Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revolution! Imagine sinking your teeth into pillowy soft, golden brown French toast, infused with the subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. This isn’t your average French toast; it’s a delightful twist on a classic that will have everyone begging for seconds.

While French toast itself boasts a long and storied history, with variations found across cultures for centuries, using Hawaiian rolls adds a uniquely modern and playful touch. These sweet rolls, with their origins in Hawaii and their widespread popularity across the mainland, bring a tropical vibe to your breakfast table. They’re known for their incredibly soft texture and subtle sweetness, which perfectly complements the richness of the egg custard.

What makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a melt-in-your-mouth interior, and the sweetness of the rolls is balanced by the savory notes of the eggs and butter. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast for a busy weekday or a show-stopping brunch dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this simple yet extraordinary treat!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes

Preparing the Custard:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is whip up that delicious custard that will soak into our Hawaiian rolls. This is where the magic happens, folks!

1. Crack the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack all 6 of your large eggs. Make sure you get all the shell fragments out – nobody wants crunchy French toast!
2. Whisk in the Dairy: Add the 1 cup of milk and the 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. The heavy cream adds a lovely richness, but you can substitute with more milk if you prefer a lighter version.
3. Sweeten and Spice: Now, add the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon and nutmeg are key for that warm, comforting flavor we all love in French toast. Don’t skip them!
4. Whisk it All Together: Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well blended. You want to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. A few lumps are okay, but try to get it as smooth as possible. This ensures even soaking and cooking.
5. Rest the Custard (Optional but Recommended): For the best results, let the custard sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it if you can spare the time.

Soaking the Hawaiian Rolls:

Now comes the fun part – soaking those sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls in our custard! This is what makes this French toast so incredibly delicious.

1. Prepare the Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You can either keep them attached in rows of 3 or 4, or separate them completely into individual rolls. I prefer keeping them in rows because it makes them easier to flip and handle.
2. Soak the Rolls: Dip each row (or individual roll) into the custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Let them soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. You want them to be thoroughly saturated but not falling apart. The amount of soaking time will depend on the freshness of your rolls – fresher rolls will absorb more liquid.
3. Don’t Oversoak: Be careful not to oversoak the rolls, as they can become soggy and difficult to cook. If you notice the rolls are starting to fall apart, remove them from the custard immediately.
4. Transfer to a Plate: As you soak each row (or roll), transfer it to a clean plate or baking sheet. This will make it easier to transfer them to the hot skillet.

Cooking the French Toast:

Time to cook our soaked Hawaiian rolls into golden-brown perfection! This is where patience is key. We want to cook them low and slow to ensure they’re cooked through without burning.

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough to cook the French toast evenly, but not so hot that it burns.
2. Add the Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the hot skillet and let it melt completely. The butter will help to create a golden-brown crust and prevent the French toast from sticking.
3. Cook the First Side: Carefully place the soaked Hawaiian rolls in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You should be able to fit about 4-6 rolls (or rows) in the skillet at a time, depending on the size of your skillet.
4. Cook for 3-4 Minutes: Cook the French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently flip the French toast.
5. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a roll. If it comes out clean, the French toast is cooked through. If it comes out with wet batter, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
6. Add More Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
7. Keep Warm: As the French toast is cooked, transfer it to a baking sheet and keep it warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until ready to serve. This will prevent the French toast from getting cold and soggy.
8. Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining soaked Hawaiian rolls.

Serving and Toppings:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast! This is where you can get creative with your toppings and make it your own.

1. Plate the French Toast: Arrange the cooked French toast on plates.
2. Add Toppings: Now for the fun part! Here are some topping ideas:
   • Powdered Sugar: A classic topping that adds a touch of sweetness.
   • Maple Syrup: A must-have for French toast! Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
   • Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – all are delicious with French toast.
   • Whipped Cream: Adds a light and fluffy touch.
   • Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a nice crunch.
   • Coconut Flakes: A tropical twist that complements the Hawaiian rolls perfectly.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast immediately while it’s still warm and delicious.

Tips and Variations:

• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the Hawaiian rolls in the custard overnight in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
• Different Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on the French toast while it’s cooking for a decadent treat.
• Savory French Toast: For a savory version, omit the sugar and vanilla extract from the custard and add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Serve with a fried egg and bacon or sausage.
• Stuffed French Toast: Cut a slit in each Hawaiian roll and fill it with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before soaking and cooking.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Hawaiian Roll French Toast as much as I do! It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious breakfast or brunch treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast or brunch game. The inherent sweetness and soft texture of the Hawaiian rolls create a French toast experience unlike any other. It’s a delightful twist on a classic that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and honestly, it’s so easy to make, you might just find yourself whipping it up on a regular weekday morning!

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the buttery, eggy coating complementing the subtle tang of the Hawaiian rolls. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

I love serving this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. But don’t stop there! Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, add a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level for a truly decadent treat.

For a more savory twist, try topping it with crispy bacon or sausage. The salty, smoky flavors pair beautifully with the sweetness of the French toast. You could even add a fried egg for a complete and satisfying breakfast.

Looking for variations? Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the egg mixture for extra flavor. You could also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, to create a unique flavor profile. For a richer, more indulgent experience, try using brioche rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls, although I truly believe the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the star of the show.

Another fun variation is to make French toast skewers! Simply cut the Hawaiian rolls into cubes, dip them in the egg mixture, and thread them onto skewers. Then, cook them on a griddle or in a pan until golden brown. These are perfect for parties or gatherings, as they’re easy to eat and fun to share.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavors to find your perfect combination. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Recipe Hashtag] or tag me [Your Social Media Handle]. Let me know what toppings you used, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. I’m always eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’m happy to help.