There’s something magical about the smell of French toast cooking on a lazy weekend morning. The buttery aroma, the hint of cinnamon in the air, and the golden crust forming on each slice—it’s the kind of food that feels like a warm hug. Now, imagine taking that classic comfort food and giving it a tropical-inspired upgrade.That’s exactly what happens when you make Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Instead of traditional bread, you’ll use those soft, buttery, and slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls you probably already love. The result? Bite-sized pieces of French toast that are fluffy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and delicious enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, putting together a quick weekend treat, or just want something fun and different, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
What Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
At its core, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a playful twist on the classic recipe. Instead of thick slices of bread, you’re working with pull-apart rolls that already have a naturally sweet flavor. When dipped into a creamy custard and cooked until golden brown, they transform into fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth bites that pair beautifully with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. If you enjoy creative spins on breakfast classics, you’ll also love this tangy sourdough French toast made with homemade bread.
The beauty of using Hawaiian rolls lies in their versatility. You can cook them whole for a pull-apart presentation, slice them in half for more custard absorption, or even tear them into pieces for a casserole-style bake. Either way, they deliver a unique take on French toast that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Flavor and Texture
- Fluffy and tender on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Sweet and buttery flavor from the rolls that pairs perfectly with cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup.
Convenience
- Uses pre-made store-bought Hawaiian rolls, so no need for special bread.
- Quick to prepare—ready in about 20 minutes.
- Simple to scale up by doubling or tripling for a larger group.
- Looking for a protein-packed breakfast? These banana cottage cheese muffins are moist, nutritious, and great for meal prep.
Versatility
- Works as bite-sized French toast, a baked casserole, or stuffed rolls.
- Pairs well with endless toppings—berries, whipped cream, Nutella, or even a tropical fruit topping.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To get started, you’ll need:
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or use half-and-half for added richness)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit (for serving)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cream cheese or Nutella for stuffed rolls
- Shredded coconut for a tropical flavor
- Crushed pineapple or jam for extra sweetness
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
Decide how you want to serve them:
- Leave the rolls whole for a pull-apart style.
- Slice them in half for more custard-soaked surface area.
- Tear them into pieces if you’re planning a baked French toast casserole.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl. This will be your custard mixture—the key to that signature French toast flavor.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
Quickly dip each roll (or half roll) into the custard. Don’t let them soak too long, or they may collapse. The goal is to coat them evenly without making them soggy.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the custard-dipped rolls on the hot surface and cook until golden brown, turning to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once the rolls are cooked, top them with your favorite toppings—maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit—and enjoy while warm.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
One of the greatest things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few creative serving ideas:
- Classic Style: Serve with butter and warm maple syrup.
- Holiday Brunch: Add spiced whipped cream and cranberry compote. For another cozy brunch idea, try these soft sourdough discard cinnamon rolls that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.
- Dessert Version: Top with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Tropical Twist: Garnish with pineapple, mango, or shredded coconut for a Hawaiian vibe.
Tips & Variations for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale rolls—they hold custard better.
- Don’t oversoak; a quick dip is enough.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
Fun Variations
- French Toast Bake: Arrange the rolls in a casserole dish, pour custard over, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. If you love baked breakfast casseroles, you’ll enjoy this berry croissant bake that’s perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.
- Stuffed Rolls: Cut open each roll and fill with cream cheese, Nutella, or jam before dipping in custard.
- Party Skewers: Thread custard-dipped rolls onto skewers for bite-sized French toast sticks.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the custard and dip the rolls in advance, or assemble a casserole-style bake the night before.
2. Do I have to cut the rolls in half?
Not at all. You can cook them whole for pull-apart bites or slice them for more custard absorption.
3. Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes, arrange the custard-coated rolls in a dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
4. What toppings go best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Classic syrup and butter, fresh fruit, whipped cream, Nutella, or even caramel sauce all work beautifully.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
French toast will always be a classic, but Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes it to another level. With its soft, buttery rolls, simple preparation, and endless topping options, it’s a dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Next time you’re craving something cozy yet exciting, grab a pack of Hawaiian rolls and whip up this recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings joy to the table and makes mornings feel special.
Ready to try something new for breakfast? Make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast and see how a simple swap can transform a classic dish. Don’t forget to share your version—whether you keep it traditional or try a tropical twist, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot at your breakfast table.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls 12 rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half for richness
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter for cooking
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for serving
Optional Add-ins:
- Cream cheese, Nutella, or jam for stuffed rolls
- Shredded coconut or crushed pineapple for a tropical twist
Instructions
- Prep the Rolls: Keep Hawaiian rolls whole for a pull-apart style, or slice in half for more custard absorption.
- Make Custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Dip Rolls: Quickly dip each roll in the custard, coating evenly without oversoaking.
- Cook Rolls: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook custard-dipped rolls until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve Warm: Plate the rolls, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, and top with fruit if desired.
Notes
- Use slightly stale rolls—they soak custard better.
- Don’t let rolls sit too long in custard or they may collapse.
- To bake instead of pan-fry, place rolls in a greased baking dish, pour custard over, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or even dessert.
