This sweet and fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful way to start your day! Ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions, this simple yet delicious recipe features soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls soaked in a warm cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture. With its unique flavor and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This dish is not only delicious but also offers several advantages that make it a must-try!
- Easy to Prepare: The recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends.
- Deliciously Sweet Flavor: The combination of Hawaiian rolls, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: This French toast pairs well with various toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, allowing for customization.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for family breakfast or brunch with friends, this dish appeals to all ages.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prep the rolls ahead of time and keep them warm before serving.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools for making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- Whisk
- Plate
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the rolls evenly and achieving that golden brown finish.
- 9 x 13 baking dish: Perfectly sized for mixing the egg mixture and soaking the rolls without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps blend the eggs with milk and spices smoothly for a uniform mixture.
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Rolls
- 24-pack sweet Hawaiian rolls
For Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a 9 x 13 baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Dip each Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture. Ensure all sides are coated evenly. Let them soak for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Cook the First Batch of Rolls
Remove the soaked rolls from the mixture and place them on a plate. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the rolls (or as many that fit) to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides—approximately 1 minute per side (around 6 minutes per batch). Transfer cooked rolls to a platter covered with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Cook Remaining Rolls
Wipe out the skillet using a paper towel. Add an additional 2 tablespoons of butter and repeat cooking with the remaining rolls until they are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this sweet dish, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and creativity.
Classic Toppings
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the French toast for a classic touch.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and makes it look appealing.
- Fresh Berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity kick.
Creative Combinations
- Nutella Spread: Slather on Nutella for a rich chocolatey twist that kids will love.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- Peanut Butter: Spread creamy or crunchy peanut butter for a satisfying nutty flavor.
Savory Pairings
- Bacon or Sausage: The salty contrast of crispy bacon or sausage links complements the sweetness.
- Yogurt: Serve alongside yogurt for a refreshing balance and added protein.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Perfecting Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to make sure your dish is delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and milk enhance flavor and texture in the custard mixture.
- Soak Time Matters: Allow the rolls to soak long enough, about 5 minutes, to absorb all the flavors without becoming too soggy.
- Preheat Your Skillet: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the rolls for an even golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of frying, which keeps them crispy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different spices like nutmeg or using flavored extracts for unique twists.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Roll French Toast can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement its sweetness perfectly.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch balances the sweetness of the French toast.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage adds hearty protein that pairs wonderfully with breakfast dishes.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and bright flavors.
- Hash Browns: Crispy potatoes offer a satisfying contrast in texture and taste.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side option.
- Oven-Baked Pancakes: Serve mini pancakes as an alternative sweet treat alongside your French toast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to subpar results.
- Over-soaking the rolls: Soaking the Hawaiian rolls for too long can make them soggy. Limit soaking time to 5 minutes for the perfect texture.
- Not using enough butter: Insufficient butter can lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Use the full amount of butter specified in the recipe for a golden finish.
- Cooking on high heat: High temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Stick to medium heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the salt: Not adding salt to the egg mixture can dull flavors. A pinch of salt enhances all other flavors in your French toast.
- Serving cold: Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast cold detracts from its appeal. Keep cooked rolls warm while finishing subsequent batches.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Cut in half and microwave for 30 seconds on high, checking if more time is needed.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and warm each side for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common questions regarding Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can substitute regular bread, but it won’t have the same sweetness and fluffiness as Hawaiian rolls.
How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can add toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to the egg mixture before soaking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can soak the rolls and store them in the fridge overnight before cooking them in the morning.
What are good toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, or powdered sugar enhance its flavor beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can easily make a batch and store it for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast that combines sweetness and fluffy texture. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings and flavors. We encourage you to try this easy recipe and enjoy a delicious start to your day!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast treat that combines the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls with a warm cinnamon-vanilla custard. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this easy-to-make dish offers a delicious start to your day. Simply soak buttery rolls in a rich egg mixture, cook them to golden perfection, and serve with your favorite toppings. Whether you enjoy it drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh berries, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 24 sweet Hawaiian rolls
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a 9" x 13" baking dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until combined.
- Dip each Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring even coating; let soak for about 5 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook half of the soaked rolls until golden brown (about 1 minute per side), then transfer to a warm platter.
- Wipe the skillet and repeat with remaining butter and rolls.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls (130g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
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