Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If you’re craving something extra-special for breakfast or brunch, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is about to become your new kitchen favorite. Imagine those pillowy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls you love, transformed into golden, custardy slices that are crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. This dish isn’t just a twist on traditional French toast; it’s the upgrade that brings a little island-inspired joy to your table, no matter where you are. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, every bite of Hawaiian Roll French Toast feels like a sunny celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just classic ingredients that work magic together. Each one is essential for achieving the tender texture and rich flavors that make Hawaiian Roll French Toast such an irresistible treat. Let’s get into the details behind every delicious bite.

• Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, eggs help bind everything together and create that creamy, luxurious coating on the rolls.
• Milk (whole or alternative): Whole milk adds richness, but any dairy or non-dairy milk will do—go with what you love or have on hand.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, giving the dish an irresistible bakery-style aroma.
• Ground cinnamon: Just enough to give a comforting spice note that’s classic for French toast.
• Salt: A small pinch wakes up the flavors and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
• Nutmeg: A whisper of nutmeg brings cozy complexity and elevates every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Butter is key for getting those crispy, golden edges when you toast the rolls.
• Hawaiian rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian): Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, these rolls are truly the star—slice them horizontally for perfect toasting.
• Confectioners’ sugar (optional): For a beautiful, cafe-style finish, a gentle dusting makes the French toast feel extra special.
• Maple syrup (optional): The classic drizzle—maple syrup soaks into the warm rolls for absolute brunch bliss.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard

Start by grabbing your biggest, widest mixing bowl—this is crucial for dipping the rolls easily. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until you’ve got a smooth, golden custard. This step locks in the flavor foundation and ensures every bite of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast will be perfectly spiced and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Griddle

Set your griddle or a roomy non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt into a silky puddle. The butter isn’t just for non-stick insurance—it gives the finished French toast those signature crisp, browned edges that everyone can’t resist.

Step 3: Dip the Rolls

Working in batches, quickly dip your sliced Hawaiian roll halves in the custard mixture. Let them soak up that delicious liquid for a few seconds but don’t let them get soggy—these rolls are soft to begin with and will absorb the custard beautifully! Gently shake off the excess before placing them on the hot griddle.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Let the dipped rolls cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, or until the undersides are gloriously golden and crisp. Flip them over using a spatula and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side. You should see a gorgeous caramelized color forming—this means flavor! Keep the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm on a plate while you work through the remaining batches, adding extra butter to the griddle as needed.

Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve

When everything is ready, arrange your Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter. If you like, give it a generous sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar and a big drizzle of maple syrup just before serving. The result is a breakfast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Give your Hawaiian Roll French Toast the finishing touch it deserves—dust it with powdered sugar for elegance, drizzle some real maple syrup for extra sweetness, or add fresh berries for a pop of color. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of toasted coconut turns an ordinary morning into something truly unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Round out your brunch spread by serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast alongside crisp bacon, breakfast sausage, or even a light fruit salad. The subtle sweetness of the rolls pairs wonderfully with savory flavors, and a mug of strong coffee or a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice will seal the deal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by stacking the rolls in a tall tower, arranging them in a spiral on a big platter, or even serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast “family style” on a wooden board with bowls of toppings for everyone to mix and match. For a fun twist at parties, slice the French toast into cubes and serve them on skewers with fresh fruit—kids and adults will both love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and it’ll stay fresh and soft for up to three days. Stack parchment between the slices to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Freeze fully-cooked and cooled Hawaiian Roll French Toast by placing slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for up to two months—perfect for make-ahead brunches or quick weekday breakfasts.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or bake in a single layer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and edges crisp up again. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, though you’ll lose some of that lovely crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You sure can, but Hawaiian Roll French Toast owes much of its signature flavor and texture to those fluffy, slightly sweet rolls. Any soft, enriched bread (like brioche or challah) makes a good substitute, but you’ll miss that distinctive tropical touch.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Dip each piece briefly in the custard—just a few seconds—so they soak up flavor without falling apart. Hawaiian rolls are soft by nature, so letting them linger too long in the mix can make them a bit too delicate when cooking.

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter. The finished French toast will still be every bit as fluffy and flavorful.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Standard Hawaiian rolls contain gluten, but if you find gluten-free sweet rolls or make your own, you can absolutely use them for a gluten-free version. Just double-check your other ingredient labels as well.

What’s the best way to slice Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

For perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast, slice each roll horizontally to make two halves—this exposes more surface area for soaking up that delicious custard and creates those mouthwatering golden edges once grilled.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast truly feels like a celebration when you bring out a platter of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. There’s something magical about those sweet, pillowy rolls transformed with cinnamon, vanilla, and a golden crust. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—your kitchen will smell amazing, and I guarantee everyone at your table will be reaching for seconds!

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