If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast is everything your weekend needs—soft, buttery rolls soaked in a creamy custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with all your favorite goodies. Imagine starting your morning with the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that’s so good it might just become your new weekend tradition.
French toast has always been a breakfast favorite of mine, but using Hawaiian rolls takes it to a whole new level. Their pillowy texture and slight sweetness make them the perfect base for soaking up the rich custard mix. Plus, they’re easy to find and super versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a winner!
The Story Behind Hawaiian Roll French Toast
French toast itself has a fascinating history. Known as “pain perdu” in French, meaning “lost bread,” it was originally created to rescue stale bread by soaking it in eggs and milk before frying it. Over time, this humble dish became a breakfast staple around the world, evolving with different cultures’ twist on the recipe.
As for Hawaiian rolls, they have their own backstory. These sweet, fluffy rolls originated from a bakery in Hilo, Hawaii, and quickly became popular for their unique texture and flavor. Incorporating these rolls into French toast is a modern twist that combines two beloved food traditions.
I first tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast during a lazy weekend brunch with friends. It was a last-minute creation when we realized we had no regular bread but a bag of Hawaiian rolls sitting on the counter. One bite, and we were hooked. The rolls’ sweetness paired with the custard was a match made in breakfast heaven. Now, it’s a recipe I turn to whenever I want to make breakfast feel extra special.
Ingredients for Ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- 1 package (12 rolls) of Hawaiian rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or nut butter
Ingredient Notes and Tips
Hawaiian Rolls: Look for King’s Hawaiian rolls or similar brands. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness are key. If you can’t find them, brioche or challah bread are good substitutes. Just make sure they’re slightly stale to absorb the custard!
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream give the custard a rich, creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute almond milk or coconut milk, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Vanilla and Cinnamon: These two ingredients bring warmth and depth to the dish. Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for cooking the French toast as it lets the rolls brown beautifully without overpowering the flavor. If you’re out of butter, use neutral oils like avocado or coconut oil.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow baking dish for soaking the rolls
If you don’t have a skillet or griddle, a regular frying pan works just fine. I love using my cast iron skillet because it gives the French toast a nice, even browning. For budget-friendly options, check out thrift stores—sometimes you can score amazing cookware for a steal!
Preparation Method
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish. Place the rolls (cut side down) into the custard and let them soak for 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and soak for another 2-3 minutes. You want the rolls to be fully saturated but not falling apart.
- Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling, place the soaked rolls onto the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter to the skillet as necessary.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Don’t rush the soaking: Letting the rolls fully absorb the custard ensures they’re moist and flavorful all the way through. Just don’t leave them in the custard too long, or they might fall apart.
Keep the heat moderate: Cooking over medium heat prevents the French toast from burning while giving it that perfect golden crust.
Use fresh butter for each batch: Adding butter before each batch keeps the skillet greased and adds flavor to the toast.
Preheat your skillet: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before cooking the rolls to avoid sticking.
Work in batches: If you overcrowd the pan, the rolls won’t cook evenly. Take your time—it’s worth it!
Variations & Adaptations
Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and cream for non-dairy options like almond or oat milk and use vegan butter for cooking.
Seasonal Twist: Add pumpkin spice or apple pie spice to the custard for a fall-inspired French toast.
Savory Version: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and add a pinch of garlic powder and shredded cheese. Serve with crispy bacon and chives.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls in place of Hawaiian rolls. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
One fun variation I’ve tried is turning this into Hawaiian Roll French Toast “sliders.” Put a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry between two pieces for a mini breakfast sandwich. It’s perfect for brunch parties!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, straight off the griddle. Top with powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh berries for a classic presentation. For an extra indulgent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Complementary dishes include crispy bacon, breakfast sausages, or a fresh fruit salad. Pair with coffee, tea, or even a mimosa for a full brunch experience.
To store leftovers, let the French toast cool completely and place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore the crispy edges. While freezing is an option, I find it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each serving of Hawaiian Roll French Toast (2 pieces) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
Thanks to the eggs and milk, this dish is a good source of protein and calcium. While it’s not exactly a low-calorie recipe, it’s perfect for an occasional indulgent breakfast. If you’re watching your sugar intake, skip the powdered sugar and opt for fresh fruit toppings instead.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is everything a weekend breakfast should be—easy, delicious, and a little indulgent. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, it’s sure to impress. I love how customizable it is, offering endless ways to make it your own.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Share your photos, comments, or even your own twist on the recipe. I’d love to hear from you and swap ideas. Now, grab those Hawaiian rolls and let’s get cooking!
Happy breakfast-making!
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! Brioche or challah bread are great alternatives. Just make sure they’re slightly stale to absorb the custard well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard and soak the rolls ahead of time, but cook them fresh for the best texture.
What toppings go best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of nut butter pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Yes, freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Don’t over-soak the rolls in the custard. Two to three minutes per side is typically perfect.