Delicious Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

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If you’ve never tried making French toast using Hawaiian rolls, you’re in for a truly indulgent experience. I stumbled across this idea one lazy Sunday morning, craving something a little more decadent than my usual breakfast. The sweet, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls turned out to be the perfect vessel for soaking up a rich, custardy mixture. One bite, and I was hooked — golden brown on the outside, soft and creamy in the center, with just the right hint of sweetness. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist.

What I love most about this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast is how easy it is to pull together while still feeling like something you’d order at a fancy brunch spot. It’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself or impress guests. Whether you drizzle it with syrup, top it with berries, or sprinkle it with powdered sugar (or all three!), this is the kind of breakfast that makes memories around the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

• Ultra fluffy texture – The rolls soak up the custard beautifully, staying tender and moist inside.
• Naturally sweet – Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that means you don’t need to overload on sugar.
• Quick and easy – No need to prep ahead or chill overnight. You can make this in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for guests – It looks elegant, tastes amazing, and works wonderfully for breakfast or brunch.
• Customizable – Add cinnamon, swap the fruit, or use flavored syrups to make it your own.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Hawaiian Rolls French Toast?

Hawaiian rolls are the star here for a reason — their soft, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor make them the ultimate upgrade from regular bread. I recommend using the classic King’s Hawaiian rolls (the kind that come in a 12-pack), and if you can get the slider-sized ones, even better! Their size makes them easy to portion and cook evenly. Just make sure they’re a little stale or day-old if possible; they soak up the custard without falling apart.

If you’re using fresh rolls, you can dry them out slightly by placing them in a low oven for about 5–10 minutes before dipping. This helps them absorb the custard better and hold their shape during cooking.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls on hand, there are still some tasty ways to make this French toast happen:

• Brioche – Rich and slightly sweet, brioche is a great substitute. Slice it thickly for the best results.
• Challah – Another eggy bread that performs beautifully in French toast recipes.
• Texas Toast – A good option if you want that thick, crispy edge and a more neutral flavor.
• Gluten-Free Rolls – If needed, opt for a gluten-free bun or roll with a bit of sweetness.
• Non-Dairy Milk – Almond, oat, or coconut milk work well in the custard base.
• Egg Substitute – Use flax eggs or a plant-based egg mix if you’re avoiding eggs.

Just remember that the magic of this dish lies in the texture and mild sweetness of the bread — so the closer your substitute is to that, the better.

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Ingredients for This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a delicious role in building that perfect bite—crispy on the outside, custardy in the center, and topped with a touch of fruit and sugar. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

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• Hawaiian Rolls
  Their soft, pillowy texture and signature sweetness are what elevate this French toast to something truly special.
• Eggs
  Essential for creