How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Foolproof Recipe That Never Fails
Ready in about 30 minutes, this hawaiian french toast recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into a mouthwatering tropical delight. We love how these bite-sized pieces are sure to be a hit at any breakfast table.
While traditional french toast requires day-old bread, our hawaiian roll french toast recipe takes advantage of those soft, slightly sweet rolls that almost melt in your mouth. The combination of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors makes this french toast with hawaiian rolls irresistibly delicious. What’s even better? This recipe makes 12 pieces—perfect for serving a family of four or having extras for yourself!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our foolproof method for creating the perfect hawaiian french toast bake recipe. From the essential ingredients to cooking techniques, we’ve tested everything to ensure your success. Let’s dive into this delicious breakfast treat that brings together the best of tropical flavors and classic American breakfast.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make the Best French Toast
If you’ve ever tried making French toast with regular bread, you might have experienced soggy middles or lackluster flavor. Hawaiian sweet rolls, however, completely transform this breakfast classic for several compelling reasons.
Soft texture and natural sweetness
Hawaiian rolls possess an incredibly plush, tender texture that makes them naturally suited for French toast. Their fluffy consistency allows them to absorb just enough custard without becoming overly saturated. Unlike regular bread that often turns soggy, Hawaiian rolls maintain their structure while developing a delicious custardy interior.
The subtle sweetness in these rolls comes from a secret ingredient – many brands (particularly King’s Hawaiian) incorporate a touch of pineapple juice in their recipe. This natural sweetness creates a delightful flavor profile even before adding any toppings. Additionally, the rolls “walk the line between sweet and savory,” making them versatile enough to pair with both traditional maple syrup and more adventurous toppings.
Perfect size for bite-sized servings
One of the most practical advantages of using Hawaiian rolls in your french toast recipe is their convenient size. Each roll creates the perfect two-bite portion that’s easy to prep, cook, and share. This makes them especially appealing for:
- Family breakfasts where everyone can take as many pieces as they want
- Brunch gatherings where guests can sample multiple flavors
- Kid-friendly meals with appropriately sized portions
- Dessert options when you want just a sweet taste
Furthermore, their compact shape means “each Hawaiian roll packs a deliciously sweet punch” while remaining perfectly portioned. The thickness of these rolls also contributes to their superior French toast quality, as they’re “less dense than most other breads”, resulting in an airy, fluffy middle.
No need to stale or slice
Perhaps the most convenient aspect of making hawaiian roll french toast recipe is the minimal prep work required. Unlike traditional French toast that requires day-old or stale bread for optimal absorption, Hawaiian rolls work perfectly straight from the package. Their already ideal texture means you can skip several steps:
- No waiting for bread to become stale
- No pre-slicing thick pieces of bread
- No lengthy soaking time in custard
Since they’re already soft and pillowy, Hawaiian rolls only need “a quick dip in the custard” before cooking. This quality makes them perfect for busy mornings when you want something delicious without extensive preparation. Their structure also ensures “the perfect ratio of crisp, buttery crust to fluffy, custardy interior” after cooking.
Indeed, these sweet rolls transform ordinary french toast into something extraordinary that’s both convenient and delicious.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Now that you understand why Hawaiian rolls create exceptional French toast, let’s gather everything needed to make this delicious breakfast. The right ingredients make all the difference between good and outstanding results.
Essential ingredients for the custard
The foundation of any French toast recipe is the custard mixture. For the perfect Hawaiian roll French toast, you’ll need:
- 3-4 large eggs
- ¾ cup half-and-half or whole milk (for richer flavor, you can use heavy cream)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt (enhances other flavors)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey for sweetness
- 1 package (12 count) of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
For the cooking fat, unsalted butter works wonderfully to create that golden-brown exterior. You’ll need about 3-4 tablespoons total, added gradually as you cook each batch.
Optional toppings and flavor add-ins
After mastering the basic recipe, consider these delicious variations to create your signature Hawaiian roll French toast:
First, try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to your custard for warmth and complexity. A splash of rum extract or bourbon can introduce sophisticated flavor notes.
Additionally, consider these topping ideas:
- Traditional: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries
- Tropical: coconut syrup, fresh pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes
- Decadent: chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, whipped cream
- Savory-sweet: crispy bacon bits with maple syrup
Recommended kitchen tools
Fortunately, making Hawaiian roll French toast requires minimal equipment. Most importantly, you’ll need:
- A shallow bowl or baking dish for the custard mixture (9×13 works perfectly)
- A whisk for thoroughly combining the custard ingredients
- A large skillet or griddle (non-stick makes flipping easier)
- A spatula for turning the rolls without breaking them
- Tongs for handling the soaked rolls
- Plates for serving, ideally warmed to keep your French toast hot
Consequently, with these simple ingredients and basic tools, you’re fully equipped to make this foolproof Hawaiian roll French toast recipe that will impress family and friends alike.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Creating this delicious hawaiian roll french toast recipe involves five simple steps that anyone can master. Let me guide you through the entire process.
