🎉 Introduction
Looking for a breakfast idea that’s quick, irresistibly sweet, and family-approved? Meet your new go-to brunch star: Hawaiian Roll French Toast! These pillowy-soft, golden-brown rolls are transformed into mini bites of heaven when soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard and griddled to perfection in butter.
Forget plain white bread — sweet Hawaiian rolls bring an extra richness and subtle tropical sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating the kids, or craving a cozy breakfast-for-dinner moment, this French toast recipe is the ultimate morning indulgence. Bonus? It’s ready in under 20 minutes and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
No need for syrup if you’re keeping it casual — but with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, this dish can easily steal the show at your next weekend gathering.
🧰 Equipment Needed
This simple breakfast requires just a few kitchen basics:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serrated knife (optional)
- Plate with paper towels (for draining, optional)
🛒 Ingredients
🥚 Fresh Ingredients:
6 large eggs
🧁 Baking & Spices:
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
🍞 Breads & Bakery:
1 (24-pack) Hawaiian rolls, sweet (King’s Hawaiian preferred)
🧈 Dairy:
4 tbsp butter, for greasing pan
⅓ cup milk
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, berries, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prep the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 6 eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
You have two options:
- Whole style: Keep the Hawaiian rolls intact in their 4×6 formation and dip/fry as a single slab for dramatic presentation.
- Mini bites: Pull them apart and fry individually for finger-friendly portions (perfect for kids or party platters).
No slicing needed unless you want to halve them for a crispier interior.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
Working in batches, dip the rolls (whole or separated) into the egg mixture. Let them soak for 5–10 seconds per side — just enough to absorb flavor without getting soggy.
Step 4: Heat and Cook
Heat 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet or griddle. Once melted and foamy, add your dipped rolls.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on all sides.
Repeat with the remaining butter and rolls, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with whipped cream and berries.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~15–20 minutes
Perfect for busy mornings, slow weekends, or even dessert-style late-night snacks.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds per portion (may lose crispness).
- Toaster oven: Keeps them crisp – recommended for best texture.
You can also freeze cooked rolls and reheat directly from frozen!
🥄 Variations
Love the idea? Try these tasty twists:
- Stuffed Version: Cut a slit and stuff with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping.
- Tropical Treat: Add shredded coconut and chopped pineapple to the egg batter.
- Cinnamon Roll Style: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze instead of syrup.
- Savory Swap: Add herbs and cheddar to the egg mixture, skip syrup, and serve with bacon or ham.
- Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist.
- Brioche Alternative: Use mini brioche rolls for a buttery variation.
- Baked Casserole: Layer dipped rolls in a dish, pour over remaining custard, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes for a crowd-pleasing brunch bake.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store covered in the fridge. Cook rolls fresh for best texture.
2. Do I need to use sweet Hawaiian rolls?
Yes — their unique sweetness is what makes this recipe special. But in a pinch, any soft dinner rolls can work.
3. Can I use dairy-free milk?
Absolutely — almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great subs.
4. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Arrange dipped rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
5. Can I make a larger batch?
Totally — just scale up the egg mixture and cook in multiple batches or use a griddle.
6. What toppings go best with this?
Fresh berries, banana slices, peanut butter drizzle, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
7. Why are my rolls soggy?
Don’t over-soak! Just a few seconds per side is enough to absorb flavor without turning mushy.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in toaster or oven.
9. Can I make it egg-free?
Try using an egg substitute or a mix of mashed bananas and milk — results may vary but it’s worth experimenting.
10. Can I serve this for dessert?
Absolutely! Top with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup for a dessert-worthy dish.
🏁 Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those simple but genius breakfast ideas that checks every box — fluffy, crispy, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re prepping a weekend brunch, surprising your family with breakfast in bed, or treating yourself on a cozy morning, these buttery rolls will deliver serious flavor and smiles.
It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Dress it up or keep it classic — either way, you’ll be reaching for a second helping before the skillet cools down.
A Must-Try Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Morning Breakfast Idea!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 6 eggs
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- You have two options:
- Whole style: Keep the Hawaiian rolls intact in their 4×6 formation and dip/fry as a single slab for dramatic presentation.
- Mini bites: Pull them apart and fry individually for finger-friendly portions (perfect for kids or party platters).
- No slicing needed unless you want to halve them for a crispier interior.
- Working in batches, dip the rolls (whole or separated) into the egg mixture. Let them soak for 5–10 seconds per side — just enough to absorb flavor without getting soggy.
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet or griddle. Once melted and foamy, add your dipped rolls.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on all sides.
- Repeat with the remaining butter and rolls, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Transfer to a plate and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with whipped cream and berries.
Notes
Storage:
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Microwave: 20–30 seconds per portion (may lose crispness). Toaster oven: Keeps them crisp – recommended for best texture. You can also freeze cooked rolls and reheat directly from frozen! 🥄 Variations
Love the idea? Try these tasty twists: Stuffed Version: Cut a slit and stuff with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping. Tropical Treat: Add shredded coconut and chopped pineapple to the egg batter. Cinnamon Roll Style: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze instead of syrup. Savory Swap: Add herbs and cheddar to the egg mixture, skip syrup, and serve with bacon or ham. Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall twist. Brioche Alternative: Use mini brioche rolls for a buttery variation. Baked Casserole: Layer dipped rolls in a dish, pour over remaining custard, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes for a crowd-pleasing brunch bake. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the egg mixture the night before and store covered in the fridge. Cook rolls fresh for best texture. 2. Do I need to use sweet Hawaiian rolls?
Yes — their unique sweetness is what makes this recipe special. But in a pinch, any soft dinner rolls can work. 3. Can I use dairy-free milk?
Absolutely — almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great subs. 4. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! Arrange dipped rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once. 5. Can I make a larger batch?
Totally — just scale up the egg mixture and cook in multiple batches or use a griddle. 6. What toppings go best with this?
Fresh berries, banana slices, peanut butter drizzle, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. 7. Why are my rolls soggy?
Don’t over-soak! Just a few seconds per side is enough to absorb flavor without turning mushy. 8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in toaster or oven. 9. Can I make it egg-free?
Try using an egg substitute or a mix of mashed bananas and milk — results may vary but it’s worth experimenting. 10. Can I serve this for dessert?
Absolutely! Top with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup for a dessert-worthy dish. 🏁 Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those simple but genius breakfast ideas that checks every box — fluffy, crispy, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re prepping a weekend brunch, surprising your family with breakfast in bed, or treating yourself on a cozy morning, these buttery rolls will deliver serious flavor and smiles. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Dress it up or keep it classic — either way, you’ll be reaching for a second helping before the skillet cools down.
