect base for soaking up a luscious custard mixture. Plus, their convenient size makes serving a breeze—no slicing required! This dish is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert. It’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again.
What Makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast Special?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast has everything you want in a breakfast dish. First, there’s the unparalleled flavor of King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Slightly sweet with a hint of buttery richness, these rolls are a match made in heaven for the cinnamon-vanilla custard. Then there’s the texture: crisp and golden on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. Each bite is a symphony of sweet and savory, perfect for pairing with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Beyond its flavor and texture, this recipe shines for its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that feels gourmet without the effort. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can dress it up or down depending on your mood or the occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a lazy Sunday morning, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is always a hit.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sweet and satisfying dish:
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (optional, for serving)
These ingredients come together to create a custard that’s both rich and aromatic. The vanilla and cinnamon add warmth, while the brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the rolls. Half-and-half gives the custard a creamy texture, though you can use whole milk if that’s what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until fully combined. This creates the base of your custard. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy, with the spices evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
Take the King’s Hawaiian Rolls and, using a toothpick or skewer, poke several small holes in the bottoms of each roll. This step is crucial as it allows the custard to soak into the bread, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Be careful not to poke too many holes or too deep—just enough to let the custard seep in without oversaturating the rolls.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture. Let each roll soak for about 30 seconds, turning them to ensure all sides are evenly coated. Avoid soaking them for too long, as this can make the rolls soggy and difficult to handle. You want them to absorb just enough custard to become flavorful without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook the Rolls
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the soaked rolls to the pan. Cook them for 30 to 60 seconds per side, using a spatula to carefully turn them. Be sure to brown all sides evenly for the best texture and appearance. The rolls should be golden brown with a slight crispiness on the edges.
Repeat this process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Keep an eye on the heat—medium-low is ideal to cook the rolls through without burning them.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the cooked rolls on a serving platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Flavors and Textures
The flavor of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a harmonious blend of sweet, warm, and buttery notes. The cinnamon and vanilla bring a cozy, aromatic depth to the dish, while the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness. The Hawaiian rolls themselves contribute a subtle tropical essence, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
As for texture, the contrast is delightful. The exterior is crisp and golden, thanks to the buttery skillet cooking, while the inside remains soft and custard-like. It’s this balance that makes each bite so satisfying. The rolls practically melt in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Soak: While it’s tempting to let the rolls sit in the custard longer, doing so can make them too soggy. Stick to about 30 seconds per roll.
- Use the Right Heat: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the rolls cook through evenly without burning. Too high, and the exterior will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
- Serve Immediately: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, while the rolls are still warm and crispy.
- Experiment with Toppings: While powdered sugar and maple syrup are classics, feel free to get creative. Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.
Variations to Try
- Stuffed French Toast: Slice the rolls in half and fill them with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before dipping them in the custard.
- Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and add herbs, garlic powder, and grated cheese to the custard. Serve with avocado and smoked salmon for a savory breakfast.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk, a flaxseed egg substitute, and vegan butter to create a dairy-free version of this dish.
- Spiced Custard: For a fall-inspired twist, add a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves to the custard mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is versatile enough to shine on its own or as part of a larger spread. Pair it with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait. If you’re feeling indulgent, turn it into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s warm, sweet, and satisfying—the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or a special dessert, this dish is sure to impress. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again. So grab a pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is memorable.