Have you ever wondered how to transform your breakfast into a tropical delight with minimal effort? Imagine biting into warm, golden-brown rolls that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside. That’s the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast—a delightful twist on the traditional French toast that has taken social media by storm. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the unique sweetness of King’s Hawaiian Rolls, creating a breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, you can have a delicious breakfast ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet, fluffy rolls are a hit with children and adults alike.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or fillings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-pack) of King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A small pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup for topping
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the half-and-half. Whisk until fully combined and no egg whites are visible. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
- Prepare the Rolls: Using a toothpick or skewer, poke a few holes in the bottom of each roll. This helps the egg mixture soak in better.
- Soak the Rolls: Place a few rolls at a time into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds. Avoid soaking for too long to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- Cook the Rolls: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add about 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the soaked rolls to the pan. Cook each side for about 30 seconds, turning to ensure all sides, including the top and bottom, are golden brown.
- Serve: Once all the rolls are cooked, serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Helpful Tips
- Cooking Temperature: Keep the heat at medium-low to ensure the rolls cook evenly without burning the outside.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in small batches (about 4 rolls at a time) to make turning easier and to maintain consistent cooking.
- Butter: Add more butter to the pan as needed for each batch to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk Alternatives: Use whole milk, heavy cream, or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Fillings: Try stuffing the rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before soaking for an extra indulgent treat.
- Toppings: Experiment with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the eggs and soak the rolls in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use other types of bread?
While King’s Hawaiian Rolls are recommended for their sweetness and texture, you can use other soft, sweet rolls or brioche as alternatives.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming too soggy?
Avoid soaking the rolls for more than 30 seconds and ensure your skillet is properly heated before cooking.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: To refrigerate leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated all the way through.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful and easy way to elevate your breakfast or brunch. Its sweet, fluffy texture combined with the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Sweetest Twist on a Classic Breakfast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet and simple breakfast made with King’s Hawaiian rolls, cinnamon, and vanilla. Perfect for busy mornings, brunch, or dessert—serve with fresh fruit and syrup for a family favorite! Try it this weekend and share your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
3 large eggs
¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
Powdered sugar, berries, and maple syrup for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the half-and-half. Whisk until fully combined and no egg whites are visible. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
Prepare the Rolls: Using a toothpick or skewer, poke a few holes in the bottom of each roll. This helps the egg mixture soak in better.
Soak the Rolls: Place a few rolls at a time into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds. Avoid soaking for too long to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Cook the Rolls: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add about 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the soaked rolls to the pan. Cook each side for about 30 seconds, turning to ensure all sides, including the top and bottom, are golden brown.
Serve: Once all the rolls are cooked, serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Notes
Only soak rolls briefly to avoid sogginess.
Use medium-low heat to cook evenly without burning.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or oven.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes