Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls get a delicious upgrade in this easy French toast recipe. With a golden-brown exterior and a fluffy, custardy center, this dish is perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Soft and Buttery Texture: Hawaiian rolls bring a unique softness and hint of sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a simple breakfast treat.
- Easy to Make: Comes together quickly with basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
- Hawaiian rolls: Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for French toast.
- Eggs: Essential for creating the rich, custard-like coating.
- Milk or cream: Adds creaminess and helps soak the rolls.
- Vanilla extract: For a hint of warm, sweet flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spiced touch to the French toast.
- Butter: To fry the rolls to golden perfection.
Full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
- Prepare the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Dip the rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and dip them in the custard mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated but not soggy.
- Cook the rolls: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Cook the dipped rolls until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Stuffed French Toast: Add a cream cheese and jam filling between two halves of a roll before dipping.
- Savory Twist: Skip the cinnamon and vanilla and add a pinch of salt and pepper for a savory version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and refrigerate it overnight. Dip and cook the rolls fresh in the morning for the best texture.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Classic maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruits like berries and bananas are excellent choices.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish. Sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls are soaked in a rich custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings for a quick, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (cut in half if using sliders)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute with almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruits for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Dip each Hawaiian roll (cut side down if halved) into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 5-10 seconds. Let excess drip off.
- Place the soaked rolls onto the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
- Transfer cooked rolls to a plate and keep warm.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can make this dish ahead by preparing the custard the night before. Simply whisk and refrigerate.
- Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness, but you can use brioche or challah as alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 145mg