French toast reaches new heights of deliciousness when you swap traditional bread for soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. This recipe transforms King’s Hawaiian rolls into a breakfast masterpiece that combines the classic comfort of French toast with the subtle sweetness and tender texture that makes Hawaiian rolls so beloved.
The beauty of Hawaiian roll French toast lies in its simplicity and impressive results. These dinner rolls, with their slightly sweet flavor and incredibly soft crumb, absorb the custard mixture perfectly while maintaining their structural integrity. The result is French toast that’s crispy on the outside, custardy in the middle, and infused with a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make Exceptional French Toast
Hawaiian rolls possess several qualities that make them ideal for French toast. Their enriched dough contains eggs, butter, and sugar, creating a tender crumb that soaks up custard without falling apart. The slight sweetness in the rolls complements the vanilla and cinnamon in the custard, while their compact size makes them perfect for individual servings or bite-sized portions.
Unlike regular bread that can become soggy or tough when soaked, Hawaiian rolls maintain their pleasant texture throughout the cooking process. Their golden color also contributes to the beautiful appearance of the finished dish, creating French toast that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
For the French Toast:
- 8 King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls (original or sweet)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Butter pats
- Whipped cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
Begin by removing the Hawaiian rolls from their packaging and allowing them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This slight staling helps the rolls absorb the custard mixture more effectively without becoming mushy. While the rolls rest, gather your remaining ingredients and equipment.
Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep finished French toast warm while you cook the remaining batches. This ensures every piece stays at the perfect temperature for serving.
Creating the Perfect Custard Base
In a shallow dish large enough to accommodate the rolls, whisk together the eggs until well combined. Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar dissolves completely. The custard should have a pale yellow color and no streaks of egg white.
The ratio of eggs to liquid is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Too much liquid creates soggy French toast, while too little prevents proper custard formation. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, creating a custard that penetrates the rolls thoroughly while maintaining their structure.
Preparing the Hawaiian Rolls
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally. Work slowly to avoid compressing the soft bread. The goal is to create two even halves that will absorb the custard uniformly.
If your rolls are particularly fresh and soft, you can skip this step and soak them whole. However, slicing increases the surface area for custard absorption and ensures more even cooking.
Soaking Process
Place the roll halves cut-side down in the custard mixture. Allow them to soak for 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip them using a fork or spatula. Soak for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
The soaking time is critical. Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid quickly due to their soft texture, so monitor them closely. They should feel saturated but not falling apart when you lift them from the custard.
Cooking the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and coat the surface. The butter should sizzle gently but not brown immediately.
Carefully transfer the soaked roll halves to the hot skillet, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. The edges should look set, and the bottom should release easily from the pan.
Flip the French toast carefully using a spatula, supporting each piece to prevent breaking. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
Maintaining Temperature
Transfer cooked French toast to a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven to keep warm. This prevents the first pieces from cooling while you finish cooking the remaining rolls.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet as needed between batches to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Expert Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Hawaiian Rolls
Select rolls that are one to two days old for optimal results. Fresh rolls may become too soggy, while older rolls might not absorb the custard properly. Store-bought King’s Hawaiian rolls work perfectly, but you can also use homemade Hawaiian rolls if available.
Temperature Control
Maintain medium heat throughout the cooking process. High heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks through, while low heat prevents proper caramelization and creates soggy French toast.
Custard Consistency
The custard should coat the back of a spoon lightly. If it’s too thin, add another egg yolk. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. The mixture should flow easily but not be watery.
Flipping Technique
Use a wide spatula and support each piece with your free hand when flipping. Hawaiian roll French toast is more delicate than regular French toast due to the soft bread structure.
Delicious Variations
Tropical Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Add 1/4 cup coconut flakes to the custard mixture and serve with pineapple slices and toasted coconut for a tropical twist that complements the Hawaiian rolls perfectly.
Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Before soaking, carefully hollow out the centers of the rolls and fill with cream cheese, fresh berries, or Nutella. Seal the edges and proceed with the standard soaking and cooking process.
Cinnamon Roll Style
Increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the custard. Serve with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon and omit the cinnamon. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and serve with crispy bacon and maple syrup for a sweet-savory combination.
Serving Suggestions
Present your Hawaiian roll French toast on warmed plates for the best experience. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, and provide warm maple syrup on the side. Fresh berries add color and acidity that balances the sweetness, while a pat of butter on top creates an indulgent finish.
For special occasions, consider serving with whipped cream, caramelized bananas, or a berry compote. The individual size of Hawaiian roll French toast makes it perfect for brunch buffets or elegant breakfast presentations.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Hawaiian roll French toast keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving, which makes the French toast soggy and tough.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Soggy French Toast
This usually results from over-soaking or using too much liquid in the custard. Reduce soaking time and ensure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the soaked rolls.
Burnt Exterior, Raw Interior
Lower your heat to medium-low and cook for a longer time. Hawaiian rolls are thicker than regular bread slices and need gentle heat to cook through evenly.
Falling Apart During Cooking
This indicates over-soaking or using rolls that are too fresh. Allow rolls to sit out longer before soaking, and reduce soaking time.
Nutritional Considerations
Hawaiian roll French toast provides protein from eggs and milk, while the rolls contribute carbohydrates for energy. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, making it a substantial breakfast option. To reduce calories, you can use low-fat milk and limit added toppings.
Conclusion
Hawaiian roll French toast elevates a breakfast classic into something truly special. The combination of soft, sweet rolls with rich custard creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re preparing a weekend breakfast for family or hosting a brunch gathering, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The key to success lies in timing and temperature control. Allow the rolls to absorb the custard properly, maintain medium heat during cooking, and keep finished pieces warm in the oven. With these techniques, you’ll create Hawaiian roll French toast that rivals any restaurant version.
This recipe proves that sometimes the best innovations come from simple substitutions. By swapping regular bread for Hawaiian rolls, you transform an everyday breakfast into a memorable meal that showcases the unique qualities of these beloved dinner rolls. Give this recipe a try, and discover why Hawaiian roll French toast deserves a permanent place in your breakfast repertoire.
