Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Published: September 23, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Sweet: The use of King’s Hawaiian rolls gives this French toast a unique flavor that’s sweet without being overwhelming.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this breakfast in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs beautifully with various toppings, from fresh fruits to whipped cream.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a casual weekday meal, it fits all occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore this sweet twist on traditional French toast.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet or Griddle
Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet or Griddle: Provides even heating for perfectly cooked French toast with a golden-brown crust.
Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of the custard ingredients without spilling.
Whisk: Ensures that the eggs and milk are combined smoothly for an even custard consistency.

Ingredients

For the Custard

1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls: The star of the dish!
4 large eggs: Essential for binding the custard.
1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the mixture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor profile.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic spice for warmth.
Pinch of salt: Balances flavors.

For Cooking and Serving

Butter for cooking: Creates a rich flavor and crispy texture.
Maple syrup for serving: Complements the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rolls

Begin by slicing the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. If they are slightly stale (a day or two old), they will absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. The 4 large eggs
2. The 1 cup milk
3. The 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4. The 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
5. A pinch of salt

Ensure everything is combined well until smooth.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each half of the sliced rolls into the custard mixture. Allow them to soak briefly so they absorb enough custard without falling apart.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter:
– Let it melt and become bubbly but not browned.
– Place soaked roll halves cut-side down on the skillet.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Cook until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes). Flip carefully using a spatula:
– Cook for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from heat and serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup on top. Enjoy your delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast!

With its combination of sweet bread, creamy custard, and warm spices, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is bound to be an unforgettable addition to your breakfast repertoire!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. To make it even more special, consider some creative serving suggestions that will elevate this sweet treat.

Fresh Fruit

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add vibrant color and refreshing flavors.
Banana Slices: Sliced bananas provide natural sweetness and pair well with the cinnamon notes of the toast.

Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds an indulgent touch. You can sweeten it lightly for extra flavor.

Nut Butters

Almond or Peanut Butter: A smear of nut butter can add richness and a protein boost, complementing the sweetness of the rolls.

Nuts

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft French toast.

Yogurt

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt offers creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of the dish while adding protein.

Chocolate Drizzle

Melted Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate can transform your French toast into a decadent dessert option, perfect for special occasions.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Perfecting your Hawaiian Roll French Toast involves a few simple tips that guarantee delicious results every time. Here are some key recommendations:

Use Day-Old Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard better without getting too soggy.
Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Ensure all egg yolks are fully combined with whites for a uniform custard mixture.
Let Custard Soak: Allow the rolls to soak in the custard for a few minutes before cooking to achieve maximum flavor absorption.
Cook on Medium Heat: This ensures an even cook, preventing burnt exteriors while ensuring a fluffy interior.
Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh eggs, real vanilla extract, and high-quality maple syrup enhance flavor significantly.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like fresh fruits or flavored syrups for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Roll French Toast can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and complement the sweetness of French toast.
Turkey Sausage: A savory option that brings balance with its spiced flavors against the sweet rolls.
Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Smoothie: A fruit smoothie adds nutrition and is easy to prepare, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
Home Fries: Crispy home fries seasoned with herbs offer satisfying crunch alongside soft French toast.
Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese adds protein while providing a mild flavor that pairs well with sweeter dishes.
Avocado Toast: A slice of avocado toast introduces creamy richness and healthy fats for a complete meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using fresh rolls: Fresh Hawaiian rolls can become overly soggy when soaked in the custard. Aim for rolls that are a day or two old for the best texture.
Skipping the salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavors in sweet dishes. Don’t omit this crucial ingredient; it balances sweetness and brings out other flavors.
Over-soaking the bread: Soaking the rolls too long can lead to mushy French toast. Just a few seconds on each side is enough for optimal absorption without becoming overly saturated.
Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Use medium heat to achieve that golden-brown exterior while ensuring the custard is cooked perfectly.
Ignoring quality ingredients: Low-quality eggs and milk can affect flavor. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Not letting it rest: Allowing the mixture to sit for a few minutes after blending helps flavors meld. Skipping this step can lead to uneven flavor distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Place individual slices in freezer-safe bags or containers.
The French toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes! While King’s Hawaiian rolls provide a unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with other sweet breads or dinner rolls.

How do I make my Hawaiian Roll French Toast extra fluffy?

To achieve extra fluffiness, ensure your custard has been well-blended and allow the bread to soak just briefly before cooking.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?

You can top it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or nuts. Maple syrup is a classic choice that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Certainly! Prepare the custard and soak the rolls overnight in the fridge. Cook them fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast treat.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices like nutmeg or cardamom. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful twist on classic French toast!

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