Hawaiian roll french toast

I first came across Hawaiian roll French toast while scrolling through breakfast recipes, and it immediately caught my attention. I’ve always loved Hawaiian sweet rolls their soft, slightly sweet texture makes them perfect for sliders and sandwiches. But using them for French toast? That was something I had to try.

The next weekend, I gave it a shot. I whisked together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then dipped the rolls in, making sure they absorbed just enough custard without becoming too soft. As they sizzled in butter, the edges turned golden and crisp, while the centers stayed fluffy. One bite, and I knew this was a game-changer. The natural sweetness of the rolls made the French toast extra flavorful, and the caramelized crust added the perfect texture.

Now, this has become my go-to French toast recipe. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require thick-cut bread to turn out great. Whether you’re making a simple breakfast or a special brunch, Hawaiian roll French toast is always a hit. Let’s break down what makes it so good and how you can make it at home!

If you enjoy experimenting with different bread types for French toast, you might also like this classic sourdough French toast recipe.

What Makes This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Special?

Not all French toast is created equal. While classic recipes call for brioche or thick-cut bread, using Hawaiian rolls brings a completely different experience to the table.

A Naturally Sweet and Buttery Base

Unlike standard bread, Hawaiian rolls have a slight sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture. This means they absorb the custard beautifully without becoming too dense or soggy. The buttery richness in the rolls enhances the overall flavor, eliminating the need for extra sugar in the batter.

Perfect Balance of Texture

Achieving the perfect French toast is all about texture. Hawaiian rolls offer a contrast of a crispy, golden-brown crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. The trick is to let them soak up just the right amount of custard before cooking, ensuring they don’t become too soft.

No Need for Extra Sweeteners

Since Hawaiian rolls are already lightly sweetened, you don’t need to add much sugar to the custard. This allows the natural flavors to shine without being overpowered by excessive sweetness.

A Foolproof Recipe for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making breakfast for a crowd or treating yourself to a slow weekend morning meal, Hawaiian roll French toast is quick, easy, and versatile. You can prepare it as individual rolls, a stuffed version, or even a baked casserole.

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

The magic of Hawaiian roll French toast lies in its simplicity. With a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a breakfast dish that feels gourmet.

Core Ingredients

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: The star of the dish, providing a soft and slightly sweet foundation.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and creating a rich custard.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and ensures the custard is smooth.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and flavor.
• Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
• Butter: Used for cooking, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Optional Additions

• Orange Zest: Adds a fresh citrusy note to brighten up the flavors.
• Nutmeg: Pairs well with cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Coconut Milk: A great dairy-free alternative that enhances the tropical sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Helps create a caramelized crust when cooked with butter.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Making Hawaiian roll French toast is incredibly simple, but getting the perfect texture requires a few key techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a crispy, custardy, and flavorful breakfast.

If you’re looking for more breakfast recipes without eggs, this eggless pancake recipe is a great choice.

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Start by whisking together the following ingredients in a large bowl:

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup of whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

This custard mixture is the foundation of the recipe, ensuring the rolls soak up just the right amount of moisture while maintaining their structure.

Pro Tip: Use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs thoroughly, making sure the yolks and whites are fully combined for a smooth custard.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

• Separate or slice the Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces. If they’re extra soft, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly.
• Cutting them in half can help them absorb the custard evenly while still holding their shape.

Pro Tip: Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard better and prevent the French toast from turning mushy.

Step 3: Dip and Soak

• Dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side.
• Avoid over-soaking to prevent the rolls from becoming too soft.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1–2 tablespoons of butter.
• Place the soaked rolls in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
• If cooking in batches, add more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer the cooked rolls to a plate and dust with powdered sugar.
• Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.

My Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast Tips

Use the Right Bread Texture

The key to Hawaiian roll French toast is using slightly stale rolls. If yours are fresh and extra soft, let them sit uncovered overnight or toast them lightly before dipping into the custard.

Control the Heat for Even Cooking

Cooking at medium heat is essential. Too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks through; too low, and the rolls turn out soggy. Aim for a golden-brown crust with a soft center.

Balance the Custard-to-Bread Ratio

Avoid making the custard too egg-heavy, which can lead to a scrambled egg texture. A balance of eggs and milk (or cream) ensures a smooth, rich custard.

