Prepare to fall in love with breakfast all over again with this irresistible Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Each bite of these pillowy-soft, golden rolls is rich, gently spiced, and bursts with sweet flavor, making them the star of any morning gathering or lazy Sunday feast. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tropical-inspired delight that’s sure to become a household favorite. Trust me, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast will have everyone asking for seconds!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how easy it is to put together—even on a sleepy morning! Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature custardy center, golden crust, and aromatic sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Eggs: The backbone of the custard, they create richness and help the rolls form a luscious, creamy interior.
Milk: Whole milk gives the custard a silky texture, but your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk will work in a pinch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds fragrant warmth and that classic French toast aroma we all love. Don’t skip it!
Ground Cinnamon: A dash of spice gives each bite a gentle warmth and deepens the flavor of the rolls.
Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and intensify all the other flavors.
Nutmeg: A secret ingredient that adds an extra hint of coziness and complexity.
Unsalted Butter: For toasting the rolls to golden perfection and giving them a touch of richness.
Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the show! Their soft, slightly sweet flavor soaks up the custard beautifully—King’s Hawaiian is my go-to brand.
Confectioners’ Sugar (optional): For that delicate, snowy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Maple Syrup (optional): Adds a final drizzle of sweetness that ties everything together.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard

Start by grabbing a wide, deep bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This is your French toast base, so make sure it’s nicely blended and aromatic—the scent alone will make you hungry!

Step 2: Prep Your Griddle

Heat up a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, brush it generously with some of the unsalted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also gives the Hawaiian Roll French Toast its perfectly crispy, golden exterior.

Step 3: Dip the Rolls

Working in batches, carefully dip each sliced Hawaiian roll half into the egg mixture. Let them soak just long enough to absorb the custard—too long and they’ll get soggy, too short and they won’t be as flavorful. Shake off any excess before transferring to the griddle.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Lay the custard-soaked rolls on your hot, buttery griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the bottoms are gorgeously golden and slightly crisp. Flip and repeat on the other side. The kitchen will fill with the sweet aroma of vanilla and spices!

Step 5: Keep Toasty and Repeat

As each batch finishes, transfer the Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a plate and keep warm. Add more butter to your griddle as needed and continue until you’ve transformed all the rolls into irresistible French toast.

Step 6: Finish with a Flurry of Sweetness

Dust your finished Hawaiian Roll French Toast with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup, if you like. Serve immediately, and watch how quickly they disappear!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

A little extra love goes a long way! Top your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a generous sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for a classic touch. For extra flair, add a handful of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some chopped toasted macadamia nuts—each brings a pop of color and texture to the dish.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness with savory breakfast sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or fluffy scrambled eggs. A simple fruit salad is also fantastic for a refreshing contrast—and if you’re serving brunch, don’t forget the mimosas or a velvety coffee!

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, arrange the French toast bites on a gorgeous serving platter with bowls of various toppings (think berries, bananas, different syrups, or flavored whipped creams). Or, go playful and skewer pieces of Hawaiian Roll French Toast with fresh fruit for fun, dippable breakfast kabobs that both kids and adults will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Hawaiian Roll French Toast cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll still taste delightful when reheated!

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooled French toast pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast whenever a craving hits—just pull out as many pieces as you need!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover French toast in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warm and slightly crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but may soften the exterior a bit more.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The result is still fluffy, sweet, and downright delicious.

Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?

Yes! Mix up the eggs, milk, spices, and vanilla in advance and store in the fridge. In the morning, just dip and cook—breakfast has never been easier or faster!

What kind of toppings work best?

Classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always winners, but don’t hesitate to try sautéed bananas, coconut flakes, or even a passionfruit syrup for that full-on tropical vibe with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Why use Hawaiian rolls instead of regular bread?

Hawaiian rolls are uniquely soft and slightly sweet, which makes them perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart. Their subtle flavor and texture create a French toast experience that’s truly special and hard to duplicate.

How do I keep Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm for a crowd?

Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the batches. This keeps them perfectly warm and ready to serve all together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to level up your breakfast game, give this Hawaiian Roll French Toast a try. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and turns a simple morning into something magical. Gather your favorite people, pour the coffee, and dig in—your new favorite French toast awaits!