If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both irresistibly sweet and comforting, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the iconic soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls transformed into golden, custardy French toast bites that melt in your mouth with every bite. This dish is a delightful twist on classic French toast, turning simple rolls into a luxurious breakfast or brunch treat that’s perfect for sharing, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a cozy morning. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that packs a punch of flavor and texture, making mornings extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The combination ensures your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe comes out tender on the inside, golden and slightly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully flavorful throughout.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12-pack): The sweet, soft rolls are the star here, offering a tender crumb that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Eggs (3 large): Essential binding agents that create the rich custard base coating each roll.
- Half and half or whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Provides a warm, fragrant sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with a cozy spice that complements the rolls’ natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a caramel-like richness and a touch of extra sweetness to the custard.
- Salt (pinch): Perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Butter (4 tablespoons for cooking): Creates that golden, crispy exterior and adds depth of flavor when frying the rolls.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking those eggs into a large bowl and whisking them together with your half and half or milk. This creates a silky base that will soak into the rolls and give them that luscious custard texture. Then add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to bring warmth, sweetness, and a subtle complexity to the mixture. Whisk everything until fully combined and beautifully fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls for Soaking
Next, gently poke holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian Roll with a toothpick. This little trick helps the custard soak into the rolls evenly without making them soggy on the surface. It’s like giving your bread a secret portal to soak up all that delicious custard goodness, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls in Custard
Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds. Be mindful not to oversoak, as the sweet rolls can become too soft and hard to handle. You want enough custard to saturate the inside while keeping the outside just damp enough for frying. This step is where the magic happens because the rolls literally soak up all the creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown Perfection
Now heat your butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. When melted and bubbling, place the soaked rolls carefully in the skillet. Cook them for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, flipping gently with a spatula. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown, boasting a slight crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
The best part is almost here! Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm straight from the pan, topped with your favorite finishing touches. Dust them with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, or drizzle with warm maple syrup for an extra special breakfast or brunch experience. These little bites of heaven are sure to bring smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
While the French toast bites shine on their own, the right garnishes can take things over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet, snowy finish, while fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas bring bright color and fresh fruity notes. For an indulgent touch, consider a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of whipped cream to make every bite feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage offers a savory contrast to the sweet rolls, while a simple green salad or fresh fruit salad keeps things light and refreshing. If you want to keep it classic, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or rich coffee is always a win.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the French toast bites on a platter with small bowls of different syrups, nut butters, and fresh fruit for dipping and decorating. You could also thread them onto skewers for handheld French toast kabobs—perfect for brunch parties or family gatherings. Playing with presentation makes this recipe even more festive and fun to share!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the soft Hawaiian rolls may lose some of their crispness, but the flavor will still be delightful. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
For better longevity, freeze leftover French toast bites individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a resealable freezer bag. This method prevents sticking and lets you grab a quick breakfast whenever you want. Frozen properly, they should keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the French toast bites into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them rubbery. Reheating this way helps recapture that perfect golden crust and fluffy interior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls for this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls are ideal for their signature sweetness and texture, you can experiment with any soft, sweet rolls you like. Just keep in mind that less sweet or dense rolls may change the flavor and custard absorption.
What can I substitute if I don’t have half and half?
Whole milk works beautifully as a substitute for half and half, and it will still give you a creamy custard base. For a richer taste, you can mix whole milk with a bit of cream or even use evaporated milk.
How long can I soak the rolls in the custard?
About 30 seconds per roll is perfect. Soaking longer might cause the rolls to become too soggy and difficult to handle, which could result in a messy cooking experience. Quick and gentle soaking is key to amazing texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. Substituting butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter will keep that great cooking fat element.
What toppings do you recommend for kids?
Kiddos often love simple sweet toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh fruit like banana slices or strawberries can add fun colors and natural sweetness kids will enjoy too.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe enough for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast routine. It combines the nostalgic charm of Hawaiian rolls with the rich, comforting delight of French toast in a way that’s easy, fun, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, these little golden bites are sure to become a favorite. So grab those rolls and dive in—you’re about to make your mornings so much happier!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. Coated in a rich custard of eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar, these mini French toasts are pan-fried to a golden brown and perfect for serving warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
French Toast Custard
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half and half until well combined. Stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Prep the rolls: Using a toothpick, poke holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian Roll to help the custard soak in evenly. Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring they are thoroughly coated but not soggy.
- Cook the French toast rolls: Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Serve: Remove from skillet and serve warm. Optionally, top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup to enhance flavor.
Notes
- Using King’s Hawaiian Rolls adds a sweet, soft texture that complements the custard well.
- Do not soak the rolls too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning.
- Try serving with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture retention.
