Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; ½ cup milk (whole milk or any dairy/non-dairy alternative); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 12 Hawaiian Rolls, sliced horizontally; Confectioners’ sugar, optional for serving; Maple syrup, optional for serving

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Hawaiian Roll French Toast—a breakfast that effortlessly blends pillowy-soft sweet rolls with a creamy, spiced custard and a golden, buttery finish! This irresistible twist on classic French toast transforms your morning routine into a mini staycation, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and richness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is about to become the indulgent, crowd-pleasing favorite you didn’t know you needed.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this recipe comes together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts, and the best part is—you probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. Here’s what gives Hawaiian Roll French Toast its signature richness, fluffy texture, and craveable flavor.

Eggs: The essential base for our rich, custardy soaking mixture—fresh eggs deliver structure and irresistible fluffiness.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but use any milk you love; the liquid is crucial for a soft, velvety texture.
Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip the vanilla—it boosts sweetness and adds a gentle warmth to every bite.
Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds cozy spice and deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and spiced notes, keeping the flavor perfectly balanced.
Nutmeg: A little goes a long way—grated nutmeg gives the custard a subtle, nutty aroma.
Unsalted Butter: This is the secret to that golden, crisp exterior and decadent flavor.
Hawaiian Rolls: King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls are the star—soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet, they soak up the custard just right.
Confectioners’ Sugar (optional): A light dusting makes your Hawaiian Roll French Toast look bakery-fresh.
Maple Syrup (optional): The classic finishing touch that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard Mixture

Start by grabbing your favorite large, deep bowl—a wide one makes dipping the rolls much easier. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until everything is smooth and the spices look evenly blended. This aromatic custard is the flavorful bath that turns the Hawaiian rolls into something magical!

Step 2: Prepare the Griddle or Skillet

Time to heat things up! Place a large skillet or a griddle over medium heat and melt about a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Gently brush or swirl the butter to coat the entire surface. This step is the key to achieving that golden crust on each piece of Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Step 3: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Slice your Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally so you have lovely bite-sized pieces. Working in batches (so nothing gets soggy while you wait), dip each roll half into the custard mixture. Make sure it’s thoroughly soaked but not falling apart—a quick dip and a gentle shake to remove the excess is perfect.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Fluffy

Gently place the soaked rolls on the hot, buttery surface. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll start to see the edges turning golden and the surface puffing deliciously. Flip them over and let the other side crisp up as well. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed and moving finished pieces to a plate to stay warm.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Add Toppings

Arrange the warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a serving plate. If you’d like to go all out, sprinkle a flurry of confectioners’ sugar on top and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Serve immediately for best results—this is French toast at its soft, melty best!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

For simple sophistication, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar does wonders, catching the light and making your Hawaiian Roll French Toast look straight out of a café. Add a drizzle of real maple syrup, or try fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness with sides like crispy bacon or sausage links, or make it brunch-worthy with a bright fruit salad. Even a simple bowl of Greek yogurt pairs beautifully for extra protein and creaminess alongside your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the rolls casserole-style and baking ahead for a stunning breakfast spread, or stack them high for a playful, over-the-top brunch platter. For a sweet touch, thread the cooked rolls onto skewers with fresh fruit for Hawaiian Roll French Toast “kebabs” that are both fun and practical for big gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast (rare, but possible!), let the pieces cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 2-3 days for the freshest taste and best texture.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Lay the cooled French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, your Hawaiian Roll French Toast won’t stick together and will be so quick to reheat for busy mornings.

Reheating

Pop refrigerated or frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast into a toaster oven or oven at 350°F until heated through—about 5-10 minutes. This keeps the outside crispy and the inside wonderfully soft, just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully and still give you that luscious custard texture. Just use your favorite and the flavor will shine through in your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?

While Hawaiian rolls offer unbeatable sweetness and texture, you can swap in any soft, sweet dinner roll in a pinch. The key is that the bread is fluffy and slightly enriched, so it can soak up the custard without getting soggy.

How long should I soak the rolls?

You want the rolls to absorb the custard without falling apart. A brief dip—about 5 seconds per side—is perfect for Hawaiian Roll French Toast, ensuring the inside is creamy and the outside gets golden.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. You can also soak the rolls, arrange them in a baking dish, and bake as a casserole the next morning for a no-fuss, crowd-sized version.

How do I prevent the toast from sticking to the pan?

Generous buttering between batches is key! If your griddle or skillet starts to look dry, add more butter, and make sure it’s hot before placing the custard-soaked rolls down. This will give you that beautiful golden crust every time for your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those joyful, shareable breakfasts that turns a regular morning into something a little more magical. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon—it’s simple, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on classic French toast using sweet Hawaiian rolls, this recipe results in a deliciously indulgent breakfast treat that’s sure to impress.

Instructions

Egg Mixture: In a wide, deep bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
Cooking French Toast: Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat, brush with 1 tablespoon butter. Dip Hawaiian roll halves into egg mixture, shake off excess, and cook on griddle until golden brown, flipping once, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving: Plate the French toast, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired before serving.

Notes

You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or maple syrup used.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of rum extract to the egg mixture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American