Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Looking for a breakfast upgrade that’s guaranteed to impress? Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, buttery twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is easy to make and bursts with flavor. The soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully, creating a delightful dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Deliciously Sweet: The unique flavor of Hawaiian rolls combined with vanilla and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special brunch or a regular weekday morning, this dish suits any time you crave something sweet.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun twist on traditional French toast.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Toothpick or skewer
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making flipping the rolls effortless.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to whisk ingredients together without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly combining eggs and liquids.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

For the Custard Mixture

• 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

For Cooking

• 4 tablespoons butter

For the Rolls

• 1 pack (12-count) of King’s Hawaiian Rolls

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Maple syrup (optional)

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard

1. Whisk together the eggs and half-and-half in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

1. Take each Hawaiian roll and poke a few holes in the bottom using a toothpick or skewer. This allows them to soak up more custard.

Step 3: Dip the Rolls

1. Work in small batches to dip each roll into the custard mixture.
2. Soak each roll for about 30 seconds, turning them to coat evenly but avoiding excess soaking to prevent sogginess.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat.
2. Cook each dipped roll for about 30–60 seconds per side, flipping them until browned evenly on all sides.
3. Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve warm rolls immediately after cooking.
2. Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup as desired for extra flair.

Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a simple presentation or a more elaborate serving style, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

Classic Toppings

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and looks beautiful on your French toast.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the toast for a traditional flavor combination.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and a pop of color.

Gourmet Additions

• Whipped Cream: Top with homemade or store-bought whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that complements the Hawaiian rolls.
• Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate chips can provide a sweet surprise inside each roll.

Savory Pairings

• Bacon or Sausage: The salty crunch of bacon or savory sausage links balances the sweetness of the dish perfectly.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt offers creaminess and tang, making it a healthier option.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Making the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about technique and careful preparation. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Rolls: Opt for fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls for the best texture and flavor; stale rolls may not absorb the custard well.
• Soak Just Right: Soak each roll for about 30 seconds; too long can lead to sogginess while too short may not allow enough flavor to infuse.
• Control Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure even cooking without burning; patience is key!
• Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the custard mix to create unique flavors.
• Keep Them Warm: If preparing multiple batches, keep cooked rolls warm in an oven set to low heat until ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

To round out your breakfast experience, consider these delicious side dishes. They pair wonderfully with Hawaiian Roll French Toast and will impress your guests.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
2. Crispy Hash Browns: Golden brown hash browns add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft rolls beautifully.
3. Eggs Any Style: Scrambled, sunny-side up, or poached eggs add protein and balance the meal perfectly.
4. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach brings a nutritious green element and earthy flavor to the table.
5. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread makes for a trendy side that’s both filling and healthy.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers variety and richness that pairs nicely with sweet dishes like French toast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Being aware of these can help you achieve the perfect dish.

• Over-soaking the rolls: Soaking the Hawaiian rolls for too long can lead to a soggy texture. Limit soaking time to about 30 seconds per side for optimal absorption.
• Skipping the holes: Forgetting to poke holes in the rolls will prevent them from absorbing enough custard. Use a toothpick or skewer to create small holes before dipping.
• Using high heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Always use medium-low heat for even cooking and browning.
• Not adding enough butter: Insufficient butter can cause sticking and uneven browning. Ensure you use enough butter, adding more as needed during cooking.
• Neglecting toppings: Serving without toppings can make your dish less appealing. Don’t forget to add powdered sugar, berries, or syrup for extra flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds until warm, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat a nonstick skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of butter and warm each roll for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delicious breakfast dish made by soaking sweet Hawaiian rolls in a custard mixture and then cooking them until golden brown.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls are recommended for their sweetness, you can substitute with brioche or challah for similar results.

How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

You can customize this dish by adding spices like nutmeg, using different extracts such as almond, or incorporating citrus zest into the custard mix.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a treat; it’s an upgrade to your breakfast routine that everyone will love. Its sweet flavor and soft texture make it versatile enough for special occasions or everyday meals. Feel free to experiment with toppings and variations—your creativity is the only limit! Give this delightful recipe a try today!