I first stumbled upon using Hawaiian rolls for French toast during a hectic holiday morning when they were the only bread I had left. That happy accident turned into our family’s most requested breakfast. The rolls’ unique sweetness and fluffy texture create incredibly decadent, custardy bites that are simply irresistible, elevating a simple meal into something special.
What makes this Hawaiian roll French toast so special is how the rolls soak up the egg batter perfectly without falling apart. The result is part bread pudding, part classic French toast, and entirely delicious. Unlike traditional bread, their airy texture becomes wonderfully custardy inside while getting perfectly golden on the outside. It’s a quick recipe that feels indulgent, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or a fun weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 eggs, large
- ¾ cup half-and-half (whole milk can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- A tiny pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (either salted or unsalted)
- Powdered sugar, syrup, and fresh fruit for serving
How to Make the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This dish is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few minutes. The key is to work quickly once you start dipping the rolls.
Step 1: Whisking the Perfect Egg Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, with no streaks of egg remaining. A shallow dish makes the dipping process much cleaner.
Step 2: A Quick Soak for the Hawaiian Rolls
Dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard, turning to coat all sides. Don’t let them soak for too long a quick 15-20 second dip is all you need. Their light texture means they absorb liquid fast, and over-soaking will make them soggy.
Step 3: Pan-Frying to a Golden Brown
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once sizzling, place the soaked rolls onto the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown.
Step 4: Serving and Adding Your Favorite Toppings
Transfer the cooked Hawaiian roll French toast to a plate and serve immediately. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a handful of fresh berries are all wonderful toppings.
My Best Hawaiian Roll French toast Tips
These little details make a huge difference and will help you perfect this recipe.
Avoid the Soggy Bottom: The Quick Dip Method
I can’t stress this enough: a quick dip is all you need. This ensures the rolls absorb enough custard to be flavorful without becoming a soggy mess when you cook them.
My Secret for a Crispier Crust: A Dusting of Sugar
For an extra-crispy, caramelized crust, sprinkle a tiny amount of granulated sugar onto the buttery skillet just before adding the rolls. It creates a subtle, delicious crunch.
Keep Them Warm: How to Hold a Batch for a Crowd
To keep a large batch warm, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F/95°C). Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet in the warm oven.
Don’t Crowd the Pan for an Even Cook
Giving each roll enough space in the pan is crucial for a golden-brown crust. If the pan is too crowded, the rolls will steam instead of fry.
Variations of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
While the classic recipe is fantastic, it’s also incredibly versatile. For an extra-special treat, you can stuff the rolls with sweetened cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them. You can also prep an easy overnight Hawaiian roll French toast bake by arranging the rolls in a dish, pouring the custard over them, and refrigerating overnight before baking. To lean into the Hawaiian theme, try adding toasted coconut flakes, or for a cinnamon roll-inspired twist, finish with a simple cream cheese drizzle.
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our Eggless french toast recipe.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about making this dish.
Can I make Hawaiian roll French toast ahead of time?
You can whisk the custard and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but don’t soak the rolls until you’re ready to cook them, or they will fall apart.
Can I freeze leftover Hawaiian roll French toast?
Absolutely. Let the cooked French toast cool completely, then flash-freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat wonderfully in a toaster or oven.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the half-and-half with a creamy non-dairy milk like canned coconut milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 French toast rolls (Serves 3-4) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform your breakfast routine with this unbelievably decadent Hawaiian Roll French Toast! The iconic sweetness and fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard, creating bites that are perfectly custardy on the inside and gloriously golden-brown on the outside. This quick and easy recipe feels incredibly indulgent, making it the perfect special treat for a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or even a fun weeknight breakfast-for-dinner.
Ingredients
1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
3 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter
Optional for serving:
powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit
Instructions
Whisk the Perfect Egg Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, with no streaks of egg remaining.
A Quick Soak for the Rolls
Gently dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. This should be a quick dip, only about 15-20 seconds in total. The rolls are very absorbent and will become soggy if left to soak for too long.
Pan-Fry to a Golden Brown
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until each side is a deep golden brown and slightly crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the hot French toast rolls to a serving plate. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of fresh berries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Avoid Soggy Rolls: The most important tip! A very quick dip is all these rolls need. Their airy texture absorbs the custard instantly.
Crispier Crust Secret: For an extra-crispy, caramelized crust, sprinkle a tiny pinch of granulated sugar onto the melted butter in the skillet right before adding the rolls.
Keep Them Warm: If you’re cooking for a crowd, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet and keep it in the warm oven until you are ready to serve.
Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is easily made dairy-free! Simply substitute the half-and-half with canned full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying.
Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then place on a baking sheet to flash-freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 405 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian roll french toast, sweet roll french toast, easy breakfast recipe, brunch ideas, king's hawaiian recipe, quick french toast, custardy french toast, fluffy french toast
