Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for serving

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This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delicious twist on the traditional French toast, made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. The rolls are soaked in a cinnamon-sugar custard and cooked to golden perfection, making for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat. With minimal prep time and a big payoff in flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 (12-pack) King's Hawaiian Rolls

3 large eggs

¾ 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

Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for serving

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until fully combined.

I add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt to the egg mixture, continuing to whisk until everything is incorporated.

Using a toothpick or skewer, I poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This helps the custard mixture soak into the rolls more effectively.

Working in batches, I dip the rolls into the custard mixture, letting them soak for about 30 seconds per side, turning to coat all sides evenly. I make sure not to soak the rolls for too long to avoid sogginess.

I melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

Once the butter is melted and bubbling, I place the soaked rolls onto the skillet. I cook them for 30-60 seconds per side until they turn golden brown. I carefully flip them with a spatula to ensure they get crispy on all sides.

I serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

I recommend serving this dish fresh for the best taste and texture, but if there are any leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, I place the French toast on a skillet over low heat, allowing it to warm up slowly and become crispy again. Alternatively, I can pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, though it may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls for this recipe?

Yes, you can try other sweet rolls or even brioche if you prefer. However, the Hawaiian rolls give this dish a unique flavor, so I highly recommend sticking with them for the best results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Store the soaked rolls in the fridge until you're ready to cook them. Just be sure to reheat them properly to maintain their texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, I can substitute the half-and-half or milk with a dairy-free alternative, like almond milk or coconut milk. For the butter, I would use a plant-based butter substitute.

Can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! I can easily double or triple the recipe if I'm cooking for a crowd. Just be sure to cook the rolls in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

How can I add more flavor to this French toast?

I can experiment by adding other spices like nutmeg or even orange zest to the custard mixture for a different flavor profile. You could also top the French toast with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or toasted coconut for extra flair.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fun, sweet, and indulgent twist on a breakfast favorite. With its quick prep time, minimal ingredients, and mouthwatering results, it’s the perfect choice for a special breakfast or brunch. Whether I’m serving it for a holiday or simply treating myself to a cozy morning, this recipe always leaves me feeling satisfied and happy.

Recipe:

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet and indulgent twist on the classic French toast, made using soft and fluffy King's Hawaiian Rolls. Soaked in a cinnamon-sugar custard, these rolls are cooked to a golden, crispy perfection, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup, this dish makes for a special brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast. Easy to make, with minimal prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite for breakfast or brunch occasions!

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until fully combined.
Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or skewer to allow the custard to soak in.
Dip the rolls into the custard mixture for 30 seconds per side, turning to coat all sides evenly. Avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown. Flip with a spatula to ensure all sides are crispy.
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispy texture. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave (though the crispiness may be reduced).

For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half with almond or coconut milk and use a plant-based butter substitute.