Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, indulgent breakfast. When I first made Hawaiian Roll French Toast, I was searching for a quick yet decadent dish that my family would love. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls were a delightful surprise as they soaked up the rich custard mixture. The aroma that filled our kitchen was irresistible, and as I plated the first batch, my kids could hardly wait to dive in. One bite and they were hooked—their smiles said it all. This dish has since become a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or simply a cozy weekend brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ 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, and maple syrup for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half (or whole milk) until fully combined.
2. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.

Prep the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This will help the custard mixture soak in effectively.
2. Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. Soak each roll for about 30 seconds—be careful not to leave them in too long to avoid getting soggy.

Cook the French Toast

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully with a spatula to cook all sides.

Serve

1. Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300

Preparation Time

• Total Time: About 30 minutes
• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
• Toppings:
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Maple syrup or honey
• Whipped cream for an indulgent finish
• Sides:
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a hearty meal
• Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Over-soak: Ensure you soak the rolls just long enough for them to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Use Leftover Rolls: If you have leftover Hawaiian rolls, this is a great way to repurpose them.
3. Make it Ahead: Prepare the custard mixture the night before and soak the rolls in the morning for a quick breakfast.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Add a dash of nutmeg or swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
5. Reheat Easily: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Recipe Variations

• Stuffed French Toast: Slice the rolls in half and fill them with cream cheese or Nutella before soaking in the custard.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the rolls before soaking for a delightful twist.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the custard mixture for a tropical flavor.
• Banana Foster Style: Top with caramelized bananas and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert version.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the custard mixture for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a hearty breakfast spread, including scrambled eggs and fruit.
• Create a brunch platter with mini pastries, fresh juice, and coffee.
• For a festive touch, serve with spiced apple compote or warm berry sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cooked French toast. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Storage: Store any leftover French toast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the skillet for best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

• Yes, any soft bread can work, but Hawaiian rolls provide a unique sweetness.

1. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

• Substitute half and half with almond milk or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.

1. Can I use this recipe for a crowd?

• Absolutely! You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more people.

1. What is the best way to store leftovers?

• Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

1. Can I prepare the custard in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and soak the rolls the next morning.

1. What can I use instead of brown sugar?

• You can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free rolls or bread to adapt the recipe.

1. What toppings are best for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

• Fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce are all excellent choices.

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?

• Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

1. What’s the best way to reheat frozen French toast?
   • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful and indulgent breakfast that brings joy to the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to impress. With its soft, fluffy texture and sweet flavor, it’s a dish that can easily become a cherished family tradition. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it has become a staple in our home—perfect for making memories one delicious bite at a time!

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