How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Perfect Holiday Breakfast Recipe
Have you ever craved a breakfast that tastes like dessert yet takes just 15 minutes from start to finish? Our hawaiian french toast recipe delivers exactly that – sweet, fluffy little pillows of cinnamon and sugar happiness that will transform your morning routine.
While traditional French toast is delicious, using King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls creates something truly special. These soft, pillowy rolls soak up the rich custard perfectly, creating a breakfast that’s both indulgent and incredibly simple to make. Additionally, this hawaiian roll french toast recipe can be prepared as individual servings in a skillet or as a make-ahead bake that you can refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
What makes this hawaiian bread french toast recipe particularly perfect for holiday mornings is its versatility and ease. Whether you prefer the quick 10-minute stovetop version or the golden-baked casserole style, both options require minimal effort. In fact, the custard whisks up quickly in one bowl, then gets poured over the torn rolls – no complex techniques required.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make both versions of this decadent breakfast, along with serving suggestions that will make your holiday morning extra special. Let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful breakfast treat. The beauty of this hawaiian french toast recipe lies in its simplicity – most ingredients are likely already in your pantry!
Essential ingredients for the custard
Creating the perfect custard base is crucial for exceptional french toast. For our hawaiian roll french toast recipe, you’ll need:
- Eggs: 3-4 large eggs form the foundation of your custard
- Dairy: Either half-and-half, whole milk, or a combination (about ¾ cup)
- Sweetener: 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar or honey
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon adds wonderful aroma
- Spices: Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon) and a pinch of nutmeg
- Salt: Just ¼ teaspoon to enhance all flavors
- Butter: For cooking – about 2-3 tablespoons
Choosing the right Hawaiian rolls
King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are ideal for this recipe because of their unique properties:
- Texture: Their light, fluffy structure absorbs egg mixture beautifully without becoming soggy
- Sweetness: The subtle honey flavor in these rolls complements the custard ingredients perfectly
- Size: Their small, portion-friendly size makes them ideal for individual servings
Optional toppings and add-ins
Beyond the basics, consider these delicious options:
- Sweet classics: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, honey, or whipped cream
- Fresh fruit: Berries, sliced bananas, or chopped pineapple for tropical flair
- Decadent choices: Nutella, chocolate sauce, or caramel
- Nutty options: Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts
Tools you’ll need for cooking
Fortunately, this recipe requires minimal equipment:
- Large bowl for mixing the custard
- Whisk for blending ingredients thoroughly
- Skillet or griddle for stovetop method
- Baking dish (9×13″) if making a bake
- Toothpick or skewer to poke holes in rolls for better absorption
- Spatula for flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons
With everything assembled, we’re ready to transform these humble ingredients into a breakfast worthy of your holiday table!
How to Make Skillet Hawaiian Roll French Toast
The magic of hawaiian roll french toast happens in the skillet, where those sweet rolls transform into golden pillows of breakfast perfection. Let’s dive into the simple yet precise process that makes this dish so special.
Prepare the egg custard mixture
First, I create a rich custard bath by whisking eggs vigorously in a wide, shallow dish—a pie plate works wonderfully here. For the perfect balance, I use three eggs per cup of milk or half-and-half. Into this mixture goes a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and just enough sugar to enhance the rolls’ natural sweetness.
The key to a smooth custard is thorough mixing—whisk until no egg streaks remain. Moreover, if using brown sugar and cinnamon, whisk energetically to prevent the spices from floating on top.
Soak the rolls briefly
Unlike traditional french toast, Hawaiian rolls require minimal soaking time. I place each roll cut-side down into the egg mixture, turning quickly to coat all sides. Subsequently, I allow them to soak for only about 30 seconds total. This brief dip is crucial—Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid faster than regular bread, and over-soaking leads to mushy results.
For better absorption, a helpful trick is poking a few small holes in the bottom of each roll with a toothpick.
Cook in butter until golden on all sides
Once the griddle or skillet is heated to medium-low heat, I melt a tablespoon of butter until it’s sizzling but not smoking. During cooking, the rolls need constant attention since they have six sides to brown.
I place each soaked roll in the buttered pan and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. After browning the bottom, I carefully flip and rotate to ensure all sides get evenly caramelized. Notably, if the rolls are darkening too quickly, I reduce the heat slightly.
Toss in cinnamon sugar for extra flavor
As a finishing touch, I sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each piece of toast while still hot. For the ultimate caramelized coating, I flip the toast sugar-side down and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sugar becomes golden and slightly crispy.
