Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian rolls bring a natural sweetness to French toast that you won’t find in traditional bread. The soft, fluffy texture of the rolls makes for an indulgent and melt-in-your-mouth experience. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in the batter perfectly complements the rolls’ sweetness, creating a flavor-packed dish. Whether you top it with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit, it’s guaranteed to become your new go-to French toast recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs

• ½ cup milk (I use whole milk, but you can use any dairy or non-dairy alternative)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 12 Hawaiian Rolls, sliced horizontally (I use King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls)

• Confectioners’ sugar, optional for serving

• Maple syrup, optional for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a wide, deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until fully combined.

2. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Brush with 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the surface.

3. Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll half into the egg mixture until fully saturated, then shake off any excess liquid before placing them on the heated griddle.

4. Cook each roll half for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is golden brown.

5. Remove the cooked rolls to a plate and keep warm. Continue cooking the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the griddle as necessary.

6. Once all the rolls are cooked, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add fresh fruit: Top your French toast with fresh berries, bananas, or sliced peaches for added sweetness and color.

• Make it savory: Try adding a pinch of salt to the batter and top with crispy beef  or sausage.

• Vegan option: Use a non-dairy milk alternative and flax eggs or another egg substitute to make this dish vegan-friendly.

• Cinnamon sugar: For an extra burst of sweetness, sprinkle the cooked French toast with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through, or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes for a crispier texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While the flavor and texture will be different, you can use regular bread or brioche if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available. However, the sweetness of the rolls is what makes this recipe so unique.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the French toast ahead of time. Once cooked, allow it to cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop or in a toaster oven before serving.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely! You can substitute any non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk) for the dairy milk in this recipe.

What is the best way to cook the French toast?

A griddle or large skillet works best to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown crust. Make sure the pan is heated to medium heat to avoid burning the butter or undercooking the toast.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover French toast. Place it on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

Is this recipe good for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger groups. Simply double or triple the ingredients, depending on how many servings you need.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before dipping the rolls.

How can I make the French toast extra crispy?

For an extra crispy texture, you can sprinkle a little bit of cornmeal or breadcrumbs on the rolls before dipping them into the egg mixture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls makes it a hit with kids. You can also customize the toppings to suit their tastes, whether that’s with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

Can I use a different type of sweet roll?

While Hawaiian rolls work best for this recipe, you could try using other sweet rolls like cinnamon rolls or even challah bread if desired. The taste will vary, but the results should still be delicious.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect breakfast or brunch dish to elevate your weekend. The soft, sweet rolls combined with the rich, flavorful batter make for a deliciously indulgent treat that’s quick and easy to prepare. With endless topping possibilities and simple steps, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a cozy morning at home, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!