Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls adds a distinctive taste that elevates traditional French toast.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy a crispy outer layer with a soft and tender interior in every bite.
- Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is both quick and easy to prepare.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup to customize each serving.
Ingredients
- 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for frying
- Optional toppings: coconut syrup or maple syrup, fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create more surface area for the custard.
- Make the Custard: In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter or oil, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the Rolls: Quickly dip each roll half into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked to prevent sogginess.
- Cook: Place the coated rolls onto the heated skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side, approximately 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the French toast to a plate and top with your choice of coconut syrup or maple syrup and fresh berries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 5 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After cooking, toss the French toast pieces in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a churro-like experience.
- Stuffed Rolls: Before dipping in the custard, stuff the rolls with cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves for an extra layer of flavor.
- Alternative Milks: Substitute the milk with half-and-half, coconut milk, or almond milk to suit your dietary preferences or to add a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover French toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the French toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs
What are Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are sweet, soft bread rolls that originated in Hawaii. They are typically made with ingredients like sugar, eggs, and sometimes pineapple juice, which contribute to their unique flavor and tender texture.
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, while Hawaiian rolls add a distinctive sweetness, you can substitute them with other soft, sweet breads like brioche or challah if preferred.
How can I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
To avoid sogginess, quickly dip the rolls into the custard mixture without soaking them, and ensure your skillet is properly preheated before cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the French toast in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness before serving.
Can I freeze the cooked French toast?
Yes, after cooking, allow the French toast to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through.
What toppings pair well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Popular toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey. For a tropical twist, consider adding sliced bananas or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for frying.
How do I know when the French toast is fully cooked?
The French toast is ready when both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat.
What should I do if I don’t have ground cinnamon?
If you don’t have ground cinnamon, you can omit it or substitute with a different spice like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor.
Is it necessary to slice the rolls in half?
Slicing the rolls in half increases the surface area for the custard to adhere to, resulting in a more flavorful French toast. However, you can leave them whole if you prefer a different texture.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers a delightful and easy way to elevate your breakfast or brunch. The combination of sweet,
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers a sweet and savory twist on traditional French toast, made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and a cinnamon-spiced custard. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this recipe is easy to prepare and highly customizable with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream. The perfect balance of crispy and tender, this indulgent dish will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Skillet / Griddle Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package of King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for frying
- Optional toppings: coconut syrup or maple syrup, fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create more surface area for the custard.
- Make the Custard: In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter or oil, allowing it to melt and coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the Rolls: Quickly dip each roll half into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked to prevent sogginess.
- Cook: Place the coated rolls onto the heated skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side, approximately 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the French toast to a plate and top with your choice of coconut syrup or maple syrup and fresh berries.
Notes
- For a fun twist, you can stuff the rolls with cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves before dipping in the custard.
- Feel free to use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
- To prevent sogginess, dip the rolls quickly in the custard and avoid soaking them.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on how many servings you need.
