Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 1/3 cup milk; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 24 sweet Hawaiian rolls; 4 tablespoons butter

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate breakfast treat that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is about to become your new obsession. With their signature fluffy sweetness, Hawaiian rolls soak up a simple custard and transform in the skillet into golden, pillowy bites of morning happiness. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or surprising family on a sleepy Sunday, every bite of this dish brings sunshine, comfort, and a hit of fun to your table!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast doesn’t require a pantry full of fancy ingredients; just a handful of breakfast staples, each playing an important role in the final result. Together, they turn humble rolls into a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and gorgeous color.

Large Eggs: The creamy base for the custard, binding everything and giving each roll that rich, classic French toast fluffiness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the egg mixture soak into the rolls for a tender bite.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and that signature French toast aroma that gets everyone excited for breakfast.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the custard, highlighting the tropical notes in the rolls.
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the show—these give an airy, slightly sweet, buttery bite with every mouthful (and are much more fun than sliced bread!).
Butter: For cooking and adding extra richness to each golden crust.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard

Start by grabbing your widest baking dish (a 9 x 13-inch one is perfect), so there’s plenty of room for each Hawaiian roll. Crack in the eggs, pour in the milk, sprinkle in the cinnamon, and add the vanilla extract and a generous pinch of salt. Using a whisk, mix until the eggs are smooth and everything is combined. You’ll see a lovely, cinnamon-flecked custard ready to soak up those sweet rolls!

Step 2: Soak the Rolls

Take each Hawaiian roll and dip it into the custard mixture. Don’t rush—give each a gentle squeeze so it soaks up that cinnamon-vanilla goodness right to the center. Let them hang out in the custard, turning occasionally, for about five minutes. This step is what makes your Hawaiian Roll French Toast so tender and flavorful in every bite.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Heat up half of your butter in a big nonstick skillet over medium heat. As soon as the butter starts to foam, add half of the soaked rolls, giving them plenty of space. Cook each roll until it’s beautifully golden brown—about one minute per side. Transfer them to a warm platter (or the oven set on low) while you get the next batch ready. Wipe the skillet if needed, then melt the rest of your butter and repeat. That toasted aroma is what breakfast dreams are made of!

Step 4: Serve and Celebrate

Pile the warm, golden Hawaiian Roll French Toast rolls high and get ready for the best part: toppings! Whether you go classic with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh berries for a burst of color, you’ll be amazed at how these simple rolls transform into something truly special.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a blank canvas. Try a snowy drift of powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness, fresh berries for bright color and tang, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for nostalgia. Whipped cream or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut can take it over the top—let your creativity shine!

Side Dishes

Balance the sweet, buttery richness with something fresh and vibrant: a simple fruit salad, tangy Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon alongside your Hawaiian Roll French Toast makes the meal feel festive and complete. If you’re hosting, offer a bowl of citrus or fresh juice to brighten things up even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into handheld bites by skewering each golden roll with a fruit chunk; stack them high on a platter for a brunch buffet; or serve family-style at the table and let everyone add their own toppings. Warm plates and fun napkins make even a casual breakfast feel like a special occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have some Hawaiian Roll French Toast leftover, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. The rolls stay surprisingly soft for up to two days—perfect for quick breakfasts later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this French toast! Place cooled rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month and reheat beautifully for a homemade treat any morning.

Reheating

To enjoy again, just pop the refrigerated or frozen rolls in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven will keep the outsides lovely and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the sweet, buttery flavor of Hawaiian rolls makes this dish extra special, you can substitute with brioche or other soft dinner rolls if needed. Just be aware the flavor will change slightly, but the texture will still turn out delicious.

Is it possible to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the milk for a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter. The rolls themselves may contain dairy, so check the label if you need it fully dairy-free.

Can I prepare this ahead for a crowd?

Definitely! You can soak the rolls the night before and cover the baking dish tightly in the fridge. In the morning, cook up fresh batches or even bake them in the oven, turning halfway so all sides get golden. This makes brunch entertaining a breeze!

How do I keep the rolls from getting too soggy?

The secret is to soak the rolls just long enough—about five minutes usually does the trick. If your rolls are especially soft, check them a little sooner so they’re saturated but not falling apart.

What toppings go best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

The classics are always winners: maple syrup and powdered sugar never disappoint. For something unique, try sliced bananas, macadamia nuts, or a tropical fruit compote to lean into those island flavors!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast yet, you’re truly missing out on a joyful, crave-worthy twist on a breakfast classic. I can’t wait for you to bite into that golden, custardy goodness—be prepared for a round of compliments at your next brunch or cozy morning at home!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Hawaiian sweet rolls are transformed into a decadent breakfast treat with this easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Perfectly golden and fluffy, these French toasts are a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Mixture:

6 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

French Toast:

24 sweet Hawaiian rolls
4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Prepare Egg Mixture: In a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
Soak Rolls: Dip each Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring even coating; let soak for about 5 minutes.
Cook French Toast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook half of the soaked rolls until golden brown (about 1 minute per side), then transfer to a warm platter.
Repeat: Wipe the skillet and repeat with remaining butter and rolls.
Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of rum or coconut extract to the egg mixture.
Feel free to sprinkle some chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before serving for extra texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American