As I stood in my kitchen, the rich scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, instantly transforming my space into a cozy haven. There’s something uniquely satisfying about making a classic dish with a delightful twist, and that’s exactly what the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe offers. By using King’s Hawaiian rolls, you create a breakfast experience that’s not only quick and easy but also perfect for those special occasion gatherings or a simple breakfast-for-dinner night. These fluffy, custardy bites are sure to impress your family and friends, making every bite feel like a sweet hug. Ready to turn your mornings into a taste of paradise? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try?

Irresistibly Fluffy: The use of King’s Hawaiian rolls ensures each bite is pillowy soft, making your breakfast experience unforgettable.

Quick & Easy: With straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.

Versatile Toppings: Customize your dish with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist—just like with my Blueberry French Toast.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it overnight for an effortless morning. Simply reheat later, saving you precious time!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to impress guests—whether it’s for a cozy family breakfast or a festive gathering, like the ones inspired by my Creme Brulee French Toast.

Dive into a breakfast experience that feels like a warm embrace; you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

For the French Toast

King’s Hawaiian Rolls – Their sweet flavor and soft texture make this recipe a delight; you can substitute with challah or brioche if needed.
Large Eggs – Essential for creating a rich custard; ensure they are well-beaten for a light, fluffy result.
Milk – Adds the necessary moisture; feel free to swap with dairy-free options for a lighter version.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; for a gourmet touch, try using vanilla bean instead.
Ground Cinnamon – Offers a warm, inviting spice note; if you’re feeling adventurous, nutmeg can also take its place.
Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates the flavors for a perfect harmony in each bite.

Optional Toppings

Fresh Fruits – Add brightness and freshness; think berries, bananas, or sliced peaches.
Whipped Cream – A decadent addition that complements the fluffy texture beautifully.
Chocolate Chips – For chocolate lovers, sprinkle some on top or mix into the custard for an indulgent twist.
Syrups – Maple syrup is classic, but consider caramel or chocolate syrup for a changed-up experience.

Embrace your culinary creativity with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, and enjoy the fluffy bliss it brings to your breakfast table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prep Rolls
Begin by taking your slab of King’s Hawaiian rolls and slicing it in half horizontally. Carefully separate the top and bottom pairs, ensuring you maintain their structure. This will create delightful pockets for the custard to soak in later, resulting in an ultra-soft and fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step 2: Make Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs until they become frothy and light. Gradually add in 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until all ingredients are well blended, creating a rich and aromatic custard that will envelop your rolls in flavor.

Step 3: Soak Rolls
Take each half of the Hawaiian roll and gently dip it into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 15–20 seconds on each side, ensuring they absorb enough custard without falling apart. Visual cues will include the rolls becoming slightly saturated but still holding their shape, setting the stage for that perfect texture when cooked.

Step 4: Cook
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and bubble. Carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet, cooking them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly crusty. The heavenly aroma will signal that they are nearly ready to enjoy as a delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, gently transfer the golden-brown Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a plate. Serve them immediately while they’re warm and fluffy, and feel free to add luscious toppings such as butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruits. Every bite promises to be a sweet delight, perfect for any breakfast or special occasion.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to make it your own culinary masterpiece!

Gluten-Free: Substitute King’s Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread to cater to dietary needs. It’s just as fluffy and delicious!
Dairy-Free: Opt for almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free delight. This allows everyone to enjoy your fluffy creation, too.
Double the Spice: Add a pinch of cardamom along with the cinnamon for an exotic flavor profile. This aromatic twist will tantalize your taste buds!
Nutty Base: Incorporate ground nuts like almonds or pecans into the custard mixture for extra texture and richness. It’ll add a lovely crunch to each bite.
Fruity Delight: Toss in some chopped fresh fruits like bananas or berries directly into the custard. The fruit will caramelize beautifully as it cooks, offering sweetness and vibrant colors.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the custard for a melty, sweet surprise. You can turn breakfast into dessert in just one simple swap!
Create a Casserole: Assemble the French toast in layers, soaking the roll halves in custard and layering them in a baking dish; allow to sit overnight. This is similar to my scrumptious Creme Brulee French Toast!
Fun Topping Bar: Set up a toppings bar with whipped cream, toasted coconut, sprinkles, or even nuts. Let everyone create their perfect sweet experience for your brunch!

Explore these variations and enjoy a delightful twist on your Hawaiian Roll French Toast! For another delicious breakfast option, don’t miss my Apple Crisp Cinnamon Roll Casserole—it’s another family favorite!

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Roll French Toasts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can slice the rolls and soak them in the custard mixture up to 3 hours before cooking; just ensure they’re well-coated but not overly soggy, so they maintain their delightful texture. Once ready to serve, simply heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add butter, and cook the soaked rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This approach allows you to enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort on busy mornings!

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Elevate your breakfast experience with delightful pairings that complement the fluffy sweetness of this dish.

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the French toast, adding a savory element to your morning meal.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and offers a refreshing balance to the rich custardy bites.
Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a sophisticated touch and a protein boost, making every bite feel indulgent yet wholesome.
Maple Syrup: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the sweet flavors, creating a delightful harmony with the cinnamon-infused toast.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream serves as a luxurious topping that elevates the French toast from a breakfast staple to a dessert-like indulgence.
Chocolate Chips: Sprinkling some chocolate chips on top melts lightly against the warm toast, infusing each bite with an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
Spiced Chai Latte: Pair your breakfast with a warm spiced chai latte for a comforting beverage that complements the cinnamon notes in the French toast, creating a cozy morning atmosphere.

Choosing from these pairings ensures a breakfast spread that is not only delicious but will also create lasting memories around the table.

Storage Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or on a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring they are warmed through and retain their delicious texture.

Make-Ahead Option: If you’re planning to prepare this Hawaiian Roll French Toast for brunch, consider making it as an overnight casserole!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Soak Time: Aim for the sweet spot of 15-20 seconds when soaking the rolls to achieve that perfect balance of custardy inside while maintaining structural integrity.
Pan Space: Avoid overcrowding your skillet; giving each roll enough room lets them cook evenly, resulting in that sought-after golden brown crust.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with your custard! For a twist, incorporate a splash of orange juice or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor in this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe.
Resting Time: Allow your cooked French toast to rest for a minute before serving; it helps the flavors settle and ensures a fluffier bite.
Enjoy Warm: For the best experience, serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful textures!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

What kind of bread can I substitute for King’s Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls are the star of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe for their unique sweet flavor, you can also use challah, brioche, or Texas toast. Each of these alternatives will bring their special texture and taste—so feel free to experiment!

How long can I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in an air fryer or skillet for about 5 minutes to restore that fluffy goodness!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast for up to 2 months. Just wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned for a delightful treat.

What should I do if my French toast turns out soggy?
If you find your French toast too soggy, it might be due to soaking the rolls for too long. Aim for that sweet spot of 15-20 seconds per side in the custard. If they’re already cooked and too soggy, consider giving them a quick sear in a hot skillet to crisp them up a bit.

Are there any dietary options I can consider with this recipe?
Very! You can make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe dairy-free by swapping regular milk for almond, soy, or oat milk. If you have gluten sensitivities, try using gluten-free bread options, which can work beautifully while keeping the flavors intact. Make it work for you!

What toppings do you recommend for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
For a fun and delightful experience, I often recommend a toppings bar! Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas add a nice contrast, while whipped cream elevates the indulgence. You can also experiment with chocolate chips or various syrups such as caramel or maple for a sweet finishing touch!