Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, this dish shines during special occasions and lazy weekends alike. The unique use of Hawaiian rolls offers a delightful twist to traditional French toast, making it not just flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
- Step 3: Soak the Rolls
- Step 4: Cook the Rolls
- Step 5: Serve Your Creation
- How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Toppings
- Garnishes
- Accompaniments
- How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different types of bread?
- How can I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
- What is the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
- How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
- Deliciously Sweet: The use of Hawaiian rolls adds a unique sweetness that elevates this dish above ordinary French toast.
- Versatile Serving Options: Top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar to create a dish tailored to your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekday morning treat, this dish fits the bill.
- Great for Sharing: Serving 12 generous portions makes it an ideal choice for family gatherings or brunch parties.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: This ensures your Hawaiian Roll French Toast cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
- Large bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of the custard without spills.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth custard mixture without lumps.
- Spatula: A spatula is crucial for carefully flipping the rolls without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
For the Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- 1 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving)
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then, whisk in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so that the custard can soak in properly.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds while turning them to coat all sides. Be careful not to soak them too long; otherwise, they may become soggy.
Step 4: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook them for about 30-60 seconds on each side until golden brown. Flip gently with a spatula to ensure all sides become crispy.
Step 5: Serve Your Creation
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm! Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish and impress your guests.
Toppings
- Fresh Berries: Add a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top for that classic sweet touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the fluffy rolls.
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives an elegant finish to your French toast.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of tropical flavor that complements the rolls.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness to each bite.
Accompaniments
- Yogurt: Serve alongside a bowl of yogurt for a refreshing contrast. Greek yogurt works wonderfully!
- Ice Cream: For a decadent touch, consider topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it feel like dessert.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast even better, follow these simple tips. These tricks will ensure you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Choose Fresh Rolls: Using fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls ensures a soft and pillowy texture that’s essential for this recipe.
- Soak Briefly: Don’t soak the rolls too long. A quick dip allows them to absorb just enough custard without becoming soggy.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking at medium-low heat prevents burning while allowing the inside to cook through perfectly.
- Flip Carefully: When turning the rolls, use a spatula gently to keep them intact and maintain their shape.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this sweet breakfast delight.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the French toast.
- Sausages: Breakfast sausages offer another layer of protein, perfect for balancing out your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and bright flavors that enliven each bite.
- Hash Browns: Golden-brown hash browns provide crispy texture that pairs well with the softness of the toast.
- Smoothies: A refreshing smoothie can be a great way to start off your day with vitamins and minerals.
- Oven-Baked Eggs: These fluffy baked eggs are easy to prepare and complement the sweetness nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you soak the rolls too long, they may become soggy instead of fluffy. Limit soaking time to 30 seconds for best results.
- Not whisking thoroughly: A poorly mixed custard can lead to uneven flavor. Ensure eggs and half and half combine well before adding other ingredients.
- Using low-quality butter: Low-quality butter can impact flavor. Choose a good quality unsalted butter for cooking to enhance the taste.
- Cooking at too high heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Maintain a medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Skipping toppings: Not adding toppings can make the dish less exciting. Enhance your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the toast on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm. Be careful not to overheat as it can become chewy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a nonstick skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, while this recipe specifically uses Hawaiian rolls, you can substitute other types of bread like brioche or challah for a different flavor.
How can I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can add spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or mix in chocolate chips or nuts into the custard for added flavor and texture.
What is the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Serve it warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup for a delightful breakfast experience.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free rolls instead of traditional Hawaiian rolls, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just an ordinary breakfast; it’s a delightful treat that combines sweet flavors with fluffy textures. This recipe is versatile and allows for various customizations based on personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 (2 slices per serving) 1x
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This recipe uses soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls, creating a fluffy and indulgent dish that melts in your mouth. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is perfect for cooks of all levels looking to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 count) King's Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Poke holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or skewer.
- Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring all sides are coated without soaking too long.
- In a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook each soaked roll for 30-60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and your choice of fresh berries and maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
