There’s something so comforting about French toast, especially when it’s made with the soft, pillowy goodness of Hawaiian rolls. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and tropical flavors, and it’s become a weekend brunch favorite in my household. My family absolutely loves it! The slightly sweet, fluffy rolls soak up the egg custard like a dream, and when topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup, this dish becomes the ultimate indulgence.

I first made this recipe on a lazy Sunday morning, trying to switch things up from our usual French toast routine, and it quickly became a staple. Hawaiian rolls have this unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced custard. It’s like taking a mini-vacation to the islands, but from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast, a weekend brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients

12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian or any other brand)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for serving

Instructions

Prep the Rolls: Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating sandwich-like halves. If the rolls are stuck together, leave them in clusters of 3-4 to make flipping easier.
Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.
Soak the Rolls: Dip the halved rolls into the egg mixture, making sure each side gets a good soak. Let the rolls sit in the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to absorb the custard. Be careful not to oversaturate them, or they might get too soggy.
Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, place the soaked Hawaiian roll halves onto the skillet, cut side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Keep Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, place the cooked rolls on a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven.
Serve: Once all the French toast is cooked, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and fresh berries on the side. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 servings (2 rolls per serving)
Calories per serving: 350-400 calories
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g

Preparation Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
Add some fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices, for extra sweetness and color.
Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for a dessert-like twist.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.

Additional Tips

Use Day-Old Rolls: If your rolls are a bit stale, they will hold up better when soaked in the custard. Fresh rolls might become too soft, so day-old rolls are perfect for this recipe.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the French toast the night before. Soak the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning.
Non-Dairy Option: Substitute the milk and cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Cook in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook the French toast in batches, so each piece gets a nice, even golden-brown crust.
Add a Tropical Twist: Top with toasted coconut flakes and pineapple for a true Hawaiian-inspired breakfast.

Recipe Variations

Stuffed French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between the halves before soaking and frying for an extra indulgent treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After cooking, brush the French toast with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a churro-like twist.
Savory Version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon in the custard and instead, add a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve the savory French toast with bacon, scrambled eggs, and avocado for a brunch feast.
Fruit-Filled: Mix fresh berries into the egg custard for a fruity flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a mimosa or fresh orange juice for a fun brunch vibe.
Serve alongside scrambled eggs and hash browns for a hearty breakfast plate.
For a festive brunch, serve with coffee, tea, or a cold brew latte.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place cooked and cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the toast to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen French toast in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Special Equipment

Griddle or Skillet: A wide griddle or skillet allows you to cook multiple pieces at once, which speeds up the cooking process.
Whisk: To ensure the custard is well-combined and the eggs are fully incorporated.
Spatula: A good spatula will help you flip the French toast without breaking the soft rolls.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can use regular sandwich bread or brioche, but the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls makes this dish extra special.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or any dairy-free alternative.

3. How do I prevent the French toast from becoming too soggy?
Make sure to not over-soak the rolls in the egg mixture. A quick dip, just enough to coat, is all you need.

4. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! You can soak the rolls in the custard and refrigerate them overnight, then simply cook them in the morning for an easy breakfast.

5. What toppings go best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce work wonderfully!

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those dishes that can make any morning feel special. The sweet, soft rolls soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and cooked to golden perfection are simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weekend brunch or a family breakfast, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try! I promise, once you’ve had French toast made with Hawaiian rolls, there’s no going back. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!