Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe

If you’ve ever had a warm, soft slice of French toast that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, then get ready because Hawaiian Rolls French Toast takes it to a whole new level! Imagine the rich, buttery sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, soaked in a perfectly spiced egg custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s the breakfast of your dreams—or honestly, any time of day. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a comforting weekend breakfast, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. The soft, pillowy texture and hint of tropical sweetness make it impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

• Deliciously Sweet & Soft: The soft, slightly sweet rolls make this French toast melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and the added cinnamon and vanilla make each bite even better.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy bread for this recipe. Those leftover Hawaiian rolls in your pantry are perfect for turning into a decadent French toast.
• Customizable: Top it with your favorite syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
• Great for Brunch or Breakfast: Whether it’s for a cozy Sunday morning or a holiday brunch, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering Hawaiian Rolls French Toast:

• Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the show. These sweet, fluffy rolls make the perfect base for your French toast.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps create that creamy, rich custard.
• Milk: Whole milk is best for a rich texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor to the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon: The cozy spice that adds that classic French toast flavor.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory egg mixture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to round out the flavors.
• Butter: For pan-frying the French toast to a golden crisp.

(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this sweet, fluffy goodness!

1. Prepare the Rolls

Cut your Hawaiian rolls into halves or quarters, depending on how large you want your French toast pieces. If you want to make it extra indulgent, you can slice each roll into thick pieces for a more decadent French toast.

2. Whisk the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully combined and smooth. This will be the custard that soaks into the rolls, giving them that rich flavor.

3. Soak the Rolls

Dip each piece of Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, making sure each side is coated, but not soaked through completely. If you want a thicker custard coating, let the rolls soak for a few seconds longer.

4. Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, place the soaked Hawaiian roll pieces onto the skillet. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft on the inside.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Once all the pieces are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—think maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

• Classic with Syrup: You can never go wrong with a drizzle of maple syrup over the top for that perfect sweet touch.
• Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even pineapple to enhance the tropical flavors.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent breakfast, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Nuts & Syrup: For a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the French toast along with your syrup.

Additional Tips

• Day-Old Rolls Work Best: If you have day-old Hawaiian rolls, they’ll soak up the custard mixture better without falling apart. Fresh rolls are delicious but may need to be cooked a little faster to avoid sogginess.
• Make It Extra Flavorful: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of orange juice to the custard for extra flavor.
• Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven on a baking sheet at 200°F while you finish cooking the rest.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: While French toast is best served fresh, you can prepare the egg custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also assemble the rolls in the custard and refrigerate them overnight. Just cook them in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Q2: Can I use other types of bread?
A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can use any soft, slightly sweet bread like challah, brioche, or even cinnamon rolls for a similar texture.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or any dairy-free alternative. You can also use a dairy-free butter for cooking.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven to get them crispy again.

Q5: Can I freeze this French toast?
A5: Yes! Freeze the cooked French toast pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast is a sweet and indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to impress. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for making memories around the table. You won’t believe how easy it is to turn ordinary rolls into a show-stopping breakfast!

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