This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is the perfect way to turn soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a delicious breakfast that’s golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. With a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and a buttery finish, this easy recipe is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy centers with crispy golden edges.
- Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or special occasions.
- Kid-friendly and family-approved.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt one tablespoon of butter until it begins to foam.
- Dip each sliced Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides without soaking for too long.
- Arrange the coated rolls on the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms become golden brown.
- Flip each roll carefully and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides are evenly browned and the centers are cooked through.
- Add the remaining butter as needed while cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite breakfast toppings.
Tips & Tricks
- Slightly stale Hawaiian rolls absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Avoid soaking the rolls for more than a few seconds.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent the outside from browning before the inside cooks.
- Add orange zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Top with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, toasted pecans, or chocolate chips.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and color.
- Warm maple syrup enhances the flavor.
- A dusting of powdered sugar gives a bakery-style finish.
- Pair with crispy turkey ham, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
- This recipe is excellent for holiday brunches and family gatherings.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Sugar: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
FAQ
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the French toast, allow it to cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I use another type of bread?
Yes. Brioche, challah, Texas toast, or thick white bread all work well, although Hawaiian rolls provide a sweeter flavor.
Why are Hawaiian rolls perfect for French toast?
Their soft texture and slight sweetness create an incredibly fluffy interior while developing a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Can I add different spices?
Certainly. Cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, or extra cinnamon are excellent additions.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment paper between layers.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 30 to 45 seconds.
Similar Recipes
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe Soft & Fluffy
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 12 Hawaiian rolls sliced in half
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt one tablespoon of butter until it begins to foam.
- Dip each sliced Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides without soaking for too long.
- Arrange the coated rolls on the hot skillet.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottoms become golden brown.
- Flip each roll carefully and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides are evenly browned and the centers are cooked through.
- Add the remaining butter as needed while cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite breakfast toppings.
Notes
- Fresh fruit adds natural sweetness and color.
- Warm maple syrup enhances the flavor.
- A dusting of powdered sugar gives a bakery-style finish.
- Pair with crispy turkey ham, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
- This recipe is excellent for holiday brunches and family gatherings.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe combines buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls with a creamy vanilla-cinnamon custard to create an irresistible breakfast that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a relaxing weekend brunch or a festive holiday breakfast, this recipe is simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress family and friends.