There’s something truly magical about weekend mornings. In our home, Sundays are a time to slow down, gather around the table, and enjoy a good meal together. One of our family’s favorite traditions is making a batch of decadent Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s easy to make and always brings smiles to the breakfast table.
Now, I’m sure many of you have hectic schedules and don’t always have the luxury of a leisurely breakfast. But trust me, carving out a bit of time for this recipe is well worth it! Even on busy mornings, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients and a little love, you get a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in each bite.
I guess my love for French toast started when my mom used to make it for us as kids. We’d all gather in the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the first batch to be ready. She always managed to make them perfectly golden brown, and with the aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house, it was pure comfort. Today, I find myself carrying on this tradition with my own family.
Using Hawaiian rolls adds a special twist to this classic dish. These sweet, soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the egg mixture and giving the toast a fluffy, sweet texture that everyone will love. Plus, it adds a touch of island charm without needing to hop on a plane to Hawaii. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and fun to make!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
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Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or your favorite non-dairy option)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (like King’s Hawaiian, sliced horizontally)
- Confectioners’ sugar (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re smooth and well blended.
- Heat your griddle or a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over the surface.
- Carefully dip each half of the Hawaiian rolls into the egg mixture, ensuring they soak up the mixture, then let any excess drip away. Place the soaked rolls onto the hot buttered surface.
- Allow the rolls to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown.
- Once cooked, transfer to a plate and keep them warm while repeating the process for the remaining rolls, being sure to add more butter as necessary for each new batch.
- To serve, place the French toast on a plate, sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar as desired, and drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
Storing Suggestion
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or toaster to regain their crispness.
Cooking Tips
For a richer flavor, try using cream instead of milk. If you prefer a non-dairy option, almond or oat milk can be great substitutes. Adding a bit of orange zest to the egg mixture can give the toast a refreshing kick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with some crispy bacon or fresh fruit on the side. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of hot coffee can complement the sweetness of the toast perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, feel free to use any other sweet bread like brioche or challah. For a healthier twist, you can use whole grain rolls, though it may alter the taste slightly.
Seasonal Variations
During the summer, top your French toast with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. In the fall, try adding pumpkin spice to your egg mixture and serve with apple compote.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. For an egg substitute, try a mixture of flaxseed meal and water. Use gluten-free rolls if you’re sensitive to gluten, and opt for a non-dairy milk to avoid lactose.
FAQ
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the French toast as instructed, then layer the pieces in a baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
What’s the best non-dairy milk to use in this recipe?
Almond milk and oat milk work particularly well in this recipe, as they both have a subtle sweetness that complements the Hawaiian rolls. Coconut milk can also be used for a more tropical flavor.
Can I freeze French toast for later use?
Indeed, you can freeze French toast! Once cooled, place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven when needed.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
Children often enjoy a variety of toppings. You could let them sprinkle chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles over the French toast. Offering a selection of different syrups for them to choose from can also make it more fun.
How do I know when the French toast is done?
Your French toast is ready when both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the heat to ensure that they don’t burn. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
What’s the secret to fluffy French toast?
Letting the rolls soak thoroughly in the egg mixture without becoming too soggy is key. Ensure your heat is medium so that the inside cooks through while the outside get nicely golden.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or your favorite non-dairy option
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter for cooking
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls like King's Hawaiian, sliced horizontally
- Confectioners' sugar optional, for serving
- Maple syrup optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a large, deep bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Preheat your griddle or large skillet over medium heat and coat with 1 Tbsp of butter.
- Dip each half of the Hawaiian rolls into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak up the liquid, then let any excess drip off. Place the dipped rolls on the hot griddle.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm while you prepare the rest, adding more butter to the griddle as needed for the remaining rolls.
- Serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
