Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to whip up for brunch or a cozy family breakfast, this recipe is perfect. It’s just as delightful on busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and special.

What makes this Hawaiian Roll French Toast truly special is how simple it is to make while still feeling indulgent. You can serve it at family gatherings, holiday mornings, or even enjoy it as a delightful treat just for yourself. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning breakfast ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet flavor of Hawaiian rolls transformed into French toast.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can soak the rolls overnight for a quick morning treat; just cook them up right before serving!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates an irresistible taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your pantry. Each one plays a crucial role in making this French toast irresistibly tasty.

For the French Toast

• 1 (12-pack) 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

For Serving

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit (like berries)
• Maple syrup

Variations

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add some zest: Mix in some lemon or orange zest to the custard for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Go nutty: Top your French toast with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
• Fruit-filled delight: Add sliced bananas or peaches to the custard mixture before soaking the rolls.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. This step ensures that your custard is creamy and smooth. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Each ingredient adds depth and sweetness to our dish!

Step 2: Soak the Rolls

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in each roll’s bottom. This allows the custard mixture to soak in beautifully. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds per side—just enough time for them to absorb that deliciousness without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden Brown

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cooking at this temperature helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color on each side without burning them. Carefully place the soaked rolls into the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Finally, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm! Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. It’s all about those finishing touches that elevate this dish from good to unforgettable! Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Making the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a breeze with just a few simple tips to ensure you achieve that heavenly texture and flavor.

• Use fresh rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls will soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving you that delightful softness.

• Don’t over-soak: A quick dip in the custard mixture is all you need. Too long in the custard can lead to soggy rolls instead of the ideal fluffy texture.

• Cook on medium-low heat: Keeping the temperature low allows the inside to cook thoroughly while getting that golden-brown crust on the outside. You’ll avoid burnt edges this way!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom for an extra layer of flavor. This can transform your French toast into something truly unique.

• Keep them warm: If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (about 200°F) until serving. This ensures everyone enjoys their breakfast at just the right temperature!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Serving your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance this already delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and makes your French toast look extra inviting.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add vibrant color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkle on top brings a tropical flair that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls.

Side Dishes

• Scrambled eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs are an excellent savory side that balances out the sweetness of the French toast, providing protein and richness.
• Bacon alternatives: Consider turkey bacon or veggie bacon as a side option for those who enjoy something crispy alongside their sweet breakfast.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some creamy yogurt with granola and fruit to create a light, refreshing side that adds texture and nutrition to your meal.
• Breakfast potatoes: Seasoned roasted or sautéed breakfast potatoes offer a hearty element that complements the soft sweetness of Hawaiian Roll French Toast wonderfully.

With these pro tips and serving ideas, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable breakfast experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat those sweet rolls.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover French toast to cool completely before storing.
• Place the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave individual pieces for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but this may result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Can I use different types of bread for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls give this dish its signature sweetness, you can substitute with other soft bread like challah or brioche if you prefer. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly!

How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace half and half with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking!

Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast overnight?

Yes! To prepare overnight, follow the initial steps of soaking the rolls in the custard mixture, then place them in the refrigerator covered. Cook them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat!

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Popular toppings include fresh fruit like berries or bananas, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Get creative with your favorites!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Hawaiian Roll French Toast as much as I do! It’s such a special recipe that brings together sweet flavors and soft textures—perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Dive into this culinary delight with your loved ones, and let it brighten your mornings! Happy cooking!