French toast is already a beloved breakfast staple, but what happens when you swap traditional bread with soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls? You get an extra touch of sweetness and fluffiness that transforms your morning meal into something truly special. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is easy to make, and its unique flavor combination of sweet bread and rich egg mixture will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this breakfast dish is bound to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
The first step in making this indulgent dish is gathering the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian rolls are perfect for this)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (you can also use half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Butter for cooking (about 2–3 tablespoons)
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving
- Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Hawaiian Rolls
To start, take your Hawaiian sweet rolls and separate them. If they’re still attached in a sheet, gently tear them apart to form individual rolls. This recipe works best if the rolls are slightly stale, so if your rolls are fresh, leave them uncovered overnight or pop them into the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F) for about 10 minutes to dry them out a little.
Mixing the Egg Batter
Next, it’s time to prepare the egg mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and sugar. Whisk everything together until smooth.
The cinnamon and vanilla give the French toast that classic cozy flavor, while the nutmeg adds a hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Dipping the Rolls
Now that your egg mixture is ready, it’s time to dip the rolls. Take each Hawaiian roll and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly. Be careful not to let the rolls soak for too long, as they are quite soft and can break apart if left in the liquid for too long. A quick dip on each side (about 5 seconds) should be enough.
Cooking the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt, spreading it around to ensure even coverage. Once the butter is sizzling, place your dipped rolls in the pan. Cook the rolls for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown.
If you’re working with a smaller pan, you may need to cook the rolls in batches. Be sure to add more butter to the pan as needed between batches to prevent the rolls from sticking.
Keeping the Rolls Warm
If you’re making a large batch of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you might want to keep the finished rolls warm while you cook the rest. Preheat your oven to 200°F and place the cooked rolls on a baking sheet in the oven to keep them toasty until you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Once all your rolls are golden and crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside, it’s time to serve. There are endless possibilities for garnishing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic Maple Syrup: You can never go wrong with warm maple syrup drizzled generously over the top.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your breakfast look fancy.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and color.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the French toast makes it feel extra indulgent.
- Tropical Twist: Since we’re using Hawaiian rolls, you can lean into the tropical theme by topping your French toast with sliced bananas, pineapple, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
For an extra-special touch, serve your French toast with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. The salty, savory flavor of the meat balances perfectly with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make the Best French Toast
There’s something magical about using Hawaiian rolls for French toast. These rolls are known for their soft, fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich egg mixture. Unlike denser breads, Hawaiian rolls stay light and airy even after being dipped in the batter, giving you French toast that’s fluffy on the inside with a beautifully crisp exterior.
Another benefit of Hawaiian rolls is that they come pre-portioned. Instead of slicing bread, all you have to do is pull apart the rolls, which makes this recipe incredibly convenient, especially if you’re in a rush or cooking for a large group.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Use slightly stale rolls: Just like with traditional French toast, slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better than fresh bread. If your rolls are too fresh, toast them lightly in the oven to dry them out.
- Don’t oversoak the rolls: Hawaiian rolls are softer than regular bread, so they don’t need as much time in the egg mixture. A quick dip on each side is enough.
- Cook over medium heat: If your pan is too hot, the rolls will burn before the insides are cooked through. Medium heat ensures a golden exterior with a soft, fluffy center.
- Serve immediately: French toast is best when served fresh off the griddle. If you need to keep it warm, use a low-temperature oven, but try to avoid letting it sit for too long, or it may lose its crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hawaiian rolls different from regular bread?
Hawaiian rolls are sweeter and softer than traditional bread, which makes them ideal for French toast. Their texture creates a fluffier, lighter dish compared to denser breads.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to cook the rolls fresh for the best texture.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Absolutely! Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven or toaster before serving.
What can I serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs make great sides for this dish. You can also serve it with whipped cream, syrup, or tropical toppings like pineapple and coconut.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, and the smaller portions make it easy for little hands to handle. Plus, you can let them help with dipping the rolls or adding toppings.