Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Butter for cooking; Maple syrup for serving

Imagine the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls transformed into a delightful breakfast treat. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings a unique twist to a classic breakfast dish, combining the pillowy softness of Hawaiian rolls with the comforting flavors of traditional French toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch. The naturally sweet Hawaiian rolls create an incredible base that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. It’s quicker than traditional French toast because the rolls are already portioned and their texture holds up wonderfully to the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend family brunches, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of the slightly sweet rolls with the warm cinnamon and vanilla creates an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

King’s Hawaiian rolls provide the perfect sweet foundation for this French toast. Their soft texture and slight sweetness elevate this breakfast dish beyond ordinary French toast. Their compact size also makes them perfect for portion control and easy flipping.

Eggs create the custard base that transforms the rolls into French toast. They provide structure and richness while helping the exterior develop that characteristic golden crust when cooked.

Milk helps thin the egg mixture to the perfect consistency. It adds moisture and creaminess to the French toast. You can use any type of milk you have on hand – whole milk creates the richest result, but 2%, skim, or even non-dairy alternatives work well too.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. It enhances the sweetness of the rolls without adding additional sugar.

Cinnamon brings that classic French toast flavor that makes the dish instantly recognizable. Its warm, aromatic quality pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls and maple syrup.

Salt might seem surprising in a sweet dish, but just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip this ingredient – it makes a difference!

Butter for cooking gives the French toast a rich flavor and helps create that beautiful golden crust. You could substitute cooking spray or oil, but butter delivers the best flavor.

Maple syrup is the classic topping for French toast, adding sweetness and that distinctive maple flavor that complements the cinnamon and vanilla perfectly.

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Prepare the French Toast: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
Cook: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the dipped rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm with maple syrup.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, with each serving containing about 230 calories. The preparation takes just 10 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total time to a quick 20 minutes – perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Berry Stuffed: Before cooking, stuff the halved rolls with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity surprise.

Cream Cheese Filling: Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese between the roll halves before dipping and cooking for a cheesecake-inspired version.

Nutella Swirl: Add a swirl of Nutella between the roll halves for a chocolate-hazelnut twist that kids and adults will love.

Tropical Twist: Top with diced mango, pineapple, and toasted coconut flakes to enhance the Hawaiian theme.

Savory Option: Skip the vanilla and cinnamon, add herbs to the egg mixture, and serve with avocado and a fried egg on top for a sweet-savory breakfast sandwich.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After cooking, roll the French toast in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra sweet crunch.

Banana Foster: Top with caramelized bananas for an elegant brunch option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month.

Reheating in Toaster or Oven: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated or frozen French toast in a toaster or 350°F oven until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside (about 5 minutes from refrigerated, 10 minutes from frozen).

Microwave Method: For a quick option, microwave on high for 30-45 seconds per piece from refrigerated, or 1-2 minutes from frozen. Note that this method won’t preserve the crispy exterior.

Refreshing Tips: To refresh the flavor of stored French toast, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon before reheating, and add a small pat of butter on top while still warm.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can substitute regular dinner rolls, brioche, or any soft roll in this recipe. However, Hawaiian rolls offer a unique sweetness and texture that makes this dish special. If using another type of roll, you might want to add a tablespoon of sugar to the egg mixture to compensate for the missing sweetness.

How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?

For perfectly moist but not soggy French toast, dip the rolls quickly rather than soaking them. Hawaiian rolls are already soft, so they absorb the egg mixture rapidly. Also, make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the dipped rolls.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and refrigerate it. You can even dip the rolls and arrange them in your prepared baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for serving a crowd because it’s easily multiplied and the compact size of Hawaiian rolls makes preparation and serving simple. For large gatherings, you can cook the French toast in batches and keep them warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

What are some topping ideas besides maple syrup?

This versatile French toast pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, fruit compotes, honey, yogurt, nut butters, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce. You can also try a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fruit preserves.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk with any non-dairy alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use a plant-based butter or cooking oil instead of butter for frying. The result will have a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.

How can I tell when the French toast is properly cooked?

The Hawaiian Roll French Toast is done when both sides are golden brown and the center feels firm but springy when gently pressed. If you’re uncertain, you can check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, ensuring the egg mixture is fully cooked.

Can I add protein to make this a more complete breakfast?

Certainly! Serve alongside scrambled eggs or incorporate protein into the dish by adding a layer of nut butter between the roll halves before dipping in the egg mixture. You could also mix a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the egg mixture.

Why is my French toast not browning properly?

If your French toast isn’t browning, your pan might not be hot enough. Make sure the butter is sizzling (but not burning) before adding the dipped rolls. Also, check that your egg-to-milk ratio matches the recipe, as too much milk can prevent proper browning.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes, for a hands-off approach, arrange the dipped rolls in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture will be slightly different from the pan-fried version, baking is convenient when making a large batch.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast represents the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. By using sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls as your base, you elevate a simple breakfast into something truly special that requires minimal effort. This recipe proves that sometimes the most delightful culinary innovations come from thinking outside the traditional ingredients list.

Whether you’re serving it for a quick family breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a lazy weekend treat, this French toast offers a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. The versatility of the recipe allows you to adapt it to your tastes and what you have on hand, making it a reliable standby in your breakfast repertoire.

With its golden-brown exterior, soft center, and perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices, Hawaiian Roll French Toast might just become your new breakfast tradition. Simple to make but impressive to serve, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable dishes start with a simple creative twist.