If you’ve never tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’re in for a cozy, crave-worthy surprise. I stumbled across this twist during a weekend brunch experiment, and let me tell you—it instantly became a must-have in our breakfast rotation. There’s just something magical about the way those soft, buttery Hawaiian sweet rolls soak up the creamy custard. They crisp up beautifully in the pan while staying perfectly tender and gooey in the center—almost like a cross between classic French toast and bread pudding.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little celebration on a plate. It’s fast enough for a lazy Sunday morning but feels special enough to serve on holidays or when guests are over. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to treat yourself to something warm and comforting, this dish hits the sweet spot between simple and spectacular.
From my kitchen to yours, I promise this Hawaiian Roll French Toast will earn a permanent spot in your breakfast lineup. Once you taste that golden, custard-soaked goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever did mornings without it.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make Amazing French Toast
Hawaiian sweet rolls have always had a permanent spot in my pantry—usually for sliders or dinner sides—but one lazy Saturday morning, I realized they had a much sweeter destiny. Their soft, buttery texture and hint of sweetness make them the perfect base for Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent but comes together so easily, and it completely changed the way I think about breakfast.
Whether you use King’s Hawaiian rolls or a similar sweet roll brand, you’ll love how they soak up the creamy egg mixture without falling apart. Unlike regular sandwich bread that can turn mushy, these rolls hold their shape beautifully and deliver that dreamy custardy center with a lightly crisp exterior. Hawaiian Roll French Toast has become our go-to for holiday mornings, lazy brunches, and even breakfast-for-dinner nights when we’re craving something comforting and a little nostalgic.
Serve this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with fresh berries, crispy bacon, or savory breakfast sausage for a complete meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and just special enough to make any morning feel like a celebration.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream (or substitute with more milk)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries for serving (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- For dairy-free options, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk
- The heavy cream adds richness, but you can use all milk if that's what you have on hand
Hawaiian sweet rolls are key to this recipe's unique flavor and texture—while other breads will work, they won't deliver the same special result
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Egg Mixture and Hawaiian Rolls
- Crack the eggs into a large, shallow bowl and beat them lightly with a fork.
- Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt to the eggs.
- Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Separate the Hawaiian rolls from the package, keeping them intact rather than pulling them apart.
- Using a serrated knife, slice each roll horizontally through the middle, creating a top and bottom piece (similar to how you'd slice a hamburger bun).
- If you prefer, you can also slice the entire connected package of rolls horizontally, creating one large top and bottom piece to make a French toast casserole style dish.
Pro tip: Slightly stale rolls actually work better for French toast as they absorb more of the custard mixture without falling apart. If your rolls are very fresh, you can leave them out unwrapped for an hour before cooking.
Soak the Rolls
- Place the sliced rolls in the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds on each side.
- If making individual roll French toast, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the bowl.
- Use a fork or tongs to gently flip the rolls, making sure they're evenly soaked on both sides.
Pro tip: Don't soak the Hawaiian rolls too long or they might become too soft and fall apart. The rolls absorb the mixture quickly because of their porous texture.
Cook to Golden Perfection
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling, place the soaked rolls in the pan, cut side down first.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Add more butter to the pan as needed between batches.
Pro tip: Keep the heat at medium—too high and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through; too low and the French toast won't develop that beautiful golden crust.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast to serving plates.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve immediately with warm maple syrup and fresh berries.
- For an extra special presentation, stack a few pieces together with a pat of butter between each layer and drizzle maple syrup over the top.
- Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture and Hawaiian Rolls
Whisking the custard and slicing sweet rolls for French toast
- Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Soaking the rolls quickly in custard without oversaturating
- Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Toasting soaked rolls until golden and slightly crisp
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serving the finished French toast with toppings and presentation
Hints and Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Don't rush the cooking process: Cook on medium heat to ensure the egg mixture cooks through without burning the outside of the rolls.
- Keep them warm: If cooking in batches, keep the finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet.
- Make ahead option: You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then just dip and cook in the morning.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to start your day. The eggs add protein while the milk contributes calcium.
For a complete breakfast, serve with:
- Fresh fruit salad for added vitamins and fiber
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for extra protein
- A drizzle of honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile
- Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a creamy, crunchy contrast
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Take this recipe to the next level by creating a stuffed version:
- Slice the rolls and spread cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter between the layers before dipping in the egg mixture.
- Cook as directed for an indulgent, filled French toast experience.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole
For an easy make-ahead breakfast:
- Arrange sliced rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden.
Flavor Variations
- Add ½ teaspoon of coconut extract to the egg mixture and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy bright flavor.
