Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary, using sweet, pillowy King's Hawaiian rolls as the base instead of regular bread. The rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully while maintaining their signature sweetness for a breakfast that feels like dessert.

I discovered this recipe by accident when I ran out of bread one Sunday morning. My family was skeptical at first, but now they request these over traditional French toast every weekend. The way the sweet rolls caramelize when cooked makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 package King's Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness creates the perfect foundation
• 4 large eggs: Provides structure and richness to the custard
• 1 cup milk: Creates the perfect soaking liquid whole milk works best
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma use pure instead of imitation
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds subtle spice without overpowering
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness
• Butter for cooking: Creates that beautiful golden crust look for unsalted
• Maple syrup for serving: The real stuff makes all the difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the rolls:

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected if possible. This creates the perfect thickness for soaking and allows you to prepare them all at once like a giant slab.

Make the custard:

Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth with no streaks of egg white visible. This consistent mixture ensures even flavor throughout.

Soak thoroughly:

Place each roll half in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds per side. The rolls should absorb some liquid but not become completely soggy. You want them to maintain their structure while still absorbing the flavors.

Heat your cooking surface:

Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter should bubble gently but not brown too quickly. If it browns immediately, your heat is too high.

Cook to perfection:

Place the soaked roll halves in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside. Add more butter between batches as needed.

Serve immediately:

Transfer to plates while still hot and serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.

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My family's favorite way to enjoy these is with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. Something about the combination of the sweet rolls with the slightly tart berries creates breakfast magic. My daughter calls them "princess toast" because they feel so special compared to our everyday breakfasts.

Make Ahead Magic

Want to prep the night before? You absolutely can! Prepare the custard mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, just slice your rolls, dip, and cook. This makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast perfect for holiday mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creative Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try stuffing the rolls with cream cheese before dipping for a cheesecake-inspired version. For a tropical twist, add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the custard and top with diced mango and toasted coconut. During fall, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice instead of plain cinnamon creates a seasonal favorite at our house.

Texture Tips

The key to perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is achieving that contrast between the crispy exterior and custardy interior. If your toast is turning out soggy, try these fixes: make sure your pan is properly preheated, don't soak the rolls for too long, and cook them until truly golden brown. For extra texture, try sprinkling a bit of sugar on the buttered pan right before adding the soaked rolls to create a delicate caramelized crust.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet little French toast bites pair beautifully with savory sides to create a balanced breakfast. Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to counterbalance the sweetness. A fruit salad with citrus fruits offers a refreshing contrast, while a dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy complement to the rich toast.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique softness and slight sweetness that makes this dish special.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to soak the rolls too long in the egg mixture and cook them promptly on medium heat.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or crispy bacon are excellent accompaniments to this dish.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

For best results, cook them fresh. However, you can prep the egg mixture and slice the rolls a few hours ahead.

→ Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

Honey, fruit compote, or a dusting of powdered sugar can also work well as toppings.