Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Published: September 1, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously Sweet: The natural sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the custard.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with fresh fruits, or drizzled with maple syrup for an extra treat.
Perfectly Fluffy Texture: The combination of eggs and milk creates a rich custard that soaks into the rolls, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite spices or toppings to make this dish your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the preparation of this delectable dish, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Non-stick skillet or griddle
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Non-stick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making flipping the French toast easier.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly to create a lump-free custard mixture.
Whisk: Helps to thoroughly mix eggs and milk for a uniform texture in the custard.
Spatula: Ideal for flipping the French toast without damaging its fluffy structure.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base

1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls: This is the star of the show. The original King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are the ideal choice. Their unique recipe, which includes a touch of pineapple juice, gives them their characteristic softness and sweetness. While you could technically use other brands of sweet dinner rolls, the texture and flavor of King’s Hawaiian are unparalleled for this specific recipe. It’s worth seeking out the name brand for the authentic experience. For best results, use rolls that are a day or two old. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly saturated and mushy.

For the Custard Mixture

4 large eggs: The eggs are the foundation of our custard. They provide the protein structure that cooks up to create the classic French toast texture, binding the liquid to the bread. Using large eggs ensures you have the right ratio of egg to milk for a rich but not overly “eggy” custard. For the best flavor and color, opt for fresh, high-quality eggs.
1 cup milk: Milk thins the eggs, creating a smooth custard that can easily soak into the rolls. It adds moisture and creaminess, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture; however, you can easily substitute it with 2% milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk if needed.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is essential as it adds warm sweetness that complements both cinnamon and roll flavors. Using pure vanilla extract provides a much more complex flavor than imitation vanilla.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon is classic in French toast recipes; its warm notes balance perfectly with sweetness. Adjust according to personal preference—nutmeg or cardamom can also be great additions.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all flavors without making it salty; it balances sweetness while accentuating vanilla and cinnamon notes.

For Cooking

Butter for cooking: Cooking French toast in butter adds rich flavor while creating that golden-brown exterior. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows control over salt content but salted butter works too.
Maple syrup for serving: A drizzle of pure maple syrup ties all flavors together with its earthy sweetness—perfect atop fluffy rolls.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Soak Bread Rolls

Take your King’s Hawaiian rolls, slice them in half if they are not already pre-sliced.
Dip each roll half into the custard mixture, making sure they are well coated but not overly soaked.

Step 3: Cook French Toast

Heat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat; add butter to coat evenly.
Place soaked roll halves onto the skillet once butter has melted and begins to foam.
Cook until golden brown on one side (about 2-3 minutes), then flip using your spatula.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Remove from skillet once both sides are golden brown; serve immediately topped with maple syrup. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be as delightful as preparing it. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this sweet treat, making each bite special and flavorful.

With Fresh Fruits

Berries: Add a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Bananas: Sliced bananas bring a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Pineapple: Grilled or fresh pineapple adds a tropical twist that complements the Hawaiian theme.

Drizzled with Sauces

Honey: A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate sauce can take your French toast to the next level.
Coconut Syrup: This tropical syrup will amplify the flavors of the Hawaiian rolls.

Garnished with Nuts

Chopped Pecans: Adding pecans provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the French toast.
Almond Flakes: Lightly toasted almond flakes add both crunch and nutty flavor.

Accompanied by Dairy

Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side adds creaminess and tang.
Whipped Cream: Top your French toast with whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

To elevate your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, consider these helpful tips for achieving perfect results every time.

Use Day-Old Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb custard better without turning mushy.
Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure eggs, milk, and vanilla are well mixed for an even custard consistency.
Control Heat: Cook on medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring a golden-brown finish.
Soak Properly: Allow each roll to soak in the custard for at least 30 seconds per side for optimal flavor.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds color and nutrition alongside your sweet dish.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, balancing out the sweetness of the French toast.
Turkey Sausage Links: These offer a savory option that complements the dish’s sweetness perfectly.
Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your meal, making it more satisfying.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread offers a nutritious contrast to sweet flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a refreshing complement to your breakfast spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making this delightful dish. Here’s how to ensure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfectly every time.

Using Fresh Rolls: Fresh rolls may not absorb the custard properly. Aim for slightly stale rolls for the best texture and flavor.
Skipping the Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial! It enhances flavors and balances sweetness, so don’t leave it out.
Oversoaking the Rolls: Soak too long, and the rolls can become mushy. Just a quick dip will keep them fluffy.
Incorrect Cooking Temperature: Cooking on too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside soggy. Use medium heat for even cooking.
Neglecting Toppings: Don’t forget to add maple syrup or fruit! These toppings elevate the dish and complement its flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Reheat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. This method may make it slightly chewy.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and rewarm each side for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe that might help you perfect your dish.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, while King’s Hawaiian rolls are recommended, you can substitute with other sweet rolls or brioche, but results may vary.

How do I make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe dairy-free?

You can easily swap regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any preferred non-dairy alternative for a delicious dairy-free option.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit slices to the custard mixture for added flavor and texture!

What is the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible finish that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Refrigerate overnight and cook in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Final Thoughts

The Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings! Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to create your unique twist on this classic dish. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card