If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy breakfast that feels both playful and indulgent, look no further than Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine everything you love about classic French toast, but upgraded with pillowy, sweet Hawaiian rolls—each bite so perfectly golden and custardy that you’ll wonder why you ever settled for regular bread. This is the kind of dish you whip up for lazy weekend brunches, special occasions, or anytime you want breakfast that tastes as good as it makes you feel.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a few familiar ingredients join forces to create such an irresistible morning treat. Each ingredient in this list has a delicious purpose, working together to produce that signature, melt-in-your-mouth Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Here’s what you’ll need and why it counts:

Eggs: The backbone of your custard base, eggs add richness and help crisp up the edges.
Milk: I love whole milk for extra creaminess, but any dairy or non-dairy milk brings the liquid needed for perfect soaking.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the sweetness and aroma of every bite.
Ground Cinnamon: Warming spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Salt: A pinch is key to balance out all the sweet and bring the flavors together.
Nutmeg: Just a little adds depth and a cozy, classic French toast flavor.
Unsalted Butter: For griddling and getting those irresistible crispy edges.
Hawaiian Rolls: The star! These tender, lightly sweet rolls soak up the custard and give your French toast a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Optional, but dusting your finished toast with powdered sugar feels like a celebration.
Maple Syrup: Another optional finishing touch, maple syrup adds a classic, sticky sweetness.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Custard

Start by combining the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a wide bowl. Give it a really good whisk so the spices distribute evenly and the mixture turns a pretty, pale brown. This custard is the secret that soaks into the Hawaiian rolls, transforming them into dreamy French toast.

Step 2: Prep the Griddle

Heat your griddle or a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush it with about a tablespoon of unsalted butter—this ensures you get that golden, flavorful crust on every roll half. You’ll want your pan hot enough to sizzle but not so hot it scorches the butter.

Step 3: Dip the Rolls

Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll half into the custard mixture. Let them soak just long enough to absorb plenty of flavor without getting soggy. Let any excess custard drip off, then immediately place each roll on the hot griddle.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Let the Hawaiian Roll French Toast cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Resist the urge to flip too soon—you want that gorgeous, evenly browned crust. Once both sides are perfectly golden and slightly crisp, transfer them to a plate and keep warm.

Step 5: Repeat and Finish Up

Continue working in batches, adding more butter to the griddle as needed to prevent sticking. Once all your rolls are transformed into French toast, you’re ready for toppings! If you like, dust with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup before serving.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

A sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar not only looks beautiful, it adds a light, melty sweetness. Maple syrup is always a must at our table, but fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a dollop of whipped cream can take this dish to a whole new level. Go wild and add a little citrus zest for brightness or crushed nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

For a well-balanced brunch, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with savory breakfast classics like crispy bacon, turkey sausage, or scrambled eggs. A fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait will bring a refreshing contrast to your sweet and custardy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re indulging a crowd, arrange the rolls “pull-apart” style on a big platter and scatter berries and mint over the top. Or, skewer bite-sized pieces with toothpicks and offer a trio of dipping sauces—think chocolate, caramel, and berry coulis—for a playful, interactive breakfast display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Hawaiian Roll French Toast actually holds up pretty well! Cool any leftovers completely before popping them in an airtight container; they’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. This makes them a dreamy grab-and-go option for busy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked French toast pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months—just remember to label the bag so you know what’s inside!

Reheating

The best way to restore that perfect texture is to reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat. This crisps them back up, but you can also microwave for a softer finish if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Absolutely! Almond, soy, oat, or any non-dairy milk works beautifully. It won’t affect the flavor much, but do choose a variety that matches your personal taste preferences.

What are the best toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always winners, but you can get creative: try fresh berries, whipped cream, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a dessert-worthy breakfast.

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?

You can! Cook the rolls as directed and refrigerate or freeze them. Reheat as described above when ready to serve—they’ll still taste delicious and retain much of their original texture.

What if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls?

While the signature flavor of King’s Hawaiian rolls is hard to beat, any similar sweet, soft dinner roll will work well. The key is a light, airy bread that soaks up the custard without becoming dense.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is flexible! You can easily scale up for a crowd or halve it for a cozy breakfast for two—just keep the custard-to-bread ratio in mind for best results.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Hawaiian Roll French Toast a spot on your weekend breakfast menu. It’s the ultimate comfort food—a dish that always feels a little extra special, whether you’re cooking for holiday guests or just treating yourself. Dive in, savor each bite, and happy brunching!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a decadent twist on classic French toast with this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. The sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls add a unique touch to this breakfast favorite, making it a perfect treat for a leisurely morning meal or a special brunch.

Instructions

Prepare Egg Mixture: In a wide, deep bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
Heat Griddle: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 Tbsp of butter.
Dip Rolls: Working in batches, dip Hawaiian roll halves into the egg/milk mixture until saturated. Shake off excess liquid before placing rolls on the heated griddle.
Cook Rolls: Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Keep Warm: Remove cooked rolls to a plate and keep warm while you repeat the process with the remaining rolls. Add more butter to the griddle as needed.
Serve: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the Hawaiian roll French toast and drizzle with maple syrup if desired before serving.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or sliced bananas.
For extra flavor, consider adding a touch of rum extract or orange zest to the egg mixture.
To make this dish even more indulgent, serve with a dollop of flavored butter or a side of crispy bacon.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American