There’s something magical about the combination of soft, sweet bread and creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard. And when you swap regular bread for Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you take French toast to a whole new level. These little rolls soak up all the rich, vanilla-infused goodness and cook to golden perfection, creating pillowy bites with a slightly crispy edge. It’s a breakfast dream come true!
This recipe for Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfect for lazy weekend brunches, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or even a weekday treat to brighten your morning. It’s easy, indulgent, and totally customizable. Whether you top it with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit, this dish is guaranteed to earn you rave reviews.
I first discovered this idea during a family brunch when I wanted something a little extra special but still simple enough to whip up quickly. I spotted a package of King’s Hawaiian Rolls in my pantry and thought, “Why not?” The result was so good that everyone asked for seconds (and thirds). Now it’s a go-to recipe in my house, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this recipe, and here are just a few:
- Super Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires no fancy skills.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or guests, this dish is a hit every single time. It’s sweet, satisfying, and just plain fun to eat.
- The Perfect Texture: Hawaiian rolls are naturally soft and fluffy, so they create the most incredible texture when dipped in custard and cooked.
- Customizable: You can make this recipe your own by adding fillings, swapping toppings, or even serving it with savory sides like turkey bacon or scrambled eggs.
Imagine biting into a warm, buttery roll that’s golden on the outside and soft on the inside, with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar in every bite. It’s breakfast heaven!
How Much Time Will You Need?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the time you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
This recipe serves about 4–6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is (and trust me, they’ll want seconds). Each serving is around 300 calories, but that number will vary based on your toppings.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go over the ingredients. These are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need!
- Hawaiian Rolls: One 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Their sweetness and softness are the star of this dish.
- Eggs: Three large eggs to create the custard base.
- Half and Half or Whole Milk: ¾ cup of liquid for richness. You can use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Vanilla Extract: One tablespoon for a warm, sweet flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: One teaspoon to add a cozy spice note.
- Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons for a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
- Butter: Four tablespoons for cooking the rolls and giving them that irresistible buttery crust.
- Toppings: Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup are classic, but feel free to get creative!
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Hawaiian Roll French Toast is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering breakfast on the table in no time!
1. Prepare the Custard
Start by making the custard mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half (or milk) until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until everything is well combined. The custard should smell amazing at this point—sweet, cinnamon-y, and comforting.
2. Prep the Rolls
Take your Hawaiian rolls and use a toothpick or skewer to poke a few holes in the bottom of each roll. This little trick helps the custard soak into the bread more evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can slice the rolls halfway open and stuff them with cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fruit for a fun surprise.
3. Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Be careful not to over-soak them—Hawaiian rolls are already soft, and you don’t want them to fall apart.
4. Cook the Rolls
Heat two tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the soaked rolls to the pan. Cook each roll for 30–60 seconds per side, turning to get all the edges golden brown. The key here is to use medium-low heat so the inside cooks through without the outside burning. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving plate and keep them warm while you finish the rest. When you’re ready to serve, dust the rolls with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. You can even add whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for Success
To help you nail this recipe every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are already soft, so a quick dip in the custard is all they need. Over-soaking can make them soggy.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Patience is key when cooking French toast. Lower heat ensures the rolls cook evenly without burning.
- Customize Your Toppings: The sky’s the limit! Try peanut butter and bananas, Nutella and strawberries, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Prep Ahead for Brunch: If you’re serving this for a crowd, you can soak the rolls in advance and cook them just before serving.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This recipe is versatile and works well with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
- Classic Breakfast Plate: Pair the French toast with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, or chicken bacon for a complete meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Serve with buttered noodles or fresh fruit for a sweet and simple option.
- Brunch Buffet: Arrange the rolls on a platter with a selection of toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips, so everyone can customize their own.
Fun Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Stuffed French Toast: Before soaking, slice the rolls and fill them with cream cheese, jam, or chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Custard: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the custard for seasonal flair.
- Savory Option: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and instead add grated cheese and herbs to the custard for a savory version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls to make this dish friendly for those with dietary restrictions.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely), here’s how to store and reheat your Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
- Storage: Place the cooked rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Arrange the rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, pop the rolls in a 350°F oven or an air fryer until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, but Hawaiian rolls give the best texture and flavor for this recipe. Brioche or challah are good substitutes.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk or oat milk, and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
No worries! You can skip it or use another spice like nutmeg or allspice.
Can I freeze uncooked rolls?
It’s better to cook them first and then freeze. The custard-soaked bread doesn’t freeze well uncooked.
Ready to Make Breakfast Magic?
There you have it—Hawaiian Roll French Toast, your new favorite breakfast dish! This recipe is so simple yet so special, and I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy morning or impressing guests at brunch, this dish is a winner.
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, share your tips, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. Let’s spread the French toast love!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Sweet and Fluffy Morning Treat
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a quick and delicious breakfast that turns soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into golden, cinnamon-spiced perfection. This easy recipe is great for busy mornings, indulgent brunches, or even dessert. Top it with powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh fruit, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Poke holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll to help absorb the custard.
- Dip each roll into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 30 seconds.
- Heat butter in a skillet and cook the rolls on medium-low heat until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup, and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Don’t over-soak the rolls to avoid them falling apart.
- Use medium-low heat to ensure even cooking.
- Add cream cheese or chocolate filling for a fun twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American