1. Prep the rolls for dipping
First, separate your Hawaiian rolls individually. For better results, slice each roll horizontally through the equator to create more surface area for a crispy golden exterior. Alternatively, use a toothpick to poke 4-5 holes in the bottom of each roll to help them absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
2. Whisk the custard mixture
In a shallow bowl or baking dish, thoroughly combine eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes include a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar for extra sweetness. Whisk until no egg streaks remain and the mixture looks frothy.
3. Dip and coat the rolls evenly
Rather than soaking, quickly dip each roll in the custard for approximately 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. This brief dipping time prevents the rolls from becoming soggy yet allows enough absorption for a custardy interior. Gently shake off excess liquid prior to cooking.
4. Cook on all sides until golden
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter is bubbling (but not burning), place dipped rolls in the pan with space between them. Cook each side until golden brown—approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remember to cook all six sides of each roll (top, bottom, and four sides) for even browning.
5. Keep warm while finishing batches
As you finish cooking each batch, transfer them to a baking sheet with a wire rack placed in a 200°F oven. This technique keeps your french toast warm without getting soggy while you finish cooking the remaining rolls. The elevated rack allows air circulation, maintaining that perfect crispy exterior.
Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips
After mastering the perfect Hawaiian roll French toast, the final touches make all the difference. From serving suggestions to proper storage, these tips ensure your breakfast delight remains enjoyable to the last bite.
Topping ideas: classic to creative
The versatility of this Hawaiian french toast recipe shines through its topping options. Traditional choices include maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries. For tropical flair, try chopped fresh pineapple or coconut. Moreover, adventurous breakfast enthusiasts might enjoy:
- Rich spreads: Nutella, peanut butter, honey, or cream cheese
- Fruity options: Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberry syrup
- Decadent additions: Chocolate sauce, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream
- Unexpected pairings: Link sausages wrapped “breakfast pigs in a blanket style” with maple syrup
How to store leftovers properly
Place completely cooled French toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, flash freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet for several hours before transferring to freezer bags. This method prevents sticking and allows you to grab individual pieces. Properly frozen Hawaiian roll French toast remains good for up to 3 months.
Best ways to reheat without losing texture
The toaster provides the quickest way to restore crispiness without heating your entire kitchen. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For stovetop reheating, use low or medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Though microwaving works in about 30 seconds, it sacrifices the crispy exterior.
Conclusion
Hawaiian roll French toast truly stands out as a breakfast game-changer. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen how these sweet, pillowy rolls transform a classic dish into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Their natural sweetness and perfect size make them ideal candidates for French toast, while their texture strikes the perfect balance between crispy exterior and custardy interior.
Making this recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Most importantly, the process remains straightforward—prep, dip, cook, and serve. Unlike traditional French toast recipes that demand day-old bread, these rolls work perfectly straight from the package, saving you valuable time and preparation steps.
Additionally, the versatility of this dish cannot be overstated. Whether you prefer classic maple syrup and powdered sugar or want to experiment with tropical toppings like fresh pineapple and coconut, Hawaiian roll French toast adapts beautifully to your preferences. This adaptability makes it perfect for family breakfasts, brunches with friends, or even quick weekday treats.
Certainly, the convenience extends beyond preparation. Leftover pieces store well and can be reheated using several methods while maintaining their delightful texture. This means you can enjoy this delicious breakfast whenever cravings strike.
We hope this foolproof recipe becomes a favorite in your breakfast rotation. The combination of simplicity, flavor, and presentation makes Hawaiian roll French toast a winner every time. Your breakfast table will never be the same again—and that’s definitely something to celebrate!
FAQs
Q1. What makes Hawaiian rolls ideal for French toast? Hawaiian rolls are perfect for French toast due to their soft texture, natural sweetness, and convenient size. They absorb the custard mixture well without becoming soggy and create perfectly portioned, bite-sized servings.
Q2. How long should I dip the Hawaiian rolls in the custard mixture? Dip each Hawaiian roll in the custard mixture for approximately 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. This brief dipping time allows for enough absorption without making the rolls soggy.
Q3. Can I prepare Hawaiian roll French toast in advance? Yes, you can prepare Hawaiian roll French toast in advance. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Q4. What are some unique topping ideas for Hawaiian roll French toast? While classic toppings like maple syrup and fresh berries work well, you can get creative with toppings such as coconut syrup, fresh pineapple chunks, Nutella, caramel drizzle, or even wrap them with link sausages for a savory-sweet combination.
Q5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover Hawaiian roll French toast? The best way to reheat Hawaiian roll French toast is in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness. For oven reheating, warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.