Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Using sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls makes each bite soft and flavorful, soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard. It’s an easy and impressive way to start your morning or brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt, whisking until incorporated.
2. Step 2: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in evenly.
3. Step 3: Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let soak for 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Avoid soaking longer to prevent sogginess.
4. Step 4: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook the soaked rolls for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown, turning carefully with a spatula to crisp all sides.
5. Step 5: Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
6. Step 6: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the custard mixture.
• Try different toppings like toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
• If you prefer a crispier finish, finish the rolls under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after cooking on the stove.
• Use day-old rolls to help the custard soak without becoming too mushy.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Avoid reheating for too long to maintain the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweet flavor and soft texture that pairs beautifully with the custard.

How long can I soak the rolls without them getting soggy?

Soaking the rolls for about 30 seconds per side is ideal. Longer soaking can cause them to become too soggy and fall apart during cooking.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

A delightful twist on classic French toast using sweet and fluffy King’s Hawaiian Rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. This recipe is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch that’s both easy and indulgent.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 French toast rolls (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

French Toast Ingredients

• 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For Serving

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit (such as berries)
• Maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk until fully combined. Then add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, and whisk again until everything is well incorporated.
2. Prep the rolls for soaking: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian roll. This allows the custard to soak in deeply without oversaturating the bread.
3. Soak the rolls: Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 30 seconds, turning it to coat all sides evenly. Avoid soaking longer than 30 seconds to prevent sogginess.
4. Heat the pan: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat to prepare for cooking the French toast rolls.
5. Cook the soaked rolls: Place the soaked rolls in the heated pan and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn the rolls so all sides become nicely browned and cooked through.
6. Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired for a sweet and fruity finish.

Notes

• Do not soak the rolls too long; 30 seconds is sufficient to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
• Use medium-low heat for cooking to ensure the rolls cook through without burning the outside.
• You can customize toppings with other fresh fruits or nuts according to preference.
• The holes poked into the bottom of the rolls help the custard penetrate better for a moist interior.
• Butter can be substituted with a neutral oil if desired, but butter adds richness and flavor.

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, King’s Hawaiian Rolls, French Toast, Breakfast, Brunch, Sweet Bread, Cinnamon Vanilla Custard