Easy & Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Sweet Breakfast Twist

Forget your average breakfast! These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are a delightful, quick, and easy twist on classic French toast. Imagine soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. The result is an incredibly tender and slightly sweet French toast that practically melts in your mouth.

What makes this recipe truly special is the unique texture and inherent sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. They absorb the egg mixture beautifully without becoming soggy, leading to a light, airy, and utterly delicious outcome. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday brunch or just craving a simple yet indulgent breakfast, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Serve these sweet French toast bites with warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a side of crispy bacon for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, making them perfect even for busy mornings.

A standard package of Hawaiian rolls typically contains 12 servings, making this an ideal recipe for feeding a crowd without much fuss. It’s truly perfect for special occasions like holidays, family gatherings, or when you have guests staying over and want to serve something impressive yet simple.

Why Choose Hawaiian Rolls for French Toast?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are more than just dinner rolls; their distinctive qualities make them exceptional for French toast. Their slightly sweet flavor profile perfectly complements the custard, eliminating the need for excessive added sugar. Furthermore, their incredibly soft and fluffy texture allows them to absorb the egg mixture efficiently without becoming dense or soggy, resulting in a light and airy French toast with a beautiful golden crust when pan-fried. The individual roll size also makes them perfect for single servings, resembling delightful little French toast sliders.

Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Crafting this delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast requires only a handful of common ingredients. You’ll find the specific quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card below, but here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Hawaiian Rolls – The star of our show! Both classic sweet Hawaiian rolls or butter-flavored ones work wonderfully. The inherent sweetness and soft texture are key. For the best results, consider using day-old rolls; they hold their shape better and prevent the French toast from becoming too soggy.
• Heavy Cream – This ingredient is crucial for creating a rich, decadent custard that gives the French toast its luxurious texture. While heavy cream offers the most indulgence, you can easily substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half for a slightly lighter version without compromising too much on flavor or consistency.
• Eggs – Non-negotiable! Eggs are the binding agent for our custard, providing structure and helping the rolls achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior and soft interior. They also contribute to the overall richness.
• Cinnamon – French toast simply isn’t complete without the warm, aromatic notes of ground cinnamon. It adds a comforting depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous or want to experiment, a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile. Alternatively, pumpkin spice can be a fantastic substitute, especially during the fall season, offering a similar blend of warming spices.
• Sugar – This is an optional addition, but it amplifies the natural sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls and helps with caramelization for a crispier finish. Granulated sugar is typically used, but you could experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Salt – A small pinch of salt is vital for balancing all the sweet flavors in the custard. It enhances the overall taste, preventing the French toast from being overly sweet and ensuring a harmonious blend of ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrant dimension to the custard, complementing the sweetness and cinnamon beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, though imitation vanilla will also work.
• Butter – Essential for frying! Melting butter in the skillet not only prevents sticking but also imparts a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a perfectly golden, slightly crispy crust on your French toast. Both unsalted and salted butter can be used; if using salted, you might slightly reduce the pinch of salt in the custard mixture.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly straightforward and takes minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare the Custard: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, eggs, ground cinnamon, sugar (if using), a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and no streaks of egg yolk remain. The mixture should be smooth and uniform. This creates the flavorful base for your French toast.
2. Heat the Skillet and Dip the Rolls: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a generous pat of butter. While the butter is melting and the pan is heating, take your Hawaiian rolls and gently place them into the prepared egg mixture. Ensure each roll is coated on all sides, but don’t let them soak for too long – a quick dip is usually enough to prevent oversaturation, especially if using fresh rolls.
3. Cook to Golden Perfection: Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, carefully transfer the coated Hawaiian rolls to the hot skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and browning. Cook the rolls for approximately 1 minute on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy exterior. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
4. Serve Immediately: As soon as the Hawaiian Roll French Toast are cooked to your liking, remove them from the skillet. Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately. The best way to enjoy these is fresh off the pan, drizzled generously with warm maple syrup. They are an instant crowd-pleaser!

Top Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Achieving the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is simple with a few expert tips:

• Opt for Day-Old Rolls: This is a game-changer! While fresh Hawaiian rolls can be used, day-old rolls are slightly drier and will soak up the custard more effectively without becoming excessively soggy or falling apart in the pan. This ensures a beautifully uniform texture.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are quite absorbent. A quick dip in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated, is usually sufficient. Over-soaking can lead to a mushy interior.
• Mind the Heat: Cook over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn before the inside is properly cooked. If it’s too low, the French toast won’t get that desirable golden crust. Adjust as necessary.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook in batches if necessary. Giving each roll enough space in the pan allows for even browning and ensures a crispy exterior. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and steam the rolls instead of frying them.
• Keep it Warm: If you’re cooking multiple batches, you can keep the finished French toast warm on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
• Enhance the Flavor Profile: Feel free to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin pie spice to your custard for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Creative Topping Ideas: Beyond maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit, consider serving with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a spoonful of fruit compote (like berry or apple cinnamon), or even some toasted nuts for added crunch.
• Bread Substitutions: No Hawaiian rolls on hand? No problem! This creamy and delicious custard recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use regular sliced bread, challah, brioche, or any other slightly dense bread you have available. Just remember that soaking times might vary slightly depending on the bread’s texture.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your breakfast or brunch to an unforgettable meal. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Toppings: A generous pour of warm pure maple syrup is a must. Add a pat of butter, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit Medley: Brighten up your plate with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or other seasonal fruits. The tartness of the fruit provides a lovely contrast to the sweet French toast.
• Creamy Delights: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this breakfast into a dessert-like treat.
• Savory Sides: To balance the sweetness, serve alongside savory breakfast staples like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage links or patties, or even a simple ham slice.
• Fruit Compotes & Jams: Homemade or store-bought fruit compotes (like cherry, apple, or peach) or your favorite jam can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Nutty Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Indulgence: A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a handful of mini chocolate chips can satisfy any sweet tooth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are undoubtedly best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are warm and tender. However, if you happen to have any leftovers, you can certainly save them to enjoy later with proper storage:

• Refrigeration: Place any cooled leftover French toast in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing (Optional): For longer storage, you can freeze cooked French toast. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Skillet: For the best texture, reheat in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and slightly crispy again.
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: Place on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain some crispiness.
  • Microwave: While convenient, microwaving may make the French toast softer rather than crispy. Heat in short bursts until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and texture, this custard base works beautifully with other breads like brioche, challah, Texas toast, or even regular sandwich bread. Adjust dipping times as needed, as denser breads may require slightly longer to absorb the custard.

How do I prevent my French toast from being soggy?

The key is to use day-old bread and avoid over-soaking. A quick dip in the custard, just enough to coat all sides, is usually sufficient. Also, ensure your skillet is preheated to medium heat and not overcrowded to allow for proper browning and crisping.

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The egg custard mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before using.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Whole milk or half-and-half are excellent substitutes for heavy cream. While heavy cream provides the richest result, milk will still yield a delicious French toast. You can even try plant-based milks like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, though the richness will vary.

More Breakfast & Brunch Recipes You Might Enjoy…

• Stuffed French Toast
• Ham and Gruyere Cheese Crustless Quiche
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Ham and Cheese Omelet

Have you tried these delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!