There’s something magical about French toast. It’s simple, cozy, and the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and crispy. But when you swap out regular bread for King’s Hawaiian Rolls? Game-changer. These soft, sweet rolls take French toast to the next level, making every bite fluffy, golden, and downright irresistible. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, a brunch spread with friends, or even a special holiday breakfast, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Picture this: buttery, golden-brown rolls that are lightly crisped on the outside but still soft and tender on the inside. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and maybe some fresh berries for a little tartness. Sounds heavenly, right? It’s a dish that looks fancy but comes together so easily, even if you’re a total kitchen newbie. Plus, it’s kid-approved and fun to make—perfect for getting the whole family involved in the cooking process.
I first discovered this recipe when I had a leftover pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls after a family dinner. I didn’t want them to go to waste, and regular French toast didn’t feel special enough. So, I experimented. The result? The most delicious, melt-in-your-mouth French toast I’ve ever had. Now it’s a staple in our house, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.
Let’s dive in and learn how to make this quick, easy, and mouthwatering recipe that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the breakfast table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are a million reasons to love this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, but here are the highlights:
- Super Simple to Make: You only need a few ingredients and about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous brunches.
- Rich, Sweet Flavor: The King’s Hawaiian Rolls add a naturally sweet, buttery flavor that regular bread just can’t compete with.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The rolls soak up the custard beautifully, giving you that perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, tender center.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will devour these. You might want to double the recipe because they’ll disappear fast!
- Versatile and Customizable: Dress it up or down with toppings—powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Once you try this version of French toast, it’s hard to go back to anything else. It’s sweet without being overpowering, rich but not too heavy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Plus, the recipe is so forgiving that it’s almost impossible to mess up.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 (depending on how many rolls you use)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heavenly Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
- 1 pack (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls – These sweet, fluffy rolls are the star of the show.
- 3 large eggs – Eggs help create that rich, custardy coating.
- 3/4 cup half-and-half or whole milk – Half-and-half makes the custard extra creamy, but milk works perfectly too.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that classic French toast spice.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds just a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter – For frying the rolls and giving them that rich, buttery finish.
- Optional toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have golden, fluffy French toast in no time:
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
- In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth.
- Add the half-and-half (or whole milk), vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk everything together until the mixture is fully combined and slightly frothy. This is your custard mixture.
Tip: For extra smooth custard, make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk left.
Step 2: Poke the Rolls
- Take a toothpick or a skewer and poke several small holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian Roll.
- This step is important because it helps the rolls soak up the custard evenly without getting too soggy.
Why poke holes? The rolls are soft and fluffy, so this little trick ensures that the custard penetrates without oversaturating them.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
- Working in small batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture.
- Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning them gently to coat all sides.
- Don’t let them soak for too long, or they may fall apart. You want them to absorb just enough custard to get that perfect soft texture.
Pro Tip: Use a slotted spoon to lift the rolls out of the custard—it makes the process less messy.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
- Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt completely.
- Once the butter is bubbly and slightly golden, it’s time to start cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls
- Carefully place the soaked rolls into the skillet, spacing them out slightly so they don’t stick together.
- Cook for about 30-60 seconds per side, turning them gently with a spatula. Don’t forget to cook all sides, including the edges.
- The rolls should turn golden brown with a slight crisp on the outside while staying soft on the inside.
Tip: Keep the heat on medium-low to prevent the rolls from browning too quickly or burning before the insides cook through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the rolls are golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving plate.
- Dust them with powdered sugar, add fresh berries on top, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts!
Optional: Keep cooked rolls warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Here are a few fun and delicious serving ideas:
- Classic Style: Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries.
- Decadent Brunch: Add whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a rich treat.
- Family-Style Platter: Pile the rolls on a large platter with a variety of toppings—everyone can customize their own.
- Savory-Sweet Combo: Serve with turkey bacon or scrambled eggs on the side for a full breakfast spread.
Additional Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Soak: The rolls are already soft, so a quick soak is all they need.
- Use a Nonstick Pan: This helps prevent sticking and makes flipping the rolls much easier.
- Adjust the Heat: If the rolls are browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low to cook them evenly.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before using.
- Freezing: Leftover French toast rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven for a quick breakfast.
Recipe Variations
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Coconut Twist: Add a tablespoon of coconut extract to the custard and top with shredded toasted coconut.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on the rolls while cooking for a little crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add mini chocolate chips to the custard mixture or sprinkle them over the rolls before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), here’s how to store and reheat your French toast:
- Store: Place the cooked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them up in a toaster oven, skillet, or 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on the sweet, buttery flavor that King’s Hawaiian Rolls add. Brioche or challah bread is a good alternative.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and whisk it well before using.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Don’t oversoak them in the custard. A quick 30-second dip is all you need.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes! Let the cooked rolls cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat that combines simplicity, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a quiet morning at home or serving it as part of a big brunch spread, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and empty plates.
The next time you’re craving something sweet, soft, and oh-so-delicious, grab a pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls and whip up this French toast. It’s so easy, so impressive, and so darn good.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media with a photo of your delicious creation. Happy cooking!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft, fluffy, and perfectly golden. Made with sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls and a rich custard, it’s the ultimate breakfast treat. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s perfect for lazy mornings, brunch, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 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)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, whipped cream
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Poke small holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian Roll using a toothpick or skewer.
- Dip each roll in the custard mixture for 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides.
- Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook the rolls for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown, turning carefully.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup.
Notes
- Don’t soak the rolls for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Keep cooked rolls warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American