Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revolution! Imagine sinking your teeth into pillowy soft, golden-brown French toast, infused with the subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. This isn’t your average morning meal; it’s a tropical escape on a plate, and trust me, it’s incredibly addictive.

While French toast itself boasts a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome, the modern iteration we know and love has evolved over centuries. The beauty of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe lies in its delightful twist on a classic. The inherent sweetness and airy texture of Hawaiian rolls elevate the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The slight tang of the egg custard beautifully complements the sweet bread, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast for yourself or a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is guaranteed to be a hit. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the subtle tropical notes make it a truly unforgettable experience. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes

Preparing the Custard and Rolls:

Alright, let’s get started! The key to amazing French toast is a flavorful custard and perfectly soaked bread. Here’s how we’ll tackle this:

1. Whisk Together the Custard: In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now, whisk everything together really well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved. You don’t want any grainy bits of sugar lingering around! This custard is going to be the magic that transforms our Hawaiian rolls.
2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You can either keep them attached as a whole slab (which makes for a fun presentation and easier cooking) or separate them into individual rolls. If you’re keeping them as a slab, carefully slice the entire slab horizontally, like you’re making a giant sandwich. Be careful not to cut all the way through – you want to keep the bottom half intact. This creates a pocket for the custard to soak into. If you’re using individual rolls, you can skip the slicing.
3. Soak the Rolls: Now comes the crucial part – soaking! If you’re using the slab method, carefully place the sliced slab into the custard mixture, making sure both the top and bottom halves get a good dunk. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want the rolls to be saturated but not falling apart. If you’re using individual rolls, dip each roll into the custard, ensuring all sides are coated. Let them soak for about 1-2 minutes per side. The soaking time depends on the freshness of your rolls – fresher rolls will absorb more liquid.

Cooking the French Toast:

Time to transform those soaked rolls into golden-brown deliciousness! Here’s how we’ll cook them to perfection:

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely. The butter should be shimmering but not smoking. You can also use a non-stick cooking spray if you prefer, but I find that butter gives the French toast a richer flavor and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
2. Cook the French Toast: Carefully transfer the soaked Hawaiian rolls to the hot skillet. If you’re using the slab method, gently lift the entire slab out of the custard and place it in the skillet. If you’re using individual rolls, arrange them in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your rolls and the heat of your skillet. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining soaked rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. You’ll likely need to cook the French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and result in soggy French toast.
4. Check for Doneness: To ensure the French toast is cooked through, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue cooking for a minute or two longer per side.

Serving and Topping Suggestions:

The best part – enjoying your hard work! Here are some ideas to make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast even more irresistible:

1. Serve Immediately: French toast is best served immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. As it sits, it can become a bit soggy.
2. Maple Syrup: A classic topping for French toast! Use your favorite brand or even try making your own homemade maple syrup.
3. Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant topping. Dust the French toast with a generous amount of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
4. Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness and color with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
5. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own.
6. Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch with chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor.
7. Coconut Flakes: For an extra Hawaiian twist, sprinkle the French toast with toasted coconut flakes.
8. Fruit Compote: Elevate your French toast with a homemade fruit compote. Simmer your favorite fruits with a little sugar and lemon juice until they soften and create a delicious sauce.
9. Chocolate Sauce: For the chocolate lovers out there, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the French toast.
10. Caramel Sauce: Another decadent option is to drizzle caramel sauce over the French toast.
11. Peanut Butter: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the French toast before adding your other toppings.
12. Nutella: Similar to peanut butter, Nutella adds a rich and chocolatey flavor.
13. Lemon Curd: For a tangy and bright flavor, try topping your French toast with lemon curd.
14. Bacon or Sausage: If you’re looking for a more substantial breakfast, serve the French toast with bacon or sausage. The salty and savory flavors complement the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.
15. Fried Egg: Top your French toast with a fried egg for a savory and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast:

• Don’t Oversoak: Oversoaking the rolls will result in soggy French toast. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the custard as soon as they are saturated.
• Use a Hot Skillet: A hot skillet is essential for achieving a golden-brown crust. Make sure the skillet is heated properly before adding the French toast.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in soggy French toast. Cook the French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in the best flavor. Use fresh eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for the best results.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar in the custard to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter French toast, add a little more sugar.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Try adding different spices to the custard, such as cardamom or ginger.
• Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re making a large batch of French toast, you can keep it warm in the oven while you cook the remaining batches. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet.

Variations:

• Stuffed French Toast: Before cooking, spread a layer of cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves between the two halves of the Hawaiian roll slab.
• Baked French Toast Casserole: For a crowd-pleasing breakfast, bake the soaked Hawaiian rolls in a casserole dish. Top with a streusel topping for added sweetness and crunch.
• Savory French Toast: Omit the sugar and vanilla extract from the custard and add savory ingredients like grated cheese, herbs, and spices. Serve with a fried egg and bacon for a delicious savory breakfast.
• French Toast Sticks: Cut the Hawaiian rolls into sticks before soaking and cooking. These are perfect for dipping in syrup or other sauces.
• Mini French Toast Bites: Cut the Hawaiian rolls into small cubes before soaking and cooking. These are great for appetizers or snacks.

Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast! I hope you found this recipe helpful and that you have fun experimenting with different toppings and variations. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a mini-vacation on a plate! The soft, sweet rolls soak up the custard beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both comforting and surprisingly elegant. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your weekend brunch or impress your family with minimal effort, this is it. It’s quick, easy, and the results are absolutely divine.

But why is this particular recipe a must-try? It’s all about the texture and flavor combination. The Hawaiian rolls bring a subtle sweetness and a delightful chewiness that you just don’t get with regular bread. The custard, infused with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, complements the rolls perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! For a classic touch, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, add a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream is always a welcome addition, adding a touch of decadence.

Want to take it to the next level? Try these variations:

* Tropical Paradise: Top with sliced mango, pineapple, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. A drizzle of passion fruit syrup would be the perfect finishing touch.
* Peanut Butter Bliss: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter between the Hawaiian rolls before dipping them in the custard. Serve with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.
* Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the custard for a rich, chocolatey flavor. Top with chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* Savory Twist: While traditionally sweet, you can also experiment with savory toppings. Try serving it with crispy bacon, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of chives.
* Stuffed French Toast: Cut a slit in each roll and fill it with cream cheese, Nutella, or your favorite jam before dipping and cooking.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combinations! The possibilities are endless.

I truly believe that this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to special celebrations. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover Hawaiian rolls (if you ever have any!).

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience French toast like never before. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What toppings did you use? Did your family love it? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking!