Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls; 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; 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking); Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast has taken the breakfast scene by storm, and after trying it myself, I can understand why! Imagine the soft, sweet texture of King’s Hawaiian Rolls turned into a delectable, golden French toast. It’s the perfect blend of the familiar and the innovative, making breakfast feel like a special occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a special holiday brunch. If you’re looking to elevate your morning routine, this dish will undoubtedly make your breakfast game stronger.

What Makes This Recipe Special

So, why should you whip up a batch of Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Here are a few compelling reasons:

Budget-Friendly and Quick: Using King’s Hawaiian Rolls means you can make an impressive breakfast without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Kid-Approved: The sweet, fluffy nature of Hawaiian Rolls is a hit with kids (and adults!). It feels like a treat, so little ones will love having this as part of their breakfast rotation.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add your twist. Whether it’s a sprinkle of nuts, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup, the possibilities are endless.

"This is the best French toast I’ve ever made! I can’t believe how easy it was with those Hawaiian rolls. Everyone loved it!" — A happy home cook

Reader Favorite
🍲 30 Tasty Soup Recipes

This ebook includes 30 step-by-step soup recipes, each crafted to be:

✔️Simple to prepare
✔️Made with everyday ingredients
✔️Full of rich flavor and aroma
✔️Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or lazy days
👉 Get the Soup Ebook
Instant digital download • Secure checkout

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a breeze. You’ll need to follow a few simple steps to bring this delightful dish to life. Here’s what you can expect in terms of preparation:

Make the custard mixture: Start by whisking together the eggs and half-and-half until smooth, adding in vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
Prep the rolls: Poking holes in the bottom of each roll helps them soak up more custard.
Soak the rolls: Quickly dip each roll into the custard, ensuring even coating without getting mushy.
Cook to perfection: Fry the rolls in butter over medium-low heat until they’re golden and crisp on all sides.
Serve and enjoy: Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly indulgent breakfast experience.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
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
4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (for serving)

Feel free to swap half-and-half for whole milk depending on your preference.

Cooking Steps

Whisk together the eggs and half-and-half in a large bowl until they’re smooth.
Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined.
Poke holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or skewer.
Soak each roll in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring all sides are coated.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
Cook the rolls for 30–60 seconds on each side until they are golden and crispy.
Remove and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by fresh berries and maple syrup.

Tips for Serving

Now that you’ve created this Hawaiian Roll French Toast masterpiece, let’s talk about how to present it:

Garnish with berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas add a vibrant touch and enhance the flavor.
Maple syrup: A good drizzle of pure maple syrup is a must for that classic French toast experience.
Create a breakfast platter: Pair the French toast with crispy bacon or sausage for a full, satisfying meal.

Best Way to Store Hawaiian Roll French Toast

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to a month. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a toaster oven for a crispy texture.

Pro Chef Tips

Don’t over-soak the rolls: Poking holes helps absorb the custard, but they only need a quick dip. If soaked too long, you risk mushiness.
Butter and oil combo: For a crispier exterior, use a combination of butter and a little neutral oil while cooking.
Add some zest: When whisking your custard, consider adding a bit of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist that lifts the flavors.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to the next level:

Chocolate Hazelnut: Spread chocolate hazelnut spread inside the rolls before dipping for a luxurious treat.
Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and spices to the custard for a seasonal flavor kick.
Savory Spin: Top with sautéed spinach and poached eggs for a delightful brunch option.

Common Questions

How long does it take to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

This dish can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick breakfasts or brunches.

Can I use other types of rolls?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of sweet rolls or even day-old bread for a unique twist!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use a toaster oven for that crispy texture.

Now that you have all the details, you’re ready to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast a regular feature on your breakfast table! Enjoy every delicious bite!