If you’re a fan of French toast and Hawaiian rolls, you’re in for a treat. Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes the rich, buttery sweetness of Hawaiian rolls and turns them into a delectable breakfast or brunch dish. This easy-to-make recipe combines the fluffy, slightly sweet rolls with a custardy egg mixture, frying them to golden perfection. The result? A decadent breakfast that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, infused with subtle tropical sweetness.
Whether you’re cooking for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or just want a comforting meal to start your day, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into this simple yet indulgent recipe that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
There are countless reasons to love this recipe, but here are the main reasons why Hawaiian Roll French Toast will become a breakfast favorite in your household:
1. Easy and Quick to Make
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy mornings or laid-back weekends. Since Hawaiian rolls are already soft and flavorful, they soak up the egg mixture quickly, cutting down on prep time.
2. Sweet and Buttery Flavor
Hawaiian rolls bring a unique, sweet flavor that traditional bread simply can’t match. Their slight sweetness adds a tropical note to the classic French toast recipe, making it perfect for anyone who loves sweet breakfasts.
3. Great for Brunch Gatherings
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd, making it a great option for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or even special occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter brunch.
To learn more about the history and popularity of Hawaiian rolls, check out the Wikipedia page on Hawaiian Bread.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To make this delicious Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients. These pantry staples come together to create a rich and custardy French toast that’s full of flavor and texture.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hawaiian rolls: 12 rolls (from a package), slightly stale works best.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs, for the custard base.
- Milk: 1 cup (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess).
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, to add warmth and spice.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons, for sweetness.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for frying.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting.
- Maple syrup or honey: To serve.
These ingredients are simple but come together to create an incredibly rich and indulgent French toast that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with sweet flavors.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is quick and easy, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps to turn soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a golden, delicious breakfast treat.
Step 1: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
Start by separating the Hawaiian rolls and slicing each roll in half horizontally. If your Hawaiian rolls are fresh, let them sit uncovered for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly. Stale bread works best for French toast because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
If you’re short on time, you can pop the rolls into the oven at 200°F (90°C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. This egg mixture will soak into the bread, creating that signature custardy texture of French toast. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Working in batches, dip each halved Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture. Allow the rolls to soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side, making sure they are well coated but not too soggy. You want them to absorb the mixture without falling apart.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
In a large skillet or griddle, heat butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls into the skillet, cut side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the rolls are golden brown and crisp. Be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.
You may need to cook the French toast in batches, depending on the size of your skillet. Add more butter as needed to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve
Once all the rolls are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Dust the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey. You can also add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is easy, but following these tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use Slightly Stale Rolls
Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better than fresh bread. If your Hawaiian rolls are too soft, they may become soggy. Letting the rolls sit out overnight or toasting them lightly will help.
2. Don’t Over-Soak the Rolls
While you want the rolls to absorb the custard, don’t let them soak too long in the egg mixture. A quick dip is all you need to achieve the right balance between crisp and custardy.
3. Cook Over Medium Heat
Cooking over medium heat ensures the rolls get crispy on the outside while staying soft and moist inside. If the heat is too high, the rolls might burn before they’re fully cooked through.
Variations on Hawaiian Roll French Toast
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast
For an indulgent twist, make stuffed French toast! Simply slice the rolls horizontally, but not all the way through. Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between the halves before dipping them in the egg mixture.
2. Coconut Hawaiian Roll French Toast
For a tropical touch, add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the custard mixture. After soaking and cooking the rolls, sprinkle additional toasted coconut on top for a burst of tropical flavor.
3. Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
If you’re serving a crowd, you can turn this recipe into a French toast bake. Tear the rolls into pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the top and let it sit for 30 minutes to soak. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your French toast experience:
- Fresh fruit: Serve with fresh berries, bananas, or pineapple for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich French toast.
- Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of indulgence.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts on top for added crunch.
- Bacon or sausage: Balance the sweetness of the French toast with savory bacon or sausage for a well-rounded breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Hawaiian Roll French Toast in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the French toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the French toast in the oven or in a toaster oven until heated through.
3. Can I Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes! To freeze, allow the French toast to cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the French toast to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop the frozen French toast in a toaster or warm it in the oven.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic French toast, offering a unique combination of sweet, tropical flavors and buttery goodness. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a casual weekend breakfast or hosting a special brunch. The slight sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls paired with the rich custard makes this French toast irresistible, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for more ways to elevate your breakfast game, check out our Vanilla Pound Cake Recipe for another delicious treat!