Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms fluffy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls into a decadent breakfast treat. Each bite is golden, buttery, and infused with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla.
Perfect for a special brunch or a weekend family breakfast, this easy recipe is a fun twist on classic French toast. Pair it with fresh fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar for a complete and irresistible morning meal!
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (optional, for slicing rolls)
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, left whole or sliced in half horizontally
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup or fruit preserves, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Dip the Rolls: If you prefer, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally for more even soaking. Working one roll (or slice) at a time, dip the rolls into the batter, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side. Be careful not to oversoak, as the rolls can become too soft and fall apart.
Cook the Rolls: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed between batches.
Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, dip and cook the rolls fresh.
- Custom Toppings: Try topping with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or whipped cream for a tropical vibe.
- Leftovers: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for the best texture.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layers of creamy yogurt, granola, and fruit balance the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of rolls? Yes! Brioche rolls or any soft dinner rolls work well as a substitute.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely! Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil.
3. How do I prevent the rolls from sticking to the pan? Make sure your skillet or griddle is well-buttered, and avoid cooking on high heat, as this can cause sticking.
4. Can I add extra flavor to the batter? Certainly! Add a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of coconut extract, or a tablespoon of orange zest for extra flair.
Enjoy this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a breakfast that feels like a tropical getaway!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (optional, for slicing rolls)
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls left whole or sliced in half horizontally
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or substitute with half-and-half for extra richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup or fruit preserves for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Dip the Rolls: If you prefer, slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally for more even soaking. Working one roll (or slice) at a time, dip the rolls into the batter, allowing them to soak for a few seconds on each side. Be careful not to oversoak, as the rolls can become too soft and fall apart.
- Cook the Rolls: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the soaked rolls on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed between batches.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Custom Toppings: Try topping with shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or whipped cream for a tropical vibe.
Leftovers: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for the best texture.
