Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Breakfast

If you’re looking to elevate your French toast game, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is the perfect way to do it. By using soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls, you’ll create a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also rich in flavor. The sweet rolls soak up the custard batter beautifully, resulting in French toast that’s soft, fluffy, and golden brown with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Roll French Toast

This recipe isn’t just another French toast option—it’s a fun, festive twist on the traditional dish. Here’s why you should try it:

A Unique Flavor : The Hawaiian rolls bring an extra layer of sweetness to the French toast, making it more flavorful and exciting than your typical breakfast treat.
Easy to Make : Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is incredibly simple to follow. With basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have no trouble whipping it up.
Perfect for Any Occasion : Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for the holidays, or just want to treat your family to something special, this dish is perfect for sharing.
Versatile Toppings : One of the best things about this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how versatile it is. You can top it with anything from fresh fruit to whipped cream, or even chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful dish. Keep in mind that the ingredients are simple, but the result is spectacular:

Eggs: Large eggs work best for creating a smooth, rich custard.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture, but feel free to substitute with dairy-free options like almond or oat milk.
Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a nice spiced depth.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the custard.
Nutmeg: A small pinch adds a subtle warmth to the mix.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for frying the French toast to golden perfection.
Hawaiian Rolls: King’s Hawaiian rolls are my go-to, thanks to their sweetness and soft texture.
Optional Toppings: Powdered sugar for dusting, and maple syrup for drizzling.

Variations to Try

Want to customize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Here are a few ideas to give it your personal touch:

Fruity Twist: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas to the top for a fruity burst.
Chocolate Delight: Stir chocolate chips into the custard or drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the French toast for a little crunch.
Spiced Up: Experiment by adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the custard for a spicier flavor.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients ready, here’s how to bring this delicious recipe to life.

Step 1: Make the Custard Batter

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined before dipping the rolls.

Step 2: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, brush it with a little butter to prevent sticking. Dip each half of the Hawaiian roll into the custard batter, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the rolls onto the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the rolls are cooked, serve them immediately. You can sprinkle powdered sugar over the top and drizzle with maple syrup if you like. Keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the remaining rolls.

Tips for Perfect French Toast

To make sure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Preheat Evenly: Ensure your griddle or skillet is evenly heated before you start cooking. This helps prevent uneven cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece enough space so it can cook properly. Overcrowding can result in soggy French toast.
Keep It Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the finished French toast warm by placing it in the oven on a low heat while you finish the rest.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

While this French toast is fantastic on its own, you can also serve it with a variety of sides and toppings to make it even more special.

1. Breakfast or Brunch

Serve it alongside bacon, sausage, or a refreshing fruit salad for a full breakfast or brunch experience.

2. Dessert

Why not indulge a little? Top your French toast with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to transform it into a decadent dessert.

3. Party Food

For a fun twist, cut the French toast into bite-sized pieces and serve them as finger foods or appetizers at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Need to prep ahead of time? Here’s how you can make things easier for yourself.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the custard batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply dip the rolls and cook them.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover French toast, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a toaster oven, conventional oven, or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes well! You can freeze cooked French toast for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

While I love using Hawaiian rolls for their sweetness, you can definitely try other types of bread, like brioche or challah, for a similar rich texture.

2. Can I make this French toast without eggs?

You could try using a vegan egg substitute, but I haven’t personally tested this variation. Let me know how it goes if you try it!

3. Can I freeze this Hawaiian Roll French toast?

Yes, cooked French toast freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it properly and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Now that you know how to make this sweet and savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, a casual weekend breakfast, or just looking for something a little different, this recipe will become a new favorite.

Ready to make your own? Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and let the warm, delicious aroma fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—everyone will love it!