Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Introduction

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a deliciously unique take on the classic French toast, offering a tropical twist that’s both comforting and indulgent. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls are the perfect base, soaking up the rich custard mixture to create a dish that’s golden on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, this French toast is an absolute treat for the senses.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first made it for a family brunch, and it became an instant favorite. The aroma of the rolls gently toasting, combined with the vanilla and cinnamon-infused custard, fills the kitchen and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Hawaiian rolls add a hint of sweetness that’s simply irresistible, making each bite a little bit of heaven.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfect for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or any morning you want to indulge in something extra special. It’s delicious on its own, but when paired with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream, it takes it to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe, this French toast is definitely the one to make!

Perfect for:

• Weekend brunches
• Special holiday breakfasts
• Sweet tooth cravings
• Family gatherings
• Lazy mornings

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Here’s why Hawaiian Roll French Toast will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Sweet and Fluffy: The soft, buttery texture of Hawaiian rolls creates a decadent base for French toast.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its fancy appearance, this dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a breeze to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, this breakfast dish is sure to satisfy everyone.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings like fruit, whipped cream, or nuts for a personalized touch.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep the custard the night before for an even quicker breakfast in the morning.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

• 8 Hawaiian rolls, sliced into halves or quarters
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, bananas), for serving
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Hawaiian Rolls: Their sweetness and soft texture make them the perfect choice for French toast.
• Eggs and Milk: The base of the custard that soaks into the rolls, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• Cinnamon and Vanilla: These add warmth and depth to the flavor, giving your French toast a comforting, aromatic taste.
• Butter: For frying the French toast to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

Prepare the Custard:

1. Whisk the Custard: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls:

2. Slice the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half or quarters, depending on your preference, ensuring they are thick enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Cook the French Toast:

3. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter in the pan.
4. Soak the Rolls: Dip each piece of sliced Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Let the excess drip off before placing it in the skillet.
5. Cook the French Toast: Cook the soaked rolls for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You may need to add more butter as you cook the French toast.

Serve and Garnish:

6. Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast hot, topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be served in a variety of ways to elevate its flavor and presentation:

• Classic Style: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for a traditional breakfast presentation.
• With Fresh Fruit: Add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or other seasonal fruits for a refreshing, sweet contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
• As a Stack: Stack the French toast on a plate for a towering, impressive presentation.
• With Bacon or Sausage: Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Follow these tips for the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

• Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls will soak up the custard better, making the French toast more tender.
• Don’t Over-Soak: Be careful not to soak the rolls for too long to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for additional flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge for an easy breakfast in the morning.
• Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick skillet or griddle makes flipping the French toast much easier.

Recipe Variations for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Here are 10 variations to customize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

1. Chocolate Chip French Toast: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers of Hawaiian rolls before cooking.
2. Stuffed French Toast: Add cream cheese or Nutella between slices of Hawaiian rolls for a stuffed version.
3. Caramelized Banana: Top with caramelized bananas for a rich, indulgent treat.
4. Coconut French Toast: Add shredded coconut to the custard or sprinkle on top after cooking for a tropical flavor.
5. Baked Version: Arrange the custard-soaked Hawaiian rolls in a baking dish, top with butter, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes for a hands-off version.
6. Vegan French Toast: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and flax eggs as a substitute for a vegan option.
7. Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for a spiced-up twist.
8. Nutty French Toast: Top with crushed pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
9. Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the custard mixture for a fresh, zesty flavor.
10. Berry Compote: Top with homemade berry compote for a tangy and sweet addition.

Freezing and Storage for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Freezing: Allow the cooked French toast to cool completely before freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven for the best texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little butter to keep it moist.

Special Equipment for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Here are some items that make preparing Hawaiian Roll French Toast easier:

1. Large Skillet or Griddle: Essential for cooking the French toast evenly.
2. Shallow Dish: Ideal for soaking the rolls in the custard mixture.
3. Whisk: Helps combine the eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
4. Chef’s Knife: For slicing the Hawaiian rolls.
5. Tongs or Spatula: Useful for flipping the French toast without breaking it.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure the right proportions for the custard mixture.
7. Serving Plates: For presenting the French toast in style.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or regular white bread, but Hawaiian rolls will give you the sweetest flavor.
2. Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge for easy preparation in the morning.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free rolls or bread for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
   Yes, almond milk or other plant-based milk works well in this recipe.
5. Can I make this in the oven instead of frying?
   Yes, arrange the soaked rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. Can I freeze the French toast?
   Yes, cook the French toast, let it cool, and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
7. What other fruits can I use as toppings?
   Any fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches would make a great topping.
8. How can I make this dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk, and omit any dairy toppings for a fully dairy-free dish.
9. How do I avoid soggy French toast?
   Don’t soak the rolls for too long, and cook them immediately after dipping them into the custard mixture.
10. Can I use maple syrup or honey as a topping?
    Both maple syrup and honey work wonderfully as toppings for this dish.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish, elevating your morning routine with its rich, soft texture and irresistible sweetness. The fluffy, buttery Hawaiian rolls soak up the egg mixture perfectly, creating a comforting balance of crispness on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness on the inside.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your cravings, whether you prefer a sweet topping like syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream, or a more indulgent choice like caramelized bananas and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Perfect for both quick weekday mornings or relaxed weekend brunches, Hawaiian Roll French Toast will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. I’m excited for you to try this delicious recipe! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!