This Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary! Sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls create the perfect foundation for this delectable French toast that cooks up in just minutes. The rich egg mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon creates golden-brown, pillowy bites that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for both weekday mornings and lazy weekends.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these sweet, bite-sized French toast pieces—they’re perfectly portioned and fun to eat!
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main breakfast dish or can be served as part of a brunch spread when entertaining.
Economical: Transforms simple Hawaiian rolls into something that feels fancy but doesn’t break the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hawaiian rolls: These sweet, soft rolls are the star of the show, providing the perfect canvas with their slightly honeyed flavor and pillowy texture.
Eggs: Create that classic custardy interior and help form a beautiful golden crust when cooked.
Half & half: Adds richness to the egg mixture that regular milk just can’t achieve. The higher fat content ensures your French toast stays moist.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the entire dish with warm aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature French toast warmth and spice that makes this breakfast feel cozy and comforting.
Butter: Creates that beautiful caramelized exterior and adds another layer of rich flavor. Don’t skimp here!

Variations

Want to customize this delicious breakfast? Here are some ideas:

Flavor Boosters

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for extra warmth, or try a dash of orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Stuffed Version

Slice rolls halfway through and stuff with cream cheese, Nutella, or peanut butter before dipping and cooking for an indulgent surprise center.

Tropical Twist

Add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the egg mixture and serve with diced mango and toasted coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-inspired breakfast.

Savory Option

Reduce the vanilla and cinnamon, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, and serve with a side of bacon or sausage for a sweet-savory combination.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Add eggs, half & half, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to a medium bowl and whisk until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible for the most consistent flavor.

Step 2: Heat Your Skillet

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt completely, ensuring it coats the entire cooking surface.

Step 3: Dip and Cook

Dredge Hawaiian rolls one at a time in the egg mixture, giving them a quick but thorough coating. Place them in the buttered skillet and cook for about 1 minute per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 4: Continue Cooking in Batches

Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would cause steaming rather than browning. Add more butter to the skillet between batches as needed for that perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Dust the French toast pieces with powdered sugar and serve immediately with fresh berries and your choice of maple syrup or coconut buttermilk syrup.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Oversoak: Hawaiian rolls are softer than regular bread and will become soggy if left in the egg mixture too long. A quick dip is all you need.
Keep Warm Technique: If cooking for a crowd, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet while you complete the remaining batches.
Perfect Heat: Medium-low is key—too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low and they’ll absorb too much butter without browning.
Uniform Cooking: Press down gently on the rolls with a spatula while cooking to ensure even contact with the pan for consistent browning.

How to Serve

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast shines with various toppings and accompaniments:

Sweet Toppings

Drizzle with warm maple syrup, honey, or a homemade fruit compote. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized peaches add beautiful color and fresh flavor.

Creamy Additions

A dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone cheese creates a delightful contrast to the warm French toast.

Complete Breakfast

Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with savory protein for a complete meal.

Brunch Presentation

For entertaining, arrange on a large platter with various toppings in small bowls, allowing guests to customize their portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Place cooled French toast pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. For frozen pieces, add a few extra minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can substitute regular dinner rolls, but you’ll miss the signature sweetness that makes this recipe special. If using regular rolls, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to your egg mixture to compensate for the missing sweetness.

What if I don’t have half & half?
Half & half creates the richest texture, but you can substitute with whole milk for a lighter version or create your own by mixing equal parts heavy cream and milk. In a pinch, any milk will work, though the results won’t be quite as decadent.

Can I make the egg mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! The egg mixture can be prepared the night before and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using the next morning to ensure everything is well combined.

How do I prevent my French toast from becoming soggy?
The key is a quick dip in the egg mixture rather than a long soak. Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid quickly, so just a few seconds per side in the mixture is perfect. Also, make sure your pan is properly preheated before adding the dipped rolls.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a game-changer for breakfast lovers everywhere! The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls paired with the warm cinnamon and vanilla creates something truly special that feels like a treat but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re rushing through a weekday morning or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Give it a try – I promise your breakfast routine will never be the same!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe