Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 12 Hawaiian Rolls, sliced horizontally; Confectioners’ sugar, optional for serving; Maple syrup, optional for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 11 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate brunch upgrade, look no further than Hawaiian Roll French Toast. This delightful twist on a breakfast classic uses irresistibly soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls in place of standard bread, ensuring every bite is rich, pillowy, and packed with buttery vanilla goodness. The result? Golden, plush slices that soak up just the right amount of custard, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is destined to become your family’s new weekend favorite.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the ingredient list: each element plays a pivotal role in making this dish so special. Fresh eggs enrich the custard, cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth and aroma, and the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls give the French toast its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

4 large eggs: The heart of the custard, giving your French toast structure and richness.
½ cup milk: Whole milk makes the breakfast extra creamy, but any milk or non-dairy alternative works just as well.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant sweetness to every bite.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers spicy depth and that classic French toast flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out every ingredient’s best.
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint gives irresistible warmth and complexity.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For golden crusts and a rich, buttery finish.
12 Hawaiian Rolls, sliced horizontally: The stars of Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Their soft, pillowy texture soaks up the custard beautifully.
Confectioners’ sugar, optional: For that snowy, picture-perfect presentation.
Maple syrup, optional: Adds classic, sticky-sweet finish to every forkful.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a wide, deep bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. You want a smooth, well-combined mixture—don’t rush it! This fragrant custard will infuse every roll with flavor from the inside out, so make sure there are no streaks of unbeaten egg left.

Step 2: Heat Your Skillet or Griddle

Place your largest skillet or a griddle over medium heat and brush the surface generously with a tablespoon of unsalted butter. This helps form a golden, slightly crisp crust on the Hawaiian rolls and prevents sticking.

Step 3: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Working in batches, gently dip each sliced Hawaiian roll half into the custard, allowing them to soak for a couple of seconds to absorb all that sweet, spiced goodness. Let any excess drip off before transferring to your hot pan. Don’t let them sit too long—Hawaiian rolls are super soft and can get soggy quickly!

Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Place the soaked rolls cut-side down onto your skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until beautifully golden and slightly crisp. Keep the heat moderate—too high and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.

Step 5: Serve and Keep Warm

Move each batch to a warm plate, tenting with foil to keep them cozy while you finish the rest. Add a bit more butter to the skillet if needed before starting the next round. Once all your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is cooked, it’s time for the finishing touches!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

The crowning glory is the garnishes! A flurry of confectioners’ sugar looks beautiful against the golden toast, and a generous pour of real maple syrup soaks deliciously into all those fluffy layers. For an extra-special touch, top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a bright fruit salad for a complete brunch spread. The sweet richness of the toast balances savory sides perfectly, making every bite exciting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the pieces in a tall tower and sprinkle with colorful berries, or serve them family-style on a big platter with pitchers of warm syrup. You can even turn Hawaiian Roll French Toast into sweet sliders with mascarpone and jam for something truly unforgettable at your next brunch get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently to maintain the perfect texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, layer cooled slices between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast will keep for up to two months—perfect for spontaneous brunch cravings!

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and crisped on the outside. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rolls lose their lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use any brand of Hawaiian rolls for this French toast?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian is the classic choice, any brand of soft, sweet Hawaiian-style rolls works perfectly in this recipe.

Is it possible to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite plant-based milk (such as oat or almond) and use a dairy-free butter substitute. All the flavor stays, and everyone can enjoy a slice!

How do I keep my French toast from getting soggy?

Only dip the rolls briefly in the custard so they absorb enough for flavor but don’t become limp. Hawaiian rolls are very soft, so a quick dunk is best!

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?

You can cook the French toast in advance, store it as described above, and reheat before serving. It tastes almost just as good as fresh, especially when finished with syrup and garnishes.

What can I serve with this dish to make a full brunch?

Try pairing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs. You can even serve it alongside coffee and breakfast potatoes for the ultimate brunch feast.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Hawaiian Roll French Toast enough for anyone looking to transform an ordinary morning into an unforgettable occasion. With its plush texture, sweet island-inspired flavor, and effortless preparation, it’s sure to steal the show at your next brunch. Give it a try, and let every bite brighten your day!