Using Hawaiian rolls for French toast might just be my favorite breakfast. The sweetness of the rolls with the cinnamon egg mixture is the perfect combination. Add fresh fruit and you have The Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe!
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What are Hawaiian Rolls
Traditional Hawaiian Rolls originated on the Big Island. They have a super light and fluffy texture with the perfect amount of sweetness.
The sweet flavor comes from the addition of pineapple juice in a classic recipe. While King’s Hawaiian Rolls do not list it as an ingredient, they still have the iconic sweetness.
What goes into this Recipe
- Hawaiian Rolls- The sweet taste makes the perfect base for French Toast. You can also use them for these Chicken Parm Sliders.
- Heavy Cream- Adds a wonderful richness in both flavor and thickness of mixture, whole milk can also be used.
- Vanilla Extract- Adding a bit of vanilla extract to the egg custard batter gives it amazing flavor. I also add it to this Monkey Bread French Toast.
- Butter- Using butter for both cooking and on top take this recipe to the next level.
Favorite Toppings Ideas/Variations
Think of this recipe like you would classic French toast when it comes to topping ideas. Use simple ingredients that include items like fresh fruit, whipped cream, warm maple syrup, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
You could also add pumpkin spice to the custard mixture instead of cinnamon. A cream cheese filling would also be amazing.
How to make French Toast with Hawaiian Rolls
1. Cut the Hawaiian Rolls in half. Combine your eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow mixing bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined and a custard-like texture.
2. Add 4-6 halves of Hawaiian roll to the egg mixture. Coat both sides thoroughly. NOTE: Make sure to dip the rolls in the egg mixture as you fry it so that your French Toast doesn’t get too soggy.
4. Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Fry in 3-4 batches {adding more butter to the pan with each batch}. Keep your eye on the heat and know that you may need to turn the heat down a bit as you go. After a few minutes, flip the slices {the bottom will be golden brown and crispy}.
5. Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar and fresh berries.
Expert Tips
- Don’t soak the Sweet Hawaiian Rolls for too long. If you do then you will end up with soggy French toast and it will take a really long time to cook through. Give them a good coating.
- Cook the Hawaiian Roll French Toast over medium heat. It is so important to cook them low and slow. If you try cooking them too fast then the outside will be done super quick and the inside won’t be cooked through.
- Work in batches. Dip, cook and then keep them warm in a 200 degree oven until you are ready to serve.
- Serve the French Toast with a little bit of butter, warm maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh berries. Let everyone customize their topping to whatever they love!
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
Store: Once the leftover sweet bread French toast is completely cooled add them to an airtight container {or zipper bag} and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Add the French toast rolls in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place it in the freezer and freeze for a couple of hours. Take the frozen toast and place them in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
This method of freezing allows you to pull only a few pieces at a time and keeps them from sticking to one another.
Reheat: To reheat this recipe you can microwave until warm {about 30 seconds per half}. You can also preheat the oven to 350 degrees and warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
The best way to keep French Toast from getting too soggy is to not over soak it in the egg mixture. Also be sure that you have cooked it long enough. If both of those things are done then you should be good to go.
No, they are already baked. You can heat them before eating but they do not need to be baked.
A different type of Hawaiian bread can absolutely be used. They now sell a variety of different types in the bakery section and whatever you find {or prefer} would work wonderfully.
Use a good stale bread, like French bread, brioche or sandwich bread will work great too!
Hawaiian Bread is different from regular bread because it is a bit sweeter, much like a brioche bread. It also has a distinctive flaky outside and fluffy inside that make them irresistible!
Do you love breakfast recipes? Try these delicious options…
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian Rolls {12 rolls}
- 5 eggs
- ½ cup milk {I used 1%}
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup butter
Instructions
- Cut your Hawaiian Rolls in half and pull them apart into 12 rolls.
- Combine your eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined and a custard-like texture.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium heat. Add 4-6 slices of Hawaiian roll to the egg mixture and coat both sides thoroughly. NOTE: Make sure to dip the rolls in the egg mixture as you fry it so that your French Toast doesn't get too soggy.
- Fry in 3-4 batches {adding more butter to the pan with each batch}. Keep your eye on the heat and know that you may need to turn the heat down a bit as you go. After a few minutes, flip the slices {the bottom will be golden brown and crispy}.
- Add the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast pieces to a paper towel lined baking sheet. Place into a 200° oven until ready to serve. Serve with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh berries.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- Don’t soak the Hawaiian Rolls for too long. If you do then they will get soggy and take a really long time to cook through. Give them a good coating.
- Cook the Hawaiian Roll French Toast over medium heat. It is so important to cook them low and slow. If you try cooking them too fast then the outside will be done super quick and the inside won’t be cooked through.
- Work in batches. Dip, cook and then keep them warm in a 200 degree oven until you are ready to serve.
- Serve the French Toast with warm maple syrup, powdered sugar and fresh berries. Let everyone customize their topping to whatever they love!
Nutrition
