Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, and there are countless variations that people enjoy all around the world. Whether it’s topped with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even savory options, French toast is versatile and delicious. But if you want to take your French toast game to the next level, try making it with Hawaiian rolls. These soft, slightly sweet, and buttery rolls offer the perfect twist on traditional French toast, delivering a rich flavor and pillowy texture that’s hard to resist.

In this 3000-word recipe, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast. From selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking technique, we’ve got all the tips and tricks for achieving perfect French toast every time. Whether you’re serving this for a family brunch or a special breakfast treat, this recipe will become a household favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Separate the Rolls: Begin by separating the Hawaiian rolls from each other. Do not cut them in half like you would for a sandwich, as we want to maintain their pillowy texture. However, if you prefer a crisper French toast, you can slice each roll in half horizontally.
2. Dry the Rolls (Optional): For a more structured French toast, it helps to dry out the Hawaiian rolls a bit. You can do this by leaving them out, uncovered, for a few hours or even overnight. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, leading to a richer texture after cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the rolls in a low oven (about 200°F) for 10-15 minutes to dry them out quickly.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are fully beaten and slightly frothy.
2. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring that the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Sweeten and Flavor: Add in the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is thoroughly mixed. The cinnamon will add a warm spice to the French toast, but feel free to adjust the amount or omit it based on your taste preferences.

Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Dip the Rolls: Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture. Allow each roll to soak for 20-30 seconds, making sure they absorb the liquid without becoming too soggy. The goal is to saturate the rolls enough to ensure a custardy center while maintaining their structure.
2. Let Excess Drip: After soaking, allow the excess egg mixture to drip off before transferring the rolls to a plate or directly to the skillet. This will prevent the rolls from becoming too eggy or creating an uneven texture.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and let it melt. The butter will add flavor and help the French toast develop a golden-brown crust.
2. Cook the Rolls: Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls in the pan, making sure they aren’t too crowded. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking, but be careful not to flatten the rolls too much.
3. Work in Batches: Repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
4. Keep Warm: If you’re cooking multiple batches, you can keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the rest.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add your favorite toppings and serve. Here are some delicious ideas:

1. Classic Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the French toast for a timeless combination. The sweet syrup enhances the buttery flavor of the rolls and adds a sticky, satisfying finish.
2. Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the French toast with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. It adds a subtle sweetness and a decorative touch.
3. Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: For a burst of freshness, top the French toast with a handful of fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) and a dollop of whipped cream. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
4. Banana and Nut Combo: Add sliced bananas and a sprinkle of crushed nuts, such as pecans or almonds. The soft, creamy bananas pair beautifully with the crunchy nuts, creating a wonderful textural contrast.
5. Chocolate Chips and Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and toasted coconut flakes over the French toast. The melty chocolate and sweet coconut will take the flavor to new heights.
6. Cinnamon Butter: Make cinnamon-flavored butter by mixing softened butter with a dash of cinnamon and a little honey or maple syrup. Spread it over the warm French toast for an extra touch of indulgence.
7. Nut Butter and Honey: Spread almond butter or peanut butter over the French toast and drizzle with honey for a nutty, sweet, and satisfying option that adds protein to the meal.
8. Savory Twist: If you want to try a savory version, skip the sugar in the egg mixture and top the French toast with bacon, eggs, and a drizzle of hot sauce. The slight sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls will balance the savory toppings, creating a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Tips for Success

1. Use Stale Rolls for Best Results: Hawaiian rolls are naturally soft and fluffy, which makes them ideal for absorbing the egg mixture. However, if they’re too fresh, they may become soggy. Drying them out slightly before dipping will help them maintain their structure.
2. Don’t Over-Soak the Rolls: Hawaiian rolls are more delicate than traditional bread slices, so be careful not to over-soak them in the egg mixture. A quick dip ensures they absorb enough liquid without falling apart.
3. Preheat the Pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly preheated before cooking the French toast. This ensures the rolls develop a golden-brown crust without sticking to the pan.
4. Control the Heat: Cook the French toast over medium heat to ensure that the inside cooks through while the outside turns golden. Too high heat can cause the outside to burn before the inside is fully cooked.
5. Add Flavors to the Egg Mixture: Feel free to experiment with different flavorings in the egg mixture. You can add a bit of orange zest for a citrusy twist, or even a splash of rum extract for a more tropical flavor profile.

Variations

1. Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Take your French toast to the next level by stuffing the rolls with your favorite fillings. You can use sweet options like cream cheese, Nutella, or jam. Slice the rolls partially open, fill them with your desired ingredient, and then proceed with dipping them in the egg mixture and cooking as usual.

2. Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

If you’re feeding a crowd or want to make breakfast ahead of time, try turning this recipe into a French toast casserole. Arrange the Hawaiian rolls in a greased baking dish, pour the egg mixture over the top, and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, bake the casserole at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until golden and puffed. This is an easy way to serve a delicious breakfast with minimal effort on busy mornings.

3. Savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast

For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon from the egg mixture and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once cooked, top the French toast with avocado, crispy bacon, or a poached egg for a hearty and savory meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: If you have any leftovers, you can store the cooked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the French toast for longer storage. Place the cooked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: To reheat, place the French toast on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
• Toaster: For a quick option, pop the French toast in the toaster for a few minutes until warmed and crispy.
• Microwave: While the microwave is the fastest option, it may make the French toast soggy. Heat in short bursts, checking the texture between intervals.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delicious twist on the classic breakfast dish that offers a sweet, buttery, and indulgent flavor. Whether you serve it with traditional toppings like maple syrup and powdered sugar or experiment with fresh berries, whipped cream, and nut butters, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for breakfast or brunch. Its simplicity, combined with the unique texture of the Hawaiian rolls, makes it a must-try dish for any occasion.

With a variety of serving options and endless potential for customization, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast or a special holiday brunch, this recipe will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

So, the next time you’re looking to elevate your French toast game, give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of Hawaiian rolls and the classic French toast flavors you love!

Yield: 4

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Print

French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, and there are countless variations that people enjoy all around the world. Whether it’s topped with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even savory options, French toast is versatile and delicious. But if you want to take your French toast game to the next level, try making it with Hawaiian rolls. These soft, slightly sweet, and buttery rolls offer the perfect twist on traditional French toast, delivering a rich flavor and pillowy texture that’s hard to resist.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian rolls (from a package)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the Hawaiian Rolls:
   Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally (like you would a sandwich) but keep them connected for easier flipping, or you can pull them apart individually if preferred.
   
2. Make the Egg Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
   
3. Soak the Rolls:
   Preheat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt.
   Dip each Hawaiian roll (or connected rolls) into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let them soak for about 10-15 seconds on each side to absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
   
4. Cook the French Toast:
   Once the skillet is hot and the butter has melted, add the soaked Hawaiian rolls to the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip and repeat on the other side, adding more butter as needed for each batch.
   
5. Serve:
   Once the French toast is golden and cooked through, remove from the skillet and plate them.
   Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit like berries or bananas. Whipped cream also makes a delicious topping for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the rolls and egg mixture the night before for an even quicker breakfast in the morning.
• Add Some Crunch: For added texture, you can sprinkle the dipped Hawaiian rolls with crushed cornflakes or granola before cooking.
• Toppings: Consider adding sliced strawberries, bananas, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the sweet rolls.