How to Make the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast at Home

There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with a sweet, fluffy, and decadent breakfast, and Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect dish to elevate your brunch game. Traditional French toast is already a breakfast classic, but when made with the soft and subtly sweet Hawaiian rolls, it takes the dish to a whole new level. The pillowy texture of the rolls absorbs the rich custard mixture beautifully, resulting in a French toast that is golden and crisp on the outside while remaining delightfully soft on the inside.

Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family, hosting a brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the versatility of Hawaiian Roll French Toast allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruits and syrup to whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast. From understanding why Hawaiian rolls are the ideal choice to tips for achieving the perfect texture, this recipe is designed to help you succeed every time. Let’s dive in and turn your next breakfast into a memorable experience!

Why Hawaiian Rolls Are Perfect for French Toast

When it comes to making French toast, the type of bread you choose can make or break the dish. Hawaiian rolls are a game-changer for several reasons:

• Soft and Sweet Texture: Hawaiian rolls are known for their light and fluffy texture, which makes them ideal for absorbing the custard mixture without falling apart. Their slight sweetness adds a unique flavor that elevates traditional French toast.
• Flavorful Twist: Unlike plain white bread, Hawaiian rolls bring a rich, buttery taste to the dish. This subtle flavor enhances the overall profile of the French toast, making every bite more indulgent.
• Perfect for Soaking: Hawaiian rolls have a firm yet soft structure, allowing them to soak up the custard mixture thoroughly without becoming too soggy. This results in a perfectly cooked French toast that is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Whether you’re a French toast enthusiast or new to making this breakfast classic, Hawaiian rolls add a delicious twist that’s worth trying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

• Hawaiian rolls (a 12-pack works great for serving multiple people)
• Eggs (3 large eggs to create the custard base)
• Milk (1 cup; whole milk works best for creaminess, but alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for added flavor)
• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for warmth and spice)
• Butter (2 tablespoons for frying the rolls)
• Powdered sugar (for garnish)
• Maple syrup (to drizzle over the top)
• Optional toppings: Fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Ingredient Tips:

• Use fresh Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor. If they’re slightly stale, they’ll still work well as they’ll absorb the custard more effectively.
• Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and vanilla extract to suit your taste.
• For a richer custard, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Follow these simple steps to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

Step 1: Preparing the Custard Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure the cinnamon is evenly distributed to avoid clumps.

Step 2: Slicing and Soaking the Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (if they’re not pre-sliced). Dip each half into the custard mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated but not oversoaked. Let the excess mixture drip off before placing them on a plate.

Step 3: Cooking the French Toast

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter to the skillet as you go.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Choose Fresh Rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls yield the best results. If your rolls are slightly stale, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before soaking.
• Avoid Over-Soaking: While it’s important to coat the rolls thoroughly, avoid leaving them in the custard mixture for too long. Over-soaking can make the bread soggy and difficult to cook evenly.
• Use the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet or griddle is ideal for cooking French toast. It ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Customize the Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique flavor twist.
• Make It Ahead: Prep the custard mixture and slice the rolls the night before. Store them separately and assemble in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Variations and Add-Ons to Try

One of the best things about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is its versatility. Here are some fun variations and add-ons to try:

• Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Slice the rolls open and fill them with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before soaking them in the custard. This creates a delicious surprise in every bite.
• Savory Twist: For a savory version, skip the sugar and cinnamon in the custard. Instead, season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs, and serve with eggs, bacon, or sausage.
• French Toast Casserole: Turn this recipe into a baked dish by layering the rolls in a casserole dish, pouring the custard mixture over them, and baking at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Perfect for feeding a crowd!
• Creative Toppings: Explore toppings like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.

Final Thoughts and Serving Ideas

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect dish to brighten up your mornings. Its soft texture, rich flavor, and endless customization options make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Pair it with a glass of fresh orange juice, a cup of coffee, or even a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.

We’d love to hear how your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turned out! Did you try any fun variations or add-ons? Share your experience and tips in the comments below. Happy cooking!