Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Say aloha to your new favorite brunch dish: Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard, pan-seared until golden, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. It’s sweet, buttery, and utterly indulgent—everything French toast should be, just with a tropical twist.

Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday breakfasts, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights, this recipe turns humble dinner rolls into an elegant, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s easy, fast, and comes together in one pan, but looks and tastes like you spent hours. Whether served solo or with your favorite sides, it’s guaranteed to steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Soft & Fluffy: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
• Naturally Sweet: The subtle sweetness of the rolls makes them perfect for French toast.
• Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients, one bowl for the custard, and just a skillet to cook.
• Versatile: Add toppings like fruit, nuts, or flavored syrups to match any mood.
• Brunch-Perfect: Looks fancy enough for company but is easy enough for everyday mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pack (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for the skillet)

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup or honey
• Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Coconut flakes (for a tropical vibe)

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Separate the Hawaiian rolls but keep them intact at the bottom if you want to cook them as a block (for presentation), or pull them apart completely for individual roll servings. Either way works!

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each roll or the whole block of rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 15–20 seconds per side, ensuring they absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

In a large nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until bubbling.

Step 5: Cook the Rolls

Place the custard-soaked rolls into the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side (including the sides if cooking whole), until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Work in batches if needed, adding more butter as you go.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from the skillet, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. Add your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Creative Variations

• Stuffed French Toast Rolls: Slice open each roll and fill with cream cheese and strawberries before soaking.
• Coconut Pineapple Style: Add shredded coconut to the custard and top with pineapple chunks.
• Chocolate Banana: Spread Nutella inside each roll and top with banana slices and chocolate chips.
• Savory Twist: Reduce sugar and skip cinnamon. Add cheese and cooked ham inside each roll before frying.
• Oven-Baked Option: Arrange soaked rolls in a buttered casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Breakfast Platter: Pair with eggs, bacon, or sausage for a full breakfast experience.
• Sweet Brunch Spread: Serve with fruit salad, muffins, and yogurt.
• Kids’ Favorite: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with fruit and syrup for dipping.
• Dessert Option: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a sweet finish.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Rolls

• Use Stale Rolls: If your rolls are slightly dry, they’ll soak better and hold their shape.
• Don’t Oversoak: Too much custard = mushy rolls. Aim for 15–20 seconds per side.
• Cook Low and Slow: Medium heat helps the inside cook through without burning the outside.
• Let Sit Before Cooking: Let the custard soak in for a few minutes before frying for better flavor.
• Use Nonstick or Cast Iron: Ensures even browning and easy flipping.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cooled rolls individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Toast in a skillet or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information (Per Roll, Approximate)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 135mg

Recipe Recap

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Soak the rolls and refrigerate overnight, then cook fresh in the morning. Or fully cook and reheat before serving.

Can I use other rolls?
Absolutely—brioche or dinner rolls work too, but Hawaiian rolls add that signature sweetness.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes—place soaked rolls in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

Is it too sweet with syrup and rolls?
Not at all—the egg custard balances the sweetness. But you can reduce the sugar or skip syrup if you prefer.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Easily! Just use a larger griddle or bake in a casserole dish to serve many at once.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, simple, and utterly irresistible take on classic French toast. Whether you serve it as a quick weekday treat or the centerpiece of a luxurious brunch, it’s sure to win hearts. The rolls’ tender texture and buttery flavor soak up the rich custard perfectly, creating a golden, caramelized exterior and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth center. Try it once, and it’ll be your new go-to breakfast comfort dish.