Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, featuring the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-infused custard and cooked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The naturally sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls make for a tender and delicious French toast.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Great for using up leftover Hawaiian rolls.
- A fun and unique take on traditional French toast that will impress your family and guests.
- Easily customizable with different toppings like fruit, syrup, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Sugar
- Butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half, keeping them intact if possible.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter.
- Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated but not overly saturated.
- Place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Add a cream cheese or Nutella filling before dipping in the custard mixture.
- Savory Version: Reduce the sugar and cinnamon and add a pinch of salt and black pepper for a savory breakfast twist.
- Coconut Flavor: Mix coconut milk into the custard and top with shredded coconut.
- Berry Delight: Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. A microwave works for quick reheating, but may make the texture slightly soggy.
FAQs
How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?
Avoid over-soaking the bread and cook it on medium heat to allow it to crisp up properly.
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but the unique sweetness and texture of Hawaiian rolls make this version extra special.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, freeze cooked French toast in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
What’s the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Top with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or even whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, almond milk or any other milk alternative works well in this recipe.
How do I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat Hawaiian rolls (if available) and reduce the sugar content in the custard.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, place the dipped rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes, brioche or challah rolls can work as substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
What toppings pair well with this dish?
Fresh berries, honey, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce make great additions.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful and easy breakfast recipe that brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to your morning routine. Whether served traditionally with syrup or customized with fun toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh and warm for the best experience!
PrintHawaiian Roll French Toast
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, thanks to the buttery goodness of King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish soaks up a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside!
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (left whole or pulled apart)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For Toppings (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Custard
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
- Place the Hawaiian rolls (whole or separated) in a shallow dish and pour the custard over them.
- Let them soak for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring they absorb the mixture without getting too soggy.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the soaked rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer to a plate and top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or coconut flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the custard the night before for quicker cooking.
- Extra Crispy: Dust the rolls with a little cinnamon sugar before cooking.
- Stuffed Version: Add cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between rolls before soaking.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
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