Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Sweet Bites of Breakfast Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 large eggs (Fundamental for binding and adding richness); 1 cup half and half (Can substitute with whole milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Imitation works if you're in a pinch); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Swap with nutmeg for variation); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (White sugar can be used for a lighter taste); 1 pinch salt (Essential for balancing sweetness); 8 rolls King’s Hawaiian Rolls (The base for this sweet dish); 2 tablespoons butter (Needed for frying, use coconut oil for non-dairy option); 1 cup fresh fruit (Customize with any preferred fruits); 1 cup maple syrup (Honey can be an alternative)

On a lazy Sunday morning, the scent of something sweet wafts through my kitchen, transforming the day into a mini celebration! That’s the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast—a dish that reinvents breakfast with delightful bite-sized pieces. Ideal for those moments when you crave comfort or want to impress at brunch, these little gems are not only quick to whip up but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a golden, crispy exterior and soft, fluffy centers, they offer an irresistible sweet twist on a classic. Curious how to make this little slice of paradise at home? Let’s dive into this recipe together!

Why Choose Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Irresistible Sweetness: The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls and rich custard creates a sweet indulgence that delights everyone.
Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, these bites are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for sharing, these treats are sure to impress family and friends, making every meal a celebration.
Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite fruits or drizzles like honey for a personal touch—think of a decadent spin like the toppings on my Coconut-Crusted French Toast!
Memorable Flavor: This recipe is a fun twist on traditional French toast, bringing a tropical vibe to your breakfast table.
Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes involved, you can enjoy this delightful meal without the hassle!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

• For the Custard

King’s Hawaiian Rolls – The base for this sweet dish that brings a delightful softness; feel free to substitute with similar sweet rolls.
Large Eggs – Fundamental for binding and adding richness; no substitutes recommended for this crucial role.
Half and Half or Whole Milk – Provides creaminess and moisture; almond milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; imitation vanilla works if you’re in a pinch.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm spice element; swap with nutmeg for a unique variation.
Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and depth of flavor; white sugar can be used for a lighter taste.
Pinch of Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness; don’t skip this ingredient!

• For Cooking

Butter – Needed for frying, providing a rich flavor; use coconut oil for a non-dairy option.

• For Toppings

Powdered Sugar – A dusting to finish off these bites with a touch of sweetness.
Fresh Fruit – Customize your dish with any fruits you prefer—berries work particularly well.
Maple Syrup – The classic drizzle; honey can be a delightful alternative.

Dive into this recipe, and experience firsthand how the Hawaiian Roll French Toast can turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary celebration!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of half and half (or whole milk) until they are fully combined. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and creamy, signaling it’s ready for the soft Hawaiian rolls.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Rolls
Take your King’s Hawaiian rolls and carefully use a toothpick to poke small holes in the bottoms of each roll. This step is crucial as it allows the custard mixture to absorb better, ensuring your Hawaiian Roll French Toast will be perfectly soaked and flavorful. Set the rolls aside while you prepare for dipping.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Next, dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, flipping them gently to ensure even coverage on all sides. Watch for them to slightly soften but not become overly soggy—this balance is key to achieving a delicious texture. Once soaked, let the excess mixture drip off before proceeding to the pan.

Step 4: Preheat the Skillet
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, allowing it to foam and become bubbly. As the butter melts, keep an eye on its color—it should turn golden without burning. This creates a perfect base for cooking your Hawaiian Roll French Toast bites, enhancing their flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Rolls
Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls in the skillet, allowing them to cook for 30 to 60 seconds per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color on the surface, indicating they are crisp on the outside yet fluffy inside. Flip them cautiously with a spatula to avoid breaking apart as they get golden and delicious.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast from the skillet and let them rest briefly on a plate. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish, then add fresh fruit like berries on top. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey to elevate your dish. Serve warm and watch as everyone delights in this scrumptious breakfast treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt, then poke holes in the rolls and soak them, gently ensuring they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. Once soaked, store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat a nonstick skillet with butter and cook the soaked rolls for 30-60 seconds per side until they’re golden brown. This way, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort during busy mornings!

