Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, Hawaiian roll French toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite.
The pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls soaks up the custard mixture beautifully, creating a golden-brown, caramelized exterior while staying soft and fluffy inside.
Easy Hawaiian roll French toast recipe
If you love French toast but want something extra special, French toast with Hawaiian rolls is the way to go.
Whether you’re making a quick breakfast or serving a crowd for brunch, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
We've got more Hawaiian roll recipes for you. Try Reuben sliders or ham and cheese sliders next!
Recipe Highlights
The sweetness of Hawaiian rolls pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced custard.
Quick and easy, no need for thick slices of bread, these rolls soak up the batter in no time.
Great for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or holiday breakfasts.
The bread rolls are kid friendly, making it fun and easy for little hands to enjoy.
Ingredients you'll need
- Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that make the best French toast.
- Eggs: Helps create a rich and creamy custard.
- Milk: I used half and half but you can use whole milk.
- Vanilla extract.
- Cinnamon: A touch of spice enhances the sweetness.
- Butter: For cooking and adding a golden-brown crust.
- Maple syrup: The perfect finishing touch for serving.
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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- Large skillet
How to make French toast with Hawaiian rolls
Pull the Hawaiian rolls apart into individual rolls.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and spread evenly.
Dip rolls into the egg mixture, coating all sides, then let excess drip off.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Don't forget to flip to brown evenly. Repeat with remaining rolls, adding butter as needed.
Transfer cooked rolls to a plate, Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with fruit, maple syrup, or honey. Enjoy!
Variations
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F.cut the rolls into smaller pieces, then layer the rolls in a 9 x 13 baking dish, pour the egg mixture over them, and bake in the oven for 40 to 45 mins or until golden and fluffy. It’s an easy make-ahead option for brunch!
Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Bites: Cut the rolls into smaller pieces, coat them in the egg mixture, and cook until golden. Perfect for dipping into syrup or dusting with cinnamon sugar!
What to serve with these Hawaiian French toast
Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries add a fresh contrast.
Whipped cream: A light and creamy topping for when you want to be extra.
Bacon or sausage: A savory side to balance the sweetness.
Coffee or fresh juice: A classic pairing for a satisfying breakfast.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a an air fryer, toaster oven or skillet for the best texture.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t over soak the rolls. They absorb liquid quickly, so a few seconds is enough.
- Use medium heat. When the heat is too high, and they’ll burn before the inside cooks through.
- Whole milk can be used in place of half-and-half.
- Pumpkin spice can be substituted for cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Try serving with Nutella, banana slices, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added variety.
FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning.
Any milk will work for French toast. I used half and half to make it richer feel free to use whole milk or any plant based milk you like.
Yes! Slightly stale rolls soak up the custard well and give the French toast a better texture.
Place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Yes! Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a delicious plant based alternative.
More breakfast recipes
- Mini pancakes
- Air fryer bacon
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
It's time to make Hawaiian rolls French toast!
This sweet and buttery French toast is a must-try for breakfast or brunch.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy morning or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it today and I know you will enjoy every bite!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 12 Kings Sweet Hawaiian Rolls
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 Tablespoons Powdered sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Serving suggestions
- Fresh fruits
- maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Separate the Hawaiian rolls into 12 individual buns is.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended.
- Warm a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Since stovetops vary in temperature, it’s best to start with lower heat to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cooks through. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the butter.
- Once the pan is warm, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Dip a few Hawaiian roll pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off before placing them onto the skillet.
- Cook each piece for about 2-3 minutes per side, flipping to brown all sides evenly until golden.
- Transfer cooked pieces to a plate and repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
- When all the French toast pieces are done, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm with fresh fruit and drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For smaller portions, slice the rolls in half horizontally before dipping.
- This will yield 24 smaller pieces.
- Avoid soaking the rolls too long in the egg mixture, as they absorb quickly and may become too soft.
- This is especially important if making smaller pieces.
- Maintain a low to medium heat to achieve an even golden crust while ensuring the inside cooks through.
- Whole milk can be used in place of half-and-half.
- Pumpkin spice can be substituted for cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
- Try serving with Nutella, banana slices, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added variety.
Allow to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