- For a fall version, add extra cinnamon and a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
Equipment
- Large shallow bowl for the egg mixture
- Serrated knife for slicing rolls
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula for flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons
A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan works best for this recipe. If you have an electric griddle, it's ideal for cooking multiple pieces at once.
Storage
- Freezing: This French toast freezes well! Place cooled pieces on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or oven.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the French toast soggy.
The Secret Soak Behind Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
I’ll never forget the first time I made Hawaiian Roll French Toast. I was so excited—those golden, buttery rolls just felt like the perfect base for something indulgent. But in my eagerness, I let them soak way too long in the custard, thinking it would make them extra flavorful. What I ended up with was a soggy mess that completely fell apart in the pan. It still tasted good (let’s be honest, it’s hard to mess up Hawaiian rolls), but it wasn’t the beautiful, golden French toast I had imagined.
After a few more tries (and some trial-and-error breakfast experiments with my family happily taste-testing), I cracked the code. These sweet rolls are so soft and pillowy that they absorb liquid much faster than regular bread. The trick? Just 20 to 30 seconds per side in the egg mixture—no more. That’s the sweet spot where the custard soaks in enough to create that dreamy, rich center, while the outside crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Now, every time I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast, I remember that little lesson. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference—and I hope it saves you from the same soggy first attempt I had. Cooking is all about learning, adjusting, and finding those tiny techniques that elevate a dish from good to unforgettable.
FAQ
Can you use Hawaiian rolls for French toast?
Absolutely! Hawaiian rolls make incredible French toast thanks to their soft, buttery texture and subtle sweetness. They soak up the custard beautifully and cook up with a creamy inside and golden, crisp edges. Their small size and pillowy structure make them perfect for individual portions or even a fun pull-apart French toast bake for brunch.
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
The most common mistake is soaking the bread too long in the egg mixture—especially with soft breads like Hawaiian rolls. Over-soaking leads to soggy, falling-apart toast. Instead, dip each side just 20–30 seconds to let it absorb enough custard without losing structure. Timing really is everything when it comes to nailing that perfect French toast texture.
What is the secret to the best French toast?
The secret is using the right bread and not over-soaking it. Soft, slightly stale bread like Hawaiian rolls is ideal—it soaks just enough custard without becoming mushy. Also, adding a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to your egg mixture elevates the flavor. And don’t rush—medium heat ensures golden, crispy edges every time.
What can you make out of Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are so versatile! Besides Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you can turn them into sliders, breakfast sandwiches, bread pudding, or even mini casseroles. They’re perfect for both sweet and savory dishes thanks to their soft, buttery texture. Try recipes like Breakfast Pizza Rolls or a Sausage and Egg Casserole with Crescent Rolls for more ideas!
Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Deserves a Spot in Your Breakfast Hall of Fame
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience that turns an everyday morning into something memorable. The rich custard, the buttery sweetness of the rolls, and the golden, crisp edges all come together in a way that feels like home, yet still manages to surprise you. It's that beautiful balance of cozy and elevated, simple and special.
So the next time you pass by those soft orange bags of Hawaiian sweet rolls at the store, don’t just think dinner rolls—think breakfast magic. Keep a pack on hand for your next cozy weekend, family brunch, or just because you want to treat yourself. I promise, once you’ve made Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll never look at French toast—or sweet rolls—the same way again.
And if you’re on a roll (pun absolutely intended) with delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast ideas, don’t miss our Breakfast Pizza Rolls or this cozy, savory favorite: Sausage and Egg Casserole with Crescent Rolls. Both pair beautifully with this sweet dish to create the ultimate brunch spread.
Have you tried this recipe yet? Share your twists, toppings, or breakfast stories in the comments—I’d truly love to hear how your version of Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe:
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl For egg custard mixture
- 1 Serrated knife For slicing rolls
- 1 Skillet or griddle Non-stick or cast iron preferred
- 1 Spatula For flipping French toast
- 1 Measuring Cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pkg Hawaiian sweet rolls 12-count package
- 4 Large eggs
- 1 cup Whole milk Or substitute with any milk
- ¼ cup Heavy cream Optional—adds richness
- 2 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg Optional
- 1 pinch Salt
- 2–3 tablespoon Butter For cooking
- to taste Maple syrup For serving
- to taste Powdered sugar Optional topping
- to taste Fresh berries Optional topping
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally.
- Soak rolls in custard for 20–30 seconds per side.
- Heat skillet, melt butter, and cook rolls until golden.
- Serve warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or berries.
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