Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Introduction
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, featuring soft, sweet rolls soaked in a rich custard and perfectly golden when cooked. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes for a deliciously indulgent morning treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, crack the eggs. Add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth. Let the custard rest for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor (optional but recommended).
- Step 2: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls, keeping them in rows of 3-4 for easier handling. Dip each row or individual roll into the custard, making sure to coat all sides. Soak each side for 15-20 seconds without oversaturating. Transfer the soaked rolls to a clean plate.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely.
- Step 4: Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls carefully in the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Step 5: Cook the rolls for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Flip gently using a spatula.
- Step 6: Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a roll. It should come out clean; if it has wet batter, cook for a few more minutes.
- Step 7: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Step 8: As each batch finishes cooking, transfer the rolls to a baking sheet and keep warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until all are ready to serve.
- Step 9: Repeat the soaking and cooking process with the remaining Hawaiian rolls.
- Step 10: Serve the French toast warm, topped with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.
Tips & Variations
- For richer flavor, use whole milk and heavy cream as suggested. Alternatively, you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but the texture may differ slightly.
- Letting the custard rest helps the spices meld and improves flavor depth.
- Soak the rolls carefully to avoid them becoming soggy—15-20 seconds per side is ideal.
- Add a pinch of orange zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts for a tropical flair.
Storage
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until heated through to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the custard the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the custard the night before and refrigerate it. Just give it a good whisk before soaking the rolls to recombine any settled ingredients.
Are Hawaiian rolls the only bread option?
While Hawaiian rolls create a unique sweet and soft texture, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a similar rich and tender French toast experience.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (1 roll per serving) 1x
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls into a rich, custardy breakfast treat. Soaked in a spiced egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection, these French toasts are tender, flavorful, and perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch. Top with a variety of fresh fruits, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a delightful start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, crack the eggs. Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Let the custard sit for 15-20 minutes if time allows, to deepen the flavors.
- Soak the Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls, ideally keeping them in rows of 3-4 for ease. Dip each row or individual roll into the custard, coating all sides thoroughly. Soak each side for about 15-20 seconds, taking care not to oversoak to prevent sogginess. Transfer the soaked rolls to a clean plate.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, coating the surface.
- Cook the Rolls: Carefully place the soaked Hawaiian rolls in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them to ensure even cooking.
- Fry Each Side: Cook the rolls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Use a spatula to gently flip them to maintain their shape.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a roll to check doneness. If it comes out clean, the French toast is fully cooked; if wet batter clings to it, cook for a few more minutes.
- Manage Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet as necessary to prevent sticking and achieve even browning.
- Keep Warm: As you finish cooking batches, transfer the French toast to a baking sheet and keep warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until serving.
- Repeat: Continue soaking and cooking the remaining Hawaiian rolls following the same process.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on serving plates. Add your choice of optional toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Letting the custard rest for 15-20 minutes enhances flavor and improves texture.
- Don’t oversoak the Hawaiian rolls to prevent soggy French toast.
- Use medium-low heat to ensure the French toast cooks evenly without burning.
- Keeping finished French toast warm in a low oven helps maintain texture and temperature while you cook remaining batches.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on seasonal fruits or personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, Sweet Breakfast Recipe, Egg Custard, Pan-fried French Toast, Easy Brunch Idea, Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
