Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
If you are looking for an irresistibly sweet and fluffy breakfast treat, look no further than Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. This delightful dish takes soft, pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls and transforms them into golden, custard-soaked French toast slices that burst with tropical flavor and warmth in every bite. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions, this recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a decadent breakfast that will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma for your Hawaiian Roll French Toast. From the rich custard base to the warm spices, every element contributes to making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet texture is the heart of this recipe and perfect for soaking up custard.
- Large eggs: They add structure and richness to the custard mixture.
- Whole milk: Brings creaminess and depth to the custard.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the richness and results in a silky-smooth custard.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard lightly without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers a warm, inviting aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a gentle earthiness and warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
- Butter: Used for frying, it creates that gorgeous golden crust and adds a luscious taste.
- Optional toppings: These are your chance to get creative — options like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes enhance the dish with freshness, crunch, and contrast.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until completely smooth. This luscious custard base is where the magic begins, infusing each Hawaiian roll with lush flavor and a creamy texture that transforms every bite.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Carefully separate the Hawaiian sweet rolls, keeping them intact for ease of dipping. Submerge each roll in the custard, turning gently to coat all sides fully. Allow them to soak approximately 15 to 20 seconds per side—enough to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy and falling apart. This step ensures you get that perfect tender interior.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted and slightly sizzling. Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls carefully in the pan, avoiding overcrowding so they cook evenly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until they turn a glorious golden brown and develop a lightly crisp crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Step 4: Finish Cooking and Serve
Repeat the cooking process with the remaining rolls, adding the rest of the butter as needed to keep the pan nice and buttery. Once all the French toast pieces are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate them up and get creative with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this recipe lies in the endless ways you can garnish it. A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is a classic that never fails. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a pretty snow-like finish, while fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring bursts of color and tangy freshness that cut through the richness. Whipped cream invites creaminess and indulgence, chopped nuts add satisfying crunch, and coconut flakes provide a tropical flair that ties back to the Hawaiian roots.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with light sides like crispy bacon or savory sausage links to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad makes a refreshing complement, introducing brightness and texture. If you want a heartier brunch spread, scrambled eggs or a simple green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette provide a lovely contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn breakfast into a feast for the senses. Arrange the rolls stacked in a pyramid for a show-stopping centerpiece or fan them out on a platter to showcase the golden crust. For a fun twist, thread French toast pieces on skewers with fresh fruit for an interactive platter that kids and adults will adore. You can even create mini sandwiches by layering flavored cream cheese or jam between two soaked rolls before cooking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to savor this delightful breakfast even on busy mornings.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with wax or parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, allowing you to prep in advance for quick breakfasts or unexpected guests.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the French toast in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. Reheating brings back their freshly cooked texture and flavor, making mornings easy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
While regular bread works for French toast, Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweet, soft texture that’s essential to the charm of this recipe. Using them guarantees that special tropical sweetness and extra fluffiness.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute heavy cream with additional whole milk or half-and-half. Keep in mind that heavy cream adds richness, so your French toast may be a bit less decadent but still tasty.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart during soaking?
Be gentle when dipping and avoid soaking the rolls too long. About 15 to 20 seconds per side is ideal to absorb enough custard without becoming soggy or breaking apart.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, you can use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. Butter can be replaced with vegan margarine. Flavor and texture will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Hawaiian Roll French Toast is loved by kids and adults alike because of its sweet taste and soft texture. Adding toppings like fresh fruit and whipped cream makes it even more kid-friendly and fun.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug wrapped in tropical sweetness, give Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe a try. It’s simple, versatile, and downright delicious — exactly what you want when starting your day. Once you make this, it will become a cherished favorite to share at your breakfast table again and again.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A delightful twist on classic French toast, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe uses sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s a quick, easy, and indulgent breakfast perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions, served with your favorite toppings like maple syrup and fresh berries.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. Dip each roll into the custard mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Allow each roll to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side until fully saturated but still holding its shape.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked rolls carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Brown the Rolls: Cook each roll for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the cooked rolls and repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter as needed.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on serving plates. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and add optional toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer custard base; you can substitute with lower-fat milk and cream if desired, but taste and texture may vary.
- Do not soak the rolls for too long to prevent them from becoming soggy and falling apart.
- Cook on medium heat to achieve a golden crust without burning the exterior before the inside is cooked.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on preference and seasonality of fruits.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture retention.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
