Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to whip up on a busy weekend morning or perfect for a family gathering, this is it! Everyone will be asking you for seconds.

It’s not just about taste; it’s about the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy Saturday or serving it up at a brunch party, this dish will bring smiles all around. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this Hawaiian Roll French Toast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delightful breakfast ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet flavors and fluffy texture—this is a hit with everyone!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and soak the rolls in advance for an even easier morning.
• Versatile Toppings: Dress it up with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or maple syrup for an extra special touch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Grab some King’s Hawaiian Rolls and let’s make this delicious breakfast together!

• 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for serving

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Zest: Mix in some lemon or orange zest into the custard for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Go Nutty: Top your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Stuff It Up: Try adding cream cheese or nut butter between two rolls before dipping them in the custard.
• Change Up the Spices: Swap out ground cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin spice to create different flavor profiles.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until everything is incorporated. This custard mixture is what makes your French toast so rich and flavorful!

Step 2: Soak the Rolls

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in properly. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, turning them to coat all sides. Be careful not to soak them too long; otherwise, they may become soggy!

Step 3: Cook the Rolls

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place your soaked rolls on the skillet and cook them for about 30-60 seconds per side until they are golden brown. Turning them gently with a spatula ensures that all sides get crispy!

Step 4: Serve Warm

Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust them with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful breakfast treat!

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Before you dive into this delightful recipe, let me share a few tips to ensure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfect every time!

• Choose fresh rolls – Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls will absorb the custard better and yield a fluffier texture. Look for rolls with a soft crust and a sweet aroma.

• Don’t rush the soaking – Allowing the rolls to soak for just 30 seconds helps them absorb enough custard without becoming mushy. This gives you that perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy exterior.

• Adjust the heat – Cooking on medium-low heat allows a more even cook, ensuring the outside gets golden brown while the inside stays tender. Too high of heat can lead to burnt edges and an uncooked center.

• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of almond extract to your custard mix. These small tweaks can take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to another level of deliciousness!

• Make it ahead – If you’re serving this for brunch, prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls a few hours in advance. Just cook them just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-pan goodness!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Serving your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this dish in style.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making your dish look restaurant-worthy.
• Fresh mint leaves – A couple of sprigs on top not only make it look appealing but also add a refreshing flavor contrast.
• Zest of citrus fruit – A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brightens up the dish with its fragrant aroma and vibrant color.

Side Dishes

• Greek yogurt with honey – The creaminess of yogurt paired with a drizzle of honey complements the sweetness of the French toast perfectly. It’s also packed with protein!
• Bacon alternatives (like turkey bacon or veggie bacon) – These add a savory crunch alongside your sweet breakfast, creating a nice contrast that many enjoy.
• Crispy hash browns – Golden, crispy hash browns are always a hit! They provide that beloved crunchy texture while balancing out the rich flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like berries, kiwi, and melon adds freshness to your plate and enhances the overall presentation.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Hawaiian Roll French Toast will not only taste amazing but also impress everyone at your breakfast table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious breakfasts even on the busiest mornings. You can easily make this dish in advance and store it for later, making your mornings a lot smoother!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the French toast in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual pieces of French toast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, place the French toast in the toaster or toaster oven until warmed through.
• You can also microwave it for about 30-60 seconds, checking at intervals to avoid overheating.
• Serve warm with your choice of toppings!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls give this French toast a unique sweetness, you can use brioche, challah, or any soft bread you prefer. Just adjust the soaking time based on the bread’s thickness.

How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast without eggs?

To make this delicious dish egg-free, replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This will still give you that lovely custardy texture!

Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast the night before?

Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls overnight in the refrigerator. Just cook them fresh in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat!

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

You can’t go wrong with powdered sugar, fresh fruit like berries or bananas, and maple syrup! For an extra treat, try adding whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe! It’s such a special way to start your day with warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family brunch or just treating yourself on a quiet morning, I know you’ll love every bite. Enjoy making it and savor those moments around the table—happy cooking!