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. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or simply a cozy weekend morning, this recipe brings a tropical twist to a classic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and quick instructions, you can whip up this French toast in no time.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for gatherings and family breakfasts.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love the sweet flavors and can help with the soaking process.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast hassle-free, gathering the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: Prevents sticking and allows even cooking for perfectly golden brown rolls.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to whisk the egg mixture without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are combined smoothly for a rich custard.
- Spatula: Helps turn the rolls gently to avoid breaking them while cooking.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 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
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
- Maple syrup
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. Whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly incorporated.
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. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to soak them too long; otherwise, they’ll become soggy.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet. Cook for about 30–60 seconds per side until they are golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them gently to ensure all sides are crispy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries or maple syrup if desired. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make this sweet treat even more enjoyable.
Classic Toppings
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and makes the dish visually appealing.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over your French toast for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh and fruity contrast.
Unique Flavor Combinations
- Nutella Spread: For chocolate lovers, spread Nutella on top for an indulgent twist.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch that complements the Hawaiian rolls.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and fun texture.
Adding Crunch
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element that enhances each bite.
- Granola: For added texture, top with granola, giving your French toast a satisfying crunch.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To ensure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Choose Fresh Rolls: Use soft and fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Over-soak: Soak the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking on medium-low heat allows the insides to cook through without burning the outside.
- Rotate Carefully: Use a spatula to gently turn the rolls to ensure even browning on all sides.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Roll French Toast can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this sweet breakfast treat.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweetness of the French toast.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add heartiness to your meal and pair well with syrup.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the French toast while adding color to your plate.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthful side that offers creamy goodness.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide a satisfying crunch and extra carbs to fuel your day.
- Cinnamon Apples: Warm cinnamon apples enhance the flavor profile with their sweet and spiced notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you let the Hawaiian rolls soak too long, they can become soggy. Aim for just 30 seconds on each side.
- Not using a nonstick skillet: A nonstick skillet makes cooking much easier and prevents sticking. If you don’t have one, consider using plenty of butter or oil.
- Skipping the holes in the rolls: Poking holes allows the custard to soak in better. Use a toothpick or skewer for this step to ensure perfect absorption.
- Ignoring cooking temperature: Cooking on too high of heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks through. Keep it at medium-low for even cooking.
- Forgetting the toppings: Serving without toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit can make your French toast feel incomplete. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 30-60 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, you can use brioche or challah for a similar texture.
How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or mix in chocolate chips or nuts into the custard for extra flavor.
What is the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup for a delightful breakfast experience.
Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and flavors. This recipe is perfect for cozy family breakfasts or brunch gatherings with friends. Give it a try and delight your taste buds!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Indulge in the bliss of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a delightful breakfast that combines the sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls with a rich custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion—from cozy family breakfasts to festive brunches. Each bite offers a pillowy texture and mouthwatering flavor, making it an instant favorite among kids and adults alike. Top it off with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup for an unforgettable morning treat that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Poke holes in each roll using a toothpick or skewer. Dip each roll in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the soaked rolls for 30–60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and toppings of choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (57g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
