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The Ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

I used to think Hawaiian rolls had one main purpose in life: to make those perfect little sliders for parties and game days. They were the king of savory snacks, and I never thought to question it.

Then one lazy weekend morning, I was faced with a half-empty bag of those sweet, fluffy rolls and a serious craving for French toast. The regular bread was gone. A lightbulb went off, and I wondered… what if?

Let me tell you, that moment changed breakfast forever. Using these sweet rolls for French toast creates something magical. They become these little golden-brown, pillowy bites of heaven with a custardy center that practically melts in your mouth. It’s an indulgent treat that feels fancy but is secretly one of the easiest breakfast recipes you’ll ever make.

Forget everything you thought you knew about these rolls. Today, we’re turning them into the star of the breakfast table. Trust me, once you try this, you might not go back to regular French toast again.

What You’ll Need

The ingredient list is simple and probably filled with things you already have. The real magic comes from the Hawaiian rolls themselves.

• King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: One 12-count pack is perfect. Don’t separate them yet! Keeping them together makes dipping so much easier.
• Large Eggs: You’ll need four to create a rich and delicious custard base.
• Milk: Half a cup. Whole milk makes it richer, but any kind will work just fine.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon for that classic, warm aroma and flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon. Feel free to add a little more if you’re a big cinnamon fan.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness.
• Butter: For pan-frying. I prefer salted butter to add another layer of flavor.
• Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or toasted coconut flakes.

Tools Required for the Job

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick.

• Large, shallow dish (like a pie plate or baking dish)
• Whisk
• Large non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe at a Glance

Detail	Time/Amount
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10-15 minutes
Servings	3-4 people

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Follow these steps closely for perfect, pillowy French toast bites every single time.

Step 1: Make the Custard

In your shallow dish, crack the four large eggs. Whisk them until the yolks and whites are completely combined. Add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and the pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s a smooth, uniform mixture.

Step 2: Dip the Rolls

Take your slab of Hawaiian rolls (without pulling them apart!) and dip the entire block into the custard mixture. Don’t let it soak for too long! A quick 10-15 second dip on each side is all you need. The rolls are like little sponges and will get soggy if you leave them in too long.

Step 3: Get the Pan Ready

Place your large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the surface of the pan. You want the butter to be sizzling gently, not browning or smoking.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the entire slab of custard-dipped rolls onto the hot skillet. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep golden-brown crust. You can gently press down on the rolls with your spatula to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Sides

This is a key step! Once the top and bottom are cooked, use your spatula to lift the slab and cook the four sides for about 30-60 seconds each. This ensures every single surface has that delicious, buttery crust.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a cutting board. You can now easily pull the individual rolls apart. Serve them immediately while they’re warm, and pile on your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

After making this dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that take it from good to absolutely incredible.

1. Don’t Oversoak. Seriously. I know I’ve mentioned it, but it’s the most important tip. These rolls are so soft and absorbent that they’ll turn to mush if left in the custard for more than 20 seconds. A quick dip is all you need for a creamy center and a sturdy exterior.
2. Control Your Heat. Medium-low heat is your best friend here. The sugar in the rolls and the custard can burn quickly over high heat, leaving you with a dark outside and a raw, doughy inside. Be patient and let them cook slowly.
3. Use Salted Butter. The hint of salt in the butter cuts through the sweetness of the rolls and the maple syrup, creating a perfectly balanced bite. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.
4. Press Gently. When the rolls are in the pan, use your spatula to press them down lightly. This helps create maximum contact with the pan, resulting in a more even and consistent golden-brown crust.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic recipe is amazing, feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Different Breads: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, thick-cut brioche or challah bread are the next best things.
• Dairy-Free: You can easily make this dairy-free by swapping the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and using a dairy-free butter or coconut oil for frying.
• Add Some Zest: For a bright, citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture. It pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Make it a Casserole: You can turn this into an overnight French toast casserole. Just tear the rolls into pieces, place them in a greased baking dish, pour the custard over top, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes the next morning.

Flavor Variations

Category	Ideas
Spice Swaps	Nutmeg, Cardamom, Pumpkin Pie Spice
Extracts	Almond Extract, Orange Extract
Decadent Toppings	Caramel sauce, Chocolate Syrup, Toasted Nuts

Nutritional Info and Meal Pairings

Let’s be honest, this is an indulgence. It’s a sweet, delicious treat perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend brunch. While it’s not exactly health food, you can pair it with other items to create a more balanced meal.

A side of sizzling bacon or savory sausage provides a wonderful salty contrast to the sweet French toast. For a fresher option, a colorful fruit salad with berries, melon, and kiwi can cut through the richness and add some valuable vitamins and fiber.

And of course, no brunch is complete without a beverage. A strong cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk are classic pairings that work perfectly.

Leftovers and Storage

If you somehow end up with leftovers, they store quite well. Let the French toast cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, avoid the microwave, as it will make them soggy. The best way to reheat them is in a toaster oven or back in a skillet with a little butter until they are warm and slightly crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions you might have.

Q1. Why did my French toast come out soggy?

Ans: This is almost always caused by one of two things: soaking the rolls for too long or not having your pan hot enough. Remember, a very quick dip in the custard is all that’s needed, and your pan should be at a steady medium-low heat before the rolls go in.

Q2. Can I use stale Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

Ans: Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale rolls are even better for French toast because they are a bit drier and can absorb the custard without falling apart as easily. It’s a great way to use up leftover rolls.

Q3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Ans: Yes. The best way is to cook the entire batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Then, you can simply reheat individual portions as needed throughout the week for a super quick and delicious breakfast.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Burnt Outside, Raw Inside	Heat is too high.	Lower heat to medium-low.
Sticks to the Pan	Not enough butter.	Add more butter to the skillet.
Flat and Dense	Over-soaked the rolls.	Dip for only 10-15 seconds per side.

Wrapping Up

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s a breakfast game-changer. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces and makes a regular Saturday morning feel like a special celebration.

The combination of the sweet, fluffy rolls with the rich, cinnamon-infused custard is pure comfort and joy. It’s so simple to make, yet it delivers a truly impressive result every time.

I really hope you give this recipe a try. Go grab a pack of those iconic orange-packaged rolls and transform your breakfast routine. When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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