Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tired of soggy or bland French toast that doesn’t live up to the hype? This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is the ultimate way to elevate your breakfast game! The sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls soaks up a rich vanilla custard, giving you a crispy, golden-brown outside with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
As a breakfast lover who has tested countless French toast recipes, I can promise you this one is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast perfectly every time from ingredient selection to pro cooking tips.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why Hawaiian rolls make the best French toast
- Step-by-step instructions for making this recipe
- Pro tips to avoid soggy French toast
- Flavor variations and serving ideas
Let’s dive in and make the best French toast ever!
Why This Recipe Works
- Fluffy & Custardy: The soft Hawaiian sweet rolls absorb the custard without turning soggy.
- Quick & Easy: You only need a few ingredients and minutes to make this dish.
- Golden & Crispy: Cooked on medium-low heat in unsalted butter, each roll turns golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Why This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: Their natural sweetness and fluffy texture elevate traditional French toast.
- Easy Custard Mixture: A simple blend of eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon creates a rich, flavorful base.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Versatile: Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a customizable breakfast.
Choosing the Right Hawaiian Rolls
Best Rolls for This Recipe
For the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast, opt for King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Their soft, slightly sweet texture is ideal for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Buying Tips
- Look for fresh, soft rolls in the bakery section of your grocery store.
- If using leftover rolls, ensure they’re not stale or overly dry.
Substitutions
While Hawaiian sweet rolls make this recipe special, you can also use:
- Other sweet bread varieties
- Challah bread, cut into thick slices
- Brioche rolls
Ingredients & Prep
Gather these simple pantry staples to make this recipe:

Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup half and half (or substitute heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
Toppings:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (drizzle on top)
- Fresh berries (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Egg Mixture

- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
2. Dip the Rolls

- Slice or tear the rolls in half for more custard absorption.
- Dip each Hawaiian roll in the custard, coating all sides. Don’t soak too long—about 5 seconds per side is perfect!
3. Cook Until Golden Brown

- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add a little bit of butter.
- Place the Hawaiian rolls French toast in the pan, turn the rolls every 1-2 minutes, until each side is golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes total).
4. Serve & Enjoy!

- Stack the French toast rolls, drizzle with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with berries or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor!
Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Avoiding Soggy French Toast
- Avoid Sogginess: Don’t let the rolls sit in the custard too long a quick dip is all you need!
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Medium-low gives a crispy, golden-brown texture.
Tool Recommendations
- Large skillet or griddle
- Whisk for combining custard ingredients
- Shallow bowl for dipping
- Spatula for flipping
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists:
Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Mix sugar and cinnamon together and coat the rolls after cooking for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add a Nutella drizzle or chocolate chips on top!
Hawaiian Coconut Twist: Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes and a touch of pineapple syrup.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Beverage Pairings: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice.
A side of scrambled: eggs for protein
Whipped cream and fresh fruit
Sides: Serve with fresh berries, banana slices
Toppings: Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream.
FAQs
What Is Good to Eat with Hawaiian Rolls?
Hawaiian rolls go well with both sweet and savory dishes.
- Savory: Sliders, BBQ, grilled cheese, soups, and breakfast sandwiches.
- Sweet: French toast, bread pudding, Nutella & banana sandwiches, and strawberry shortcake.
What Is the Best Bread for French Toast?
The best breads for French toast are soft but sturdy.
- Best Choices: Hawaiian rolls, brioche, challah, and French bread.
- Hawaiian Rolls are great because they are sweet, fluffy, and soak up custard perfectly.
What Is the Most Common Mistake in Making French Toast?
The biggest mistakes people make:
- Soaking the bread too long → Makes it soggy. Dip quickly!
- Cooking on high heat → Burns the outside, leaves the inside raw. Use medium-low heat.
- Not whisking the custard well → Leads to uneven texture. Whisk thoroughly.
- Skipping butter in the pan → Makes it dry. Use a little butter for crispiness.
What Makes Hawaiian Rolls Different?
Hawaiian rolls stand out because they are:
- Sweet and buttery (made with honey and pineapple juice).
- Soft and fluffy (lighter than regular bread).
- Versatile (great for sweet and savory dishes).
- A Hawaiian classic (originally from Portuguese immigrants in Hawaii).
Conclusion
If you love Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe but want an easy breakfast with maximum flavor, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is a must-try! Soft, sweet, and perfectly crispy, it’s the best French toast ever guaranteed to become your new go-to morning treat.
Try this today and let me know how it turns out! Follow along on Social media for more delicious breakfast recipes.