Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Sweet and Fluffy Breakfast Delight

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy French toast, look no further than this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe! Sweet, soft, and golden brown, this twist on traditional French toast is perfect for brunch ideas French toast lovers, a Christmas bake breakfast, or just a cozy weekend treat. Whether you’re searching for Hawaiian Roll uses, dinner recipes with Hawaiian rolls, or just a way to elevate your breakfast game, this recipe will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast

1. Soft and Fluffy Texture: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully, resulting in a pillowy soft bite.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday mornings to simple weekday breakfasts, this dish is easy to make yet feels indulgent.
3. Versatile & Customizable: Dress it up with your favorite toppings like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
4. A Unique Take on French Toast: Ideal for those looking for unique French toast ideas beyond the classic sliced bread version.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1 pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying

For Toppings (Optional, But Recommended!)

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Whipped cream
• Caramel or chocolate drizzle
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Keep the Hawaiian rolls intact if making a casserole-style bake, or separate them for individual pieces.
2. If desired, slice each roll in half horizontally to create thinner pieces that will absorb more custard.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish wide enough for dipping the rolls.

Step 3: Dip and Soak

1. Submerge each Hawaiian roll in the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side.
2. Be careful not to over-soak, as Hawaiian rolls are softer than traditional bread.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Transfer the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and add your favorite toppings.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Roll-Up French Toast

For a fun twist on this recipe, transform it into a Roll-Up French Toast:

• Flatten the Hawaiian rolls slightly with a rolling pin.
• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves inside.
• Roll them up tightly before dipping in the custard mixture.
• Cook as usual and enjoy delicious stuffed French toast roll-ups!

2. Baked Hawaiian Roll French Toast (Christmas Bake Breakfast)

If you’re making this for a Christmas bake breakfast or feeding a crowd, try baking it instead:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange soaked Hawaiian rolls in a greased baking dish.
• Pour any remaining custard over the rolls.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
• Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

3. Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Perfect for a brunch crowd, this variation is all about ease:

• Cube Hawaiian rolls and place them in a buttered baking dish.
• Pour the custard mixture over the top, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
• Let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for better absorption).
• Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

Best Drinks to Pair with Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Classic Coffee: A rich dark roast pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors.
• Fresh Orange Juice: The citrusy brightness balances out the richness.
• Vanilla Chai Latte: A cozy drink for a comforting breakfast.
• Iced Matcha Latte: For a refreshing twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time? Yes! If baking, you can assemble everything the night before and bake in the morning.

2. How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best results.

3. Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Yes! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.

4. What other Hawaiian roll uses are there? Beyond French toast, Hawaiian rolls are great for sliders, bread pudding, or as dinner rolls for savory dishes.

5. Can I make this with dairy-free alternatives? Absolutely! Substitute almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for the dairy, and use vegan butter.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a game-changer for breakfast and brunch lovers. Whether you enjoy it as a quick skillet meal, a festive Christmas bake breakfast, or a Hawaiian Roll French Toast casserole, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Next time you’re thinking of foods with recipe inspiration, let this be your go-to dish!

So, grab a pack of Hawaiian sweet bread, whip up this unique French toast idea, and treat yourself to an irresistible breakfast experience!