Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: Golden Fluffy Morning Magic

Crafting a delectable hawaiian roll french toast brings pure morning magic to your breakfast table.

Soft, pillowy rolls create a unique twist on classic brunch fare.

Sweet pineapple-infused bread transforms ordinary morning meals into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a tropical escape without leaving your kitchen.

Cinnamon and vanilla blend seamlessly with the rolls’ inherent sweetness.

Rich custard coating ensures a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Whip this up and watch smiles bloom around the table.

FAQs For Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Why use Hawaiian rolls for French toast?

Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and have a rich, buttery texture that absorbs the egg mixture perfectly, creating a more indulgent and flavorful French toast compared to traditional bread.

  • Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can dip the rolls in the egg mixture and let them soak for up to 15 minutes before cooking, which helps them absorb more flavor and become extra tender.

  • What makes this French toast different from classic French toast?

Unlike traditional French toast made with sliced bread, Hawaiian rolls provide individual portion sizes, a unique texture, and a sweeter base that makes the dish more fun and easier to serve.

Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is So Fun

  • Capture Breakfast Magic: Transform simple Hawaiian rolls into a delightful morning treat that brings smiles to everyone at the table.
  • Master Quick Cooking: Prepare this dish with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Elevate a classic breakfast with a sweet twist that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents, ensuring happy faces and clean plates.
  • Customize with Ease: Dress up these golden-brown rolls with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a personalized breakfast experience.

What Goes Into Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Rich binding agent that helps create a custardy coating for the rolls.
  • Milk: Provides creamy texture and helps soften the bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the custard mixture.
Bread Base:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls that become decadent when transformed into French toast.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking during cooking.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Fresh Berries: Sweet and fruity accompaniments that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Steps To Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Craft Creamy Egg Mixture

Grab a spacious 9″ x 13″ baking dish and whisk together eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Soak Rolls Thoroughly

Gently dunk Hawaiian rolls into the luscious egg mixture, ensuring each roll gets completely coated. Allow rolls to absorb the liquid for 5 minutes, flipping them midway through the soaking process to guarantee even absorption.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stovetop and melt butter over medium heat. The pan should be evenly heated before adding the soaked rolls.

Step 4: Golden Brown Transformation

Carefully transfer soaked rolls into the heated skillet. Cook each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color, approximately 1 minute per side. This process typically takes around 6 minutes per batch.

Step 5: Keep Rolls Warm

As rolls finish cooking, transfer them to a platter covered with aluminum foil to maintain their warmth and prevent cooling.

Step 6: Complete Remaining Batches

Wipe the skillet clean, add fresh butter, and repeat the cooking process with the remaining rolls until all are beautifully caramelized.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the French toast rolls and embellish with:
  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh seasonal berries

Savor every delectable bite of this sweet breakfast treat!

Helpful Tips For Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Soak Strategically: Let rolls absorb egg mixture thoroughly by dipping and flipping, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture throughout each bite.
  • Control Butter Heat: Maintain medium heat when cooking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking the delicate rolls.
  • Keep Warm Wisely: Use aluminum foil-covered platter to retain heat and prevent rolls from cooling while cooking subsequent batches.
  • Berry Boost: Add fresh berries for natural sweetness, vibrant color, and nutritional punch that complements the rich, buttery French toast.
  • Syrup Selection: Choose high-quality maple syrup to enhance the dish's overall taste and provide a classic breakfast experience with depth of flavor.

Tasty Variations Of Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Gluten-Free Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Replace regular Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread or rolls, using almond flour or gluten-free bread mix to maintain soft texture.
  • Vegan Coconut French Toast: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and coconut oil for butter, adding shredded coconut for extra flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute Hawaiian rolls with low-carb cloud bread or almond flour-based bread, use heavy cream instead of milk, and sugar-free maple syrup for topping.
  • Nutty Banana Bread French Toast: Mix mashed ripe bananas into the egg mixture, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans before cooking, and drizzle with honey instead of maple syrup.

What To Pair With Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Elevate Breakfast Flavor Pairing: Tropical Fruit Smoothie
  • Blend a refreshing smoothie with mango, pineapple, and coconut milk to complement the sweet cinnamon notes of the French toast. The bright, tangy tropical flavors will enhance the richness of the Hawaiian rolls.
  • Brew Perfect Coffee Companion: Coconut Macchiato
  • Select a smooth coconut macchiato that mirrors the Hawaiian roll's subtle sweetness. The creamy espresso with coconut undertones creates a delightful morning harmony with the French toast's warm spices.
  • Create Decadent Side Dish: Macadamia Nut Crumble
  • Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts over the French toast for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

How To Keep Hawaiian Roll French Toast Fresh

  • Store cooled Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Label container with date.
  • Warm rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place rolls on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 2 minutes for crispy edges.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian roll French toast blends tropical island flavors with classic breakfast comfort. Crispy edges, creamy center, and caramelized sugar create a delightful morning experience you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

  • 24 Hawaiian sweet rolls

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) milk
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a luscious egg mixture in a spacious baking dish by whisking together eggs, milk, aromatic cinnamon, fragrant vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well-blended.
  2. Gently immerse Hawaiian rolls into the creamy mixture, ensuring each roll is thoroughly coated. Allow the rolls to luxuriate and absorb the flavors for 5 minutes, tenderly flipping midway through the soaking process.
  3. Carefully transfer the saturated rolls onto a waiting plate, preparing them for their golden transformation.
  4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully place the rolls into the sizzling pan, cooking each batch until achieving a rich, caramelized golden-brown exterior. This process takes approximately 1 minute per side, totaling about 6 minutes per batch.
  5. As each batch completes, relocate the toasted rolls to a foil-covered platter, maintaining their warmth and preventing cooling.
  6. Briefly clean the skillet, replenish with fresh butter, and repeat the cooking process for the remaining rolls, ensuring consistent color and texture.
  7. Present the French toast rolls while warm, accompanied by pure maple syrup, a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, and a vibrant scatter of fresh seasonal berries for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Soak rolls thoroughly to ensure each bite is equally moist and flavorful, allowing the egg mixture to penetrate deeply.
  • Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown edges and prevent steaming instead of frying.
  • Customize this dish for dietary needs by using gluten-free rolls, dairy-free milk alternatives, and egg substitutes like mashed banana or commercial egg replacer.
  • Elevate the breakfast experience by preparing the egg mixture the night before, allowing spices to develop richer, more intense flavors and saving morning preparation time.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 412 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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