Hawaiian Roll French Toast
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, special occasions, or even a cozy weekend breakfast at home, this recipe combines classic flavors with the unique sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. Get ready for a delightful experience that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Deliciously Sweet: The use of King’s Hawaiian Rolls adds a unique sweetness that elevates traditional French toast.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your dish with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or maple syrup for added flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for serving at brunch or family gatherings; everyone will want seconds!
- Perfectly Fluffy: The soft texture of the rolls ensures a light and airy French toast that melts in your mouth.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the preparation smoother. Having everything on hand helps streamline your cooking and ensures you don’t miss any steps.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Whisk
- Large bowl
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures easy flipping and prevents the French toast from sticking during cooking.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing the custard ingredients thoroughly for an even flavor throughout the rolls.
- Large bowl: Provides enough space to whisk together all ingredients without spilling.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful 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 add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds while turning to coat all sides. Be careful not to soak them too long; otherwise, they may become overly soggy.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet and cook them for about 30-60 seconds per side until they are golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them carefully so that all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve Your Creation
Once cooked to perfection, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy this sweet breakfast treat that everyone will adore!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience. Here are some delightful ideas to enjoy this sweet treat.
Top with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Banana Slices: Sweet bananas complement the cinnamon sugar nicely.
- Peach Slices: Fresh peaches provide a juicy, summery twist.
Add Toppings
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice that enhances the sweetness of the toast.
- Honey: Drizzle honey for a natural sweetness that pairs well with the rolls.
- Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter adds creaminess and protein.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream makes every bite feel indulgent.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A tropical twist that aligns perfectly with the Hawaiian theme.
Pair with Beverages
- Coffee: A rich cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the French toast.
- Fresh Juice: Orange or pineapple juice offers a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Perfecting your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Stale Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb more custard without getting soggy.
- Don’t Over-soak: Limit soaking time to 30 seconds for a perfect texture.
- Medium-Low Heat: Cooking on medium-low heat ensures even cooking without burning.
- Use Enough Butter: Generously butter the pan for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Keep Warm in Oven: If cooking in batches, keep finished pieces warm in a low oven until serving.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To round out your meal, consider adding some delicious side dishes alongside your Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Here are some tasty options.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a savory contrast to the sweet French toast.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add heartiness to your breakfast spread.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a refreshing balance.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide texture and satisfy those carb cravings.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits keeps it light and refreshing.
- Omelette: A fluffy omelette adds protein and pairs well with sweet flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a few common mistakes can affect the final product. Here’s how to steer clear of them.
- Soaking too long – If you soak the rolls for too long, they can become overly soggy. Limit soaking to 30 seconds for optimal texture.
- Not using a nonstick pan – Using a regular pan can cause the French toast to stick and tear. Always use a nonstick skillet or generously butter your pan.
- Skipping the toothpick step – Poking holes in the rolls allows the custard to soak in better. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor absorption.
- Overcrowding the pan – Cooking too many rolls at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Work in batches for golden perfection.
- Ignoring serving suggestions – Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast with toppings elevates the dish. Consider powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds per slice, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Warm in a nonstick skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Roll French Toast that can help guide your cooking experience.
What makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast special?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is unique due to its sweet and soft texture, enhanced by the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla. The rolls absorb the custard beautifully, making each bite delightful.
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Simply store them in the fridge overnight and cook them fresh in the morning.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Popular toppings include powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup. Feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits or nut butters!
How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can customize it by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even coconut flakes into the custard mixture before soaking. Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor!
Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian Rolls?
While Hawaiian Rolls add sweetness, you can substitute with brioche or challah bread if desired. Just adjust soaking time based on bread thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, it’s sure to impress. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal touch. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, indulgent breakfast that takes the classic dish to new heights. Made with soft, pillowy King’s Hawaiian Rolls, this recipe infuses a delightful blend of cinnamon and vanilla into every bite. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy weekend breakfasts, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress. With its fluffy texture and versatile toppings, this French toast is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Serve it warm with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or syrup for an unforgettable morning treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) 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: powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt; whisk until smooth.
- Poke holes in the bottom of each roll using a toothpick. Dip each roll in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds to soak.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook soaked rolls for 30-60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and toppings of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
