I’m excited to share my go-to breakfast recipe that turns ordinary mornings into something special: Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine fluffy, slightly sweet rolls soaked in a rich custard, cooked until golden, and topped with syrup or fresh fruit.

It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, and today, I’ll walk you through every step so you can recreate it at home. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend brunch or a holiday gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

What Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a playful twist on classic French toast. Instead of using sliced bread, I use soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. These rolls are naturally sweet and buttery, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

When soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard and cooked on a griddle, they become crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside. It’s like combining the best parts of French toast and sticky buns!

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, Hawaiian rolls are pre-portioned, so you get perfectly sized bites every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I first tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast at a friend’s brunch party, and I’ve been hooked ever since. What I love most is its versatility. You can keep it simple with maple syrup or dress it up with berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover rolls that might be going stale. The sweetness of the bread pairs beautifully with savory breakfast sides like bacon or scrambled eggs, making it a balanced meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe (serves 4–6):

12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package, preferably slightly stale)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chopped nuts

Tip: If your rolls are fresh, leave them uncovered overnight to dry out slightly. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart!

Recommended Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe, but here’s what I use:

Mixing bowl (for the custard)
Whisk (to blend the eggs and milk smoothly)
Nonstick skillet or griddle (for even cooking)
Spatula (to flip the rolls gently)
Baking sheet (to keep cooked batches warm in the oven)

A griddle is my top pick because it lets me cook multiple rolls at once, but a large skillet works just fine.

How To Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Let’s break this down into simple, foolproof steps:

1. Prep the Rolls

I start by separating the Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces. If they’re connected, gently pull them apart no need to slice anything!

2. Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. The cinnamon adds warmth, while the vanilla gives a subtle sweetness that complements the rolls.

3. Soak the Rolls

Here’s the key step: I dip each roll into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds per side. Don’t rush this! The bread needs time to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.

4. Cook to Golden Perfection

I melt butter in my skillet over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, I add the soaked rolls in a single layer. They cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. If the pan gets too hot, I reduce the heat to avoid burning.

5. Serve Warm

I transfer cooked rolls to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while I finish the batch. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Some Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize:

Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright, tangy twist.
Cream Cheese Stuffed: Sandwich a thin layer of cream cheese between two rolls before soaking.
Savory Version: Skip the cinnamon and vanilla, and add grated cheese and herbs to the custard.
Tropical Toppings: Top with coconut flakes, mango slices, or a drizzle of passionfruit syrup.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or skillet until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave it makes them soggy!

Helpful Notes

Stale Bread Is Better: Slightly dry rolls hold their shape during cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to ensure even browning.
Adjust Sweetness: Hawaiian rolls are already sweet, so taste the custard before adding sugar.

Common Questions

1. Can I use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! Many brands offer gluten-free versions. Just check the texture some may need a shorter soaking time.

2. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the soaked rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Cook them fresh in the morning.

3. Why does my French toast taste eggy?
This usually happens if the custard isn’t fully mixed. Whisk thoroughly and consider adding a dash more vanilla or cinnamon.

4. Can I use a different type of bread?
Sure, but the magic is in the Hawaiian rolls’ texture and sweetness. If substituting, try brioche or challah.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your French toast with crispy bacon, a fruit salad, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for protein. For a festive brunch, set up a topping bar with syrups, nuts, and chocolate chips let everyone build their own plate!

The History Behind French Toast

Did you know French toast dates back to ancient Rome? Recipes similar to this appeared in cookbooks as early as the 4th century! The dish was created to use up stale bread, making it both practical and delicious. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is just the latest iteration of this timeless idea.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting friends, or treating yourself, Hawaiian Roll French Toast delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Give it a try I promise your taste buds will thank you!