Enhance the Flavor with Simple Additions

• A touch of nutmeg or cardamom adds warmth.
• A splash of orange juice or zest brightens the flavor.
• A teaspoon of brown sugar in the custard enhances caramelization.

Try the Oven Finish Technique

For an extra crispy texture, place the cooked rolls on a baking sheet and finish in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes. This prevents sogginess and keeps the outside crisp.

Variations of Hawaiian Roll French Toast

One of the best things about Hawaiian roll French toast is its versatility. Whether you prefer something classic, stuffed, or baked, there’s a variation to suit every craving.

Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast

For a decadent twist, try stuffing the rolls before dipping them in the custard.

• Slice each roll in half without cutting all the way through.
• Spread a layer of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves inside.
• Press gently to seal, then dip into the custard and cook as usual.

The result? A warm, gooey center that elevates every bite.

For a fun twist, try making cinnamon sugar French toast muffins  a great way to enjoy French toast in a bite-sized format!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Perfect for feeding a crowd, this variation requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

• Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces and place them in a buttered baking dish.
• Pour the custard mixture over the top and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
• Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and set.

Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Not a fan of sweet breakfasts? Turn this into a savory dish by skipping the sugar and cinnamon and adding:

• A pinch of salt and black pepper to the custard.
• Shredded cheese and chopped herbs like chives or parsley.
• A side of crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a complete meal.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Presentation can make a great dish even better. Whether you’re keeping it simple or dressing it up, here are some delicious ways to serve Hawaiian roll French toast.

Classic and Simple

Sometimes, all you need is a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with a side of fresh berries for a light, refreshing contrast.

Tropical-Inspired

Enhance the naturally sweet flavor of the rolls with a tropical topping:

• Sliced pineapple, mango, or banana
• A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
• A drizzle of coconut syrup or honey

Dessert-Style French Toast

Turn breakfast into dessert by adding indulgent toppings:

• Whipped cream and chocolate shavings
• Caramel sauce and toasted pecans
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun brunch treat

Love filled breakfast treats? You might also enjoy these Strawberry Nutella Crepes.

Family-Style Brunch Platter

For a brunch spread, arrange the cooked Hawaiian roll French toast on a large platter with small bowls of syrup, fruit, whipped cream, and various toppings. Let everyone customize their own plate.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

Even with a simple recipe like Hawaiian roll French toast, a few missteps can lead to soggy, dry, or overly eggy results. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Over-Soaking the Rolls

Problem: If the rolls sit in the custard too long, they absorb too much liquid and fall apart when cooking.

Fix: Dip each roll for 10–15 seconds per side just enough time for the custard to soak in without oversaturating the bread. Slightly stale rolls work best because they hold their structure better.

Using the Wrong Heat

Problem: Cooking at too high a temperature causes the outside to burn while the inside stays undercooked. Cooking at too low a temperature leads to a soggy texture.

Fix: Set your pan or griddle to medium heat. This allows the toast to cook evenly, developing a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft.

Skipping the Resting Time

Problem: French toast can sometimes turn out dense instead of fluffy.

Fix: Let the dipped rolls sit for a minute before placing them on the pan. This helps the custard distribute evenly, leading to a better texture.

Not Using Enough Butter

Problem: Dry or unevenly browned French toast lacks flavor and crispiness.

Fix: Always cook Hawaiian roll French toast in butter for a rich, golden-brown finish. Add a fresh pat of butter between batches to maintain flavor and prevent sticking.

Rushing the Cooking Process

Problem: Flipping the rolls too soon can cause them to fall apart.

Fix: Let each piece cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side. Look for a deep golden-brown color before flipping.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian roll French toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the custard and soak the rolls in advance. Store them in the fridge overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning. For meal prep, cooked French toast can be reheated in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.

Can I freeze leftover Hawaiian roll French toast?

Absolutely! Let the French toast cool completely, then place it in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a toaster oven or on a skillet for best results.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for cooking.

If you need an egg-free option, check out this eggless French toast recipe for a delicious alternative.

How do I keep Hawaiian roll French toast from being too eggy?

Make sure the custard has the right egg-to-milk ratio. Using too many eggs can make the texture rubbery. A good balance is 3 eggs to ¾ cup of milk. Adding vanilla and cinnamon also helps balance the flavor.

Can I bake Hawaiian roll French toast instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange the soaked rolls on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method works well for larger batches.

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