Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a soft, buttery, and slightly sweet twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich egg custard and cooked until golden, this dish is perfect for brunch, weekend mornings, or even as a breakfast-for-dinner treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the sweet and pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls transforms into the perfect French toast. It’s slightly crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and rich with flavor. I can easily dress it up with fruit, powdered sugar, or syrup, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Whether I’m making breakfast for the family or treating myself to something cozy, this recipe never lets me down.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Hawaiian sweet rolls
eggs
milk or half-and-half
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
butter (for cooking)
maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for topping (optional)

Directions

1. I begin by separating or slicing the Hawaiian rolls, depending on whether I want individual bites or a more casserole-style dish.

2. In a shallow bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

3. I dip each roll into the egg mixture, letting it soak just long enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.

4. I heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter.

5. I cook the soaked rolls until golden brown on all sides, flipping gently to avoid squishing them.

6. Once cooked, I plate them up and add my favorite toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy breakfast I can enjoy any day of the week.

Variations

Sometimes I stuff the Hawaiian rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping for a surprise filling. I’ve also made a baked version by arranging the rolls in a dish, pouring the custard over, and baking at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes. For a tropical touch, I top them with pineapple chunks and toasted coconut.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a toaster oven or skillet to crisp them up again. Microwaving works too, but it makes them softer. These also freeze well—I just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a bag and reheat from frozen when needed.

FAQs

Can I use the whole pack of rolls together?

Yes, I sometimes keep the rolls attached and slice them as one loaf to make a French toast bake or casserole style.

What type of milk works best?

I usually use whole milk or half-and-half for richness, but any milk, including almond or oat, will work.

Do I need to let the rolls get stale?

No, Hawaiian rolls are soft enough to absorb the custard right away, so I use them fresh without any problems.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the custard the night before and soak the rolls just before cooking. For a baked version, I assemble the dish the night before and bake it in the morning.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

I love topping mine with fresh strawberries, banana slices, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delicious way to upgrade a classic breakfast dish with a soft, sweet twist. I love how quick it is to make and how easily I can customize it for any occasion. Whether I’m making a cozy breakfast or serving a brunch crowd, this recipe always hits the sweet spot.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet and buttery breakfast dish made by soaking soft Hawaiian rolls in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard and pan-frying them until golden. It’s a quick, delicious treat perfect for brunch or a cozy morning meal.

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Ingredients

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
• Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Separate or slice the Hawaiian rolls based on your preference for individual pieces or a casserole-style dish.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
3. Dip each roll into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak briefly.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
5. Cook the soaked rolls until golden brown on all sides, flipping gently.
6. Plate the French toast and top with your choice of maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

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Notes

• Stuff rolls with cream cheese or Nutella for a fun twist.
• Try baking the rolls in custard at 350°F for 25–30 minutes for a casserole version.
• Top with tropical fruits and toasted coconut for a Hawaiian vibe.
• Freeze leftovers individually and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 rolls
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 140mg