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Indulging in sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast opens the door to a delightful spread, enhancing your breakfast or brunch experience.

Crispy Bacon: The savory crunch of bacon perfectly contrasts the sweet and fluffy French toast, creating a balanced morning meal.
Fresh Mixed Berries: Bright and juicy berries add a pop of color and a refreshing tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A classic pairing, warm maple syrup adds a rich sweetness that enhances every bite of your French toast.
Breakfast Sausage Links: The hearty flavor of sausage brings a delicious savory note to the table, rounding out your brunch spread.
Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and a neutral flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet French toast.
Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream elevates the presentation, plus it adds an extra layer of indulgence to this breakfast treat.
Sweet Potato Hash: A savory, spiced sweet potato hash brings unexpected flavor and heartiness, balancing the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.
Iced Coffee: A chilled coffee beverage complements the warm toast, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures that is refreshing and energizing.
Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, a light drizzle of chocolate sauce can transform your French toast into a dessert-like affair.
Chilled Sparkling Water: To keep things light and refreshing, a glass of sparkling water can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Freezer: To freeze, place cooled French toast bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For optimal warmth and crispiness, reheat frozen bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the custard and soak the rolls a day in advance, storing them in the fridge. Just cook them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations

Feel free to experiment with these delightful variations to make this recipe your own!

Dairy-Free: Swap half and half with almond or oat milk for a creamy, non-dairy alternative. Your French toast will still be dreamy, just without the dairy!
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the custard mixture for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. It’s a great way to enhance texture and make your bites even more satisfying.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips into the custard for a sweet surprise in every bite. Chocolate paired with that sugary cinnamon goodness? Absolutely divine!
Fruit-Infused: Incorporate pureed fruit, like bananas or strawberries, into the custard for a fruity essence. This variation adds a refreshing twist that brightens up each piece.
Spicy Cinnamon: Substitute cinnamon with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm spicy flavor profile. This adds a fragrant aroma that will tantalize your senses as it cooks.
Savory Touch: Consider adding cooked bacon bits or sausage crumbles into the batter for a savory sweet combo. It’s a hearty option that’s perfect for those who love a balanced breakfast.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple syrup glaze on top instead of using it as a dipping sauce. To create the glaze, simply warm maple syrup with a splash of butter until combined.
Tropical Vibes: Top with fresh pineapple or mango to complement the Hawaiian theme. You might even enjoy it alongside a scoop of coconut yogurt for an extra tropical flair.

Each variation brings its unique flair and charm, just like my classic Coconut-Crusted French Toast and Avocado Toast Cozy. So go ahead and find your favorite, or mix and match for an inventive breakfast adventure!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Soak Time Matters: Don’t soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds to prevent them from turning soggy. Aim for tender, not mushy.
Heat Control: Use medium-low heat to cook the rolls evenly. This will avoid burning the exterior while ensuring the inside is fluffy.
Nonstick Necessity: A nonstick skillet is your best friend here to prevent sticking and allow for an easy flip of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Proper Poking: Be gentle when poking holes in the rolls. Poke too many, and you may lose the custard inside during soaking!
Customize Wisely: Feel free to experiment with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate chips, but balance sweetness with your favorite fresh fruits.
Batch Cooking: If making a large batch, keep cooked rolls warm in the oven while you finish the rest to serve them all hot!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of Hawaiian rolls should I use?
Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian Rolls are the preferred choice for their sweetness and soft texture, you can substitute them with other similar sweet rolls if needed. Just make sure they are soft and light for the best results.

How should I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Store any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I often recommend using a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, as this helps maintain that lovely crispy exterior while warming them through.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the French toast bites to cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

What if my custard mixture is too runny?
If you find your custard mixture is too runny, try adding an extra egg or reducing the liquid slightly next time. This will provide a thicker custard that sticks better to the rolls. Alternatively, whisking the mixture longer can help to incorporate more air and thicken it up.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Great question! For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, consider using almond milk instead of half and half or whole milk. You can also replace butter with coconut oil to keep this recipe dairy-free. Always check for ingredient sensitivities, especially when using sweeteners or flavorings.