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If there’s one dish that brings together the joy of sweet breakfast and comforting desserts, it’s Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine ultra-soft, golden caramelized bites with a distinct hint of vanilla and cinnamon—lightly crispy on the outside, pillow-soft in the middle, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re treating yourself or serving brunch to friends, this recipe transforms simple Hawaiian rolls into a show-stopping treat. Let’s make mornings extra special with this crave-worthy twist on classic French toast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’re just a handful of everyday ingredients away from making unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Each one plays a key role, blending to create the flavor, softness, and golden color that make this dish irresistible.

• Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet and fluffy rolls are the heart of the dish, soaking up the custard and delivering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: The base for your custard, eggs help bind everything together while providing richness and structure.
• Half and half (or whole milk): Adds creamy moisture to the custard, ensuring a soft but not soggy French toast; use what you have!
• Vanilla extract: This gives your Hawaiian Roll French Toast that deliciously fragrant depth that defines classic French toast.
• Ground cinnamon: For cozy warmth and a dash of visual appeal, cinnamon adds the signature spice note.
• Brown sugar: It brings just the right amount of sweetness and helps the rolls caramelize beautifully as they cook.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances every other flavor and prevents the dish from tasting too one note.
• Butter: Pan-frying the rolls in butter delivers that crisp, golden finish we love.
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup: Essential for topping and adding extra sweetness, color, and fresh contrast to your final plate.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard Base

Start by cracking your eggs into a large bowl, then pour in the half and half or whole milk. Whisk this mixture thoroughly, making sure the eggs are completely broken up—you want a smooth, cohesive custard without streaks of white or yolk.

Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters

Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well so the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing, and you’ll notice the custard turning a soft golden color.

Step 3: Prep the Rolls

Take a toothpick or skewer and poke a few small holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This is the secret for letting the egg mixture soak in deeply, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Trust me, this little trick is worth the minute it takes!

Step 4: Soak the Rolls

Drop a few rolls at a time into the whisked custard and allow them to soak for around 30 seconds. They’ll gently absorb the mixture—don’t leave them too long, or they may turn mushy. Remove each roll just as they look plumped up, and let any extra drip off.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low and melt about 2 tablespoons of butter until foamy. Working in batches (four rolls at a time is easy to manage), carefully add your soaked rolls. Turn them every 30 seconds or when a side is golden brown, cooking on all four sides plus the top and bottom. Keep the heat moderate to allow the inside to cook through without burning the outside.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is evenly golden and cooked through, serve them while hot. Their creamy middles and crispy edges are best enjoyed straight from the skillet—add your favorite toppings and dig in!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

The finishing touch on Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about the toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or even some sliced banana adds freshness and color. Drizzle with warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness with sides like crispy bacon, turkey sausage, or a platter of citrus fruit. You might even pair with lightly scrambled eggs or yogurt to round out a hearty, satisfying brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your rolls in a circle for a “pull apart” platter, serve them on skewers for a playful brunch appetizer, or pile them high with layers of fresh fruit in between. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is also wonderful as mini sliders: split and fill with sweetened cream cheese or fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let the rolls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days—though chances are, they’ll disappear long before that!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled French toast rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, ready to warm up anytime you need a fast, homemade treat.

Reheating

Reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a skillet over low heat or in a 325°F oven until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. For a super quick option, a microwave works in a pinch, but the roll’s edges won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are the star for their sweetness and softness, brioche, challah, or even dinner rolls work nicely in this recipe. Just adjust soak time since denser bread absorbs differently.

How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?

Be sure not to soak the rolls too long—30 seconds is perfect. Also, cook on medium-low heat so the custard sets gently, and don’t overcrowd the pan, which allows the rolls to brown evenly and stay tender, not mushy.

Can I prepare the egg mixture in advance?

You sure can! Whisk up the custard base the night before and store it, covered, in the fridge. In the morning, just whisk briefly to recombine, then soak and cook your rolls as usual.

Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast good for kids?

Kids absolutely love Hawaiian Roll French Toast! The rolls are the perfect size for little hands, and their mild sweetness makes them appealing even for picky eaters. You can skip or adjust toppings as you wish.

What are the best toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

This recipe pairs perfectly with maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Feel free to get adventurous and try lemon curd or a chocolate drizzle for dessert vibes!

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is like a little piece of breakfast bliss. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for any day worth celebrating. Give it a try, make it your own, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

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