This extra step creates a delightful contrast—crisp, caramelized exterior with a soft, custardy center that makes this hawaiian bread french toast recipe truly special.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
For busy holiday mornings, a hawaiian roll french toast bake offers the perfect make-ahead solution. This version delivers all the flavor with minimal morning effort—simply pop it in the oven while you open presents or enjoy family time.
Cut or tear rolls and place in baking dish
First, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Using a serrated knife, cut your Hawaiian sweet rolls into approximately 1-inch cubes. Alternatively, simply tear the rolls into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. This approach increases surface area, allowing the bread to better absorb the custard mixture.
Pour custard over and let it soak
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. For the perfect custard ratio, use 8 eggs to 4 cups of cream/milk. Pour this mixture evenly over your bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help absorption without squishing too much.
Add toppings like berries or streusel
Afterwards, you can sprinkle fresh berries evenly across the top. For a decadent option, prepare a streusel topping by mixing brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then cutting in cold butter until crumbly. This creates a delightful contrast to the soft, custardy base.
Bake until set and golden
Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the cover and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is just slightly jiggly but not liquid. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
Transform your hawaiian roll french toast from delicious to extraordinary with the right accompaniments and storage techniques.
Best toppings for holiday breakfast
Elevate your hawaiian sweet roll french toast with seasonal toppings that make it festive. Sprinkle cranberries for Christmas morning or create a Valentine’s Day treat with Nutella. Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) add vibrant color, while tropical options like pineapple complement the Hawaiian theme. For those with a sweet tooth, try:
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup for a classic approach
- Bourbon whipped cream for an adult twist
- Caramel sauce or salted butter for rich depth
Savory sides to pair with sweet rolls
Balance the sweetness with protein-rich accompaniments. Crispy bacon provides textural contrast, while breakfast sausage (links or patties) adds satisfying heartiness. Eggs—scrambled, deviled, or in quiche form—contribute essential protein. Consider Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for lighter options.
How to store leftovers
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. For freezing, place slices on parchment-lined baking sheets until mostly frozen, afterward transfer to freezer bags. Properly stored frozen french toast remains good for up to one month.
Reheating instructions for best texture
Multiple methods yield excellent results:
- Oven (400°F): 3-4 minutes per side for frozen, less for thawed
- Toaster: Use medium-low setting for defrosted slices
- Air fryer (180°C/360°F): 5 minutes for refrigerated, 6 minutes at 160°C/320°F for frozen
- Skillet: Low heat with defrosted slices for 2-3 minutes per side
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast certainly stands as a game-changer for your breakfast routine. This delightful dish transforms simple sweet rolls into a luxurious morning treat that balances convenience with indulgence. After all, spending just 15 minutes to create something so delicious makes this recipe perfect for busy holiday mornings when you want something special without the fuss.
Whether you prefer the quick stovetop method with its individually caramelized pieces or the make-ahead bake version that frees up your morning, both options deliver exceptional results. The versatility extends beyond cooking methods, though. You can customize your french toast with countless toppings – from classic maple syrup to tropical fruit combinations that complement the Hawaiian bread perfectly.
Furthermore, this recipe proves ideal for feeding a crowd during festive gatherings. The bake version particularly shines at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any family celebration where you need a stress-free breakfast option that still feels special.
Most importantly, the simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Even beginners can achieve impressive results with the straightforward instructions provided. Therefore, we encourage you to give this Hawaiian Roll French Toast a try during your next holiday gathering or weekend brunch. Your family will undoubtedly request it time and again, possibly establishing a new breakfast tradition in your home!
FAQs
Q1. What makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast different from regular French toast? Hawaiian Roll French Toast uses sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls instead of regular bread, resulting in a more indulgent and flavorful dish. The rolls absorb the custard mixture quickly, creating a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior.
Q2. Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare a Hawaiian Roll French Toast bake ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it in a preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes for a delicious, hassle-free breakfast.
Q3. What are some recommended toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Popular toppings include fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and chopped nuts. For a tropical twist, try adding sliced pineapple or a drizzle of coconut syrup.
Q4. How long can I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to one month.
Q5. What’s the best way to reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast? There are several effective methods to reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast. You can use an oven (400°F for 3-4 minutes per side), toaster (on medium-low setting), air fryer (360°F for 5 minutes), or skillet (low heat for 2-3 minutes per side). Choose the method that best suits your preferences and available time.