Hawaiian roll french toast
Hawaiian roll French toast is a sweet, soft twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Using those fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls makes each bite extra tender and full of flavor.…
Tip: save now, cook later.Hawaiian roll French toast is a sweet, soft twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Using those fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls makes each bite extra tender and full of flavor. When dipped in your usual egg and milk mix and cooked to golden perfection, the result is a breakfast treat that’s both familiar and just a little bit special.
I love making this for weekend mornings when there’s time to slow down and enjoy a cozy meal. The soft texture of the rolls soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart, which I think makes all the difference. A quick sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey complete the dish, making everyone smile around the table.
One fun trick I like is to toast the rolls a tiny bit before soaking them. It adds a little extra crisp on the outside while keeping that soft inside. Pair this with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a breakfast or brunch that’s impressive but totally easy to pull together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Rolls: These soft, sweet rolls are the star here. Their fluffiness soaks up the custard well without falling apart. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, brioche or challah bread work great as an alternative.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs create the custard base, and whole milk adds creaminess. For a richer texture, swap milk for half-and-half or even heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk paired with a flax egg can also work.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and warmth, while cinnamon adds a cozy hint of spice. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist.
Butter or Oil: Butter gives a lovely golden crust and flavor while cooking. If you prefer, use a neutral oil like canola or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Keep Hawaiian Roll French Toast from Getting Soggy?
The challenge is soaking the soft rolls just enough without them falling apart. Here’s my tip:
- Whisk custard well to ensure an even soak.
- Dip each roll half for 10-15 seconds per side—long enough to absorb but not too long to disintegrate.
- Cook on medium heat to get a golden crust that holds the soft inside.
- Use a spatula to gently flip, supporting the bread as it cooks.
- Make sure your pan is hot before cooking to seal the outside quickly.
Following these steps helps you get tender, custardy bread with a nice crust—just like the picture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large shallow bowl or baking dish – perfect for whisking and soaking the rolls evenly without making a mess.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast golden brown without sticking, making flipping easier.
- Spatula – helps you flip the delicate soaked rolls gently without breaking them.
- Whisk – mixes the egg and milk custard smoothly for even flavor and texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate mixing of ingredients like milk, sugar, and spices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the egg mixture for a bright, fruity twist that pairs nicely with the sweet rolls.
- Mix in a tablespoon of cream cheese between two halves before dipping to create a rich, melty surprise inside.
- Swap strawberries for bananas or blueberries as a topping to change up the fresh fruit flavor depending on season or preference.
- Sprinkle nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the custard to add cozy autumn flavors that work great year-round.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 8 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally (or use whole mini rolls if preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for cooking
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh strawberries or other fresh fruit, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick breakfast that comes together easily on a weekend or busy morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture:
Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together in a wide shallow bowl or dish until everything is well mixed.
2. Prepare Your Cooking Surface:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil to coat the surface, preventing sticking and helping to create a golden crust.
3. Soak and Cook the Rolls:
Dip each halved Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side so the bread absorbs the custard but does not become soggy. Then, place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the French toast pieces are golden brown and cooked all the way through.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate. Repeat the soaking and cooking steps with the remaining rolls, adding butter or oil to the pan as needed.
Sprinkle the French toast with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and add fresh sliced strawberries or any fruit you like on top.
Serve while warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your soft, sweet, and fluffy Hawaiian roll French toast!
Can I Use Frozen Hawaiian Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely at room temperature or in the fridge overnight before using. This helps them soak up the custard evenly without falling apart.
Can I Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast in Advance?
You can prepare and soak the rolls ahead of time, then refrigerate them covered for up to a few hours before cooking. For best texture, cook just before serving to keep it crisp outside and soft inside.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispness rather than microwaving.
What Are Good Substitutes for Hawaiian Rolls?
If Hawaiian rolls aren’t available, brioche or challah bread are excellent substitutes because of their soft, slightly sweet texture that soaks custard well.
