Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast quickly became my weekend breakfast obsession after I tried it at a family brunch. Fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich custard and transform into the ultimate sweet treat for mornings when you want something special but easy.

Ingredients

• King’s Hawaiian rolls: their soft texture soaks up the custard and creates a pillowy bite use the original sweet rolls for best results
• Large eggs: provide structure and richness look for fresh farm eggs if you can
• Milk: helps make the custard creamy whole milk works best for richness
• Vanilla extract: brings warmth and rounds out the flavors try to use real vanilla for deeper taste
• Cinnamon: adds a touch of spice and classic French toast vibe use freshly ground if possible
• Salt: just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
• Butter: for cooking gives a golden crust and rich flavor choose unsalted so you can control the seasoning
• Maple syrup: for serving pure maple syrup gives a fragrant sweet finish and takes the dish to the next level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slice the Rolls:

Gently slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create flat surfaces for soaking. Use a serrated knife so the rolls retain their fluffy texture and do not get squished.

Prepare the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs milk vanilla cinnamon and salt until fully combined and the mixture looks pale yellow. Make sure there are no streaks of unblended egg.

Soak the Rolls:

Pour the custard into a shallow dish. Dip each roll half into the custard for a few seconds on each side allowing them to absorb just enough mixture to be moist but not soggy. Let the excess drip off.

Cook the French Toast:

Heat a generous pat of butter in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is foaming add the soaked rolls cut side down. Cook for two to three minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan so the pieces brown evenly.

Serve:

Serve the French toast warm topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. For extra indulgence add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of whipped cream.

Pin

French toast mornings always make my kitchen smell like memories of sleepovers at Grandma’s house. The vanilla custard scent still brings me back to those kid giggles around the table

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat place in a toaster oven or skillet so the outside crisps up again. You can freeze cooked pieces wrapped tightly in plastic then aluminum foil and reheat directly from the freezer on gentle heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

No King’s Hawaiian rolls Try brioche or challah for similar texture but Hawaiian rolls’ gentle sweetness is worth finding

Non dairy milk works fine if keeping things plant based I like using oat milk for a creamy finish

If you love spice try a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice in place of some cinnamon

Serving Suggestions

Top with berries or banana slices for a burst of freshness

A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt makes each bite extra luscious

This dish pairs perfectly with salty bacon or sausage on the side to balance the sweetness

Pin

Cultural Context

French toast goes back centuries but using sweet Hawaiian rolls brings a touch of the islands and a modern twist. The tender rolls hint at a blend of Asian and Hawaiian baking traditions making this dish feel like a breakfast celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use King's Hawaiian rolls?

These rolls offer a soft, slightly sweet texture that soaks up custard beautifully and creates a pillowy bite.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can slice the rolls and mix the custard in advance, but cook just before serving for best texture.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

Maple syrup is classic, but try fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

Briefly dip each roll half in the custard mixture so they absorb flavor without falling apart.

→ Can I use a different bread?

While King's Hawaiian rolls are recommended for their sweetness and texture, brioche or challah also work well.