There’s something extraordinary about transforming simple ingredients into a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. One sunny morning, I found myself staring at a package of King’s Hawaiian rolls in my pantry, slowly realizing they were the key to an indulgent breakfast surprise. The moment I decided to turn them into Hawaiian Roll French Toast, my home was filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon, transporting me to a sunny Hawaiian beach with each bite.
This delightful dish combines fluffy textures with a buttery richness, making it the perfect addition to lazy weekend brunches or cozy family breakfasts. What I love most about this recipe is its effortless charm; it elevates the ordinary while being so simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a hectic week, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is bound to impress and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Join me as we dive into this sweet, buttery breakfast delight that promises to become a cherished favorite!
Why is Hawaiian Roll French Toast a must-try?
Delightfully Easy: This recipe comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunch gatherings.
Buttery Bliss: The rich flavor derived from King’s Hawaiian rolls creates a luscious toast that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Enjoyment: Customize with fresh fruits or nuts for a personalized twist to suit everyone’s palate.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its captivating aroma and flavor, this dish is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual weekday treat, this French toast is always a hit!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients
• Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful dish!
For the French Toast
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls – The star of the dish; their sweet, soft texture makes for irresistibly fluffy French toast.
- Eggs – Essential for creating the custard base, giving the dish its delightful structure.
- Milk or Half-and-Half – Adds a creamy richness; consider using non-dairy milk as a delicious alternative.
- Brown Sugar – Provides deep sweetness and flavor, but feel free to substitute with white sugar or maple syrup for a twist.
- Vanilla Extract – Amplifies the overall sweetness and aromatic profile; it’s a must for that warming flavor.
- Cinnamon – Infuses a hint of warmth and spice; while optional, it elevates the dish beautifully.
- Butter – For cooking, yielding a delicious golden crust; you can use oil for a lighter option.
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting adds elegance and sweetness to each serving of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
- Fresh Berries – Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Maple Syrup – Drizzle over the French toast for that classic touch that brings everything together.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a breakfast; it’s an experience that wraps the soul in warmth and decadence! Enjoy making it!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
-
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined, creating a deliciously aromatic custard.
-
Soak Rolls: Cut each King’s Hawaiian roll in half and poke holes in the bottom with a toothpick. Soak in the egg mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, ensuring they’re moist but not overly soggy for the perfect texture.
-
Cook Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat, melting 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked rolls cut side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side, achieving an even golden color.
-
Serve: Enjoy warm, topped with powdered sugar and fresh berries, or drizzle with maple syrup for a delightful finishing touch.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added aroma and flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Elevate your breakfast experience by pairing this sweet, buttery delight with complementary flavors and textures.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the French toast with vibrant flavors.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The salty, savory elements of crispy bacon or sausage beautifully complement the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls. A classic pairing!
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle over your French toast adds that quintessential touch of sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the dessert-like bread.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream brings a luxurious finish, allowing each bite to feel like a decadent treat.
- Smoothie Bowl: A colorful, nutrient-packed smoothie bowl adds freshness and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: For a nostalgic touch, serve alongside cinnamon sugar toast, giving an extra hit of sweetness and spice that matches the French toast.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the warm atmosphere and makes for a comforting breakfast experience to savor.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Soak Time Matters: Ensure you soak the Hawaiian rolls in the egg mixture just long enough—30 seconds to 1 minute—so they’re moist but not soggy.
- Adjust the Heat: Keep an eye on the skillet temperature; medium heat is key to avoiding burnt toast while ensuring a golden-brown exterior.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip the rolls and check for an even golden color before serving.
- Serving Warm: Enjoy your Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately after cooking, as it’s at its best when served warm and fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to regain warmth and crispiness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Enjoy within 2 months for optimal taste.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen slices, microwave for 30-60 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Make Ahead Options
These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are perfect for busy mornings or meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the egg custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then refrigerate. You can also soak the rolls in the custard mixture up to 1 hour before cooking, although soaking them overnight is not recommended as they may become too soggy. To maintain quality, keep the soaked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, simply heat your skillet and cook until golden brown, delivering delicious results with minimal effort!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations
Embrace your inner chef and make this recipe your own with delightful twists and additions!
-
Fruit Medley: Add sliced bananas, blueberries, or strawberries to the egg mixture for bursts of freshness in every bite.
-
Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the custard for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the bread.
-
Savory Style: Swap out the brown sugar for grated cheese and rosemary, creating a savory version that’s perfect for brunch.
-
Spiced Up: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut to add a unique touch to the custard.
-
Toasty Crunch: Top with toasted coconut flakes after cooking for an added layer of flavor and texture that’s reminiscent of tropical treats.
-
Maple Infusion: Replace plain milk with maple-flavored almond milk for an extra hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the French toast.
-
Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a dessert-inspired version that satisfies any sweet tooth.
-
Heat Things Up: For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the egg mixture for an exciting flavor profile.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best King’s Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for rolls that are fresh and soft, without any dark spots or signs of staleness. The sweeter the roll, the more flavorful your French toast will be. If you can, check the ‘best by’ date and choose the ones closest to that date for the ultimate sweetness and texture.
How should I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
For sure! Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let them cool completely before sealing them tight. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat slices in a toaster or skillet to bring back that lovely texture.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first cook the French toast slices and let them cool. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag and enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor. This method keeps them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just what you need!
What if my Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out soggy?
The more the merrier! A soggy texture can happen if the rolls get soaked too long. Aim for soaking them for just 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, ensuring they’re moist but still holding their shape. If you find yourself with soggy toast, try cooking it a bit longer on low heat to crisp up the edges!
Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, primarily using eggs and dairy. If you’re preparing this dish for someone with dietary restrictions, simply replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk, and you’re good to go! Enjoy this delicious breakfast without worry!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a Brunch to Remember
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Soak Rolls: Cut each King’s Hawaiian roll in half and poke holes in the bottom with a toothpick. Soak in the egg mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side.
- Cook Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat, melting 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked rolls cut side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, topped with powdered sugar and fresh berries, or drizzle with maple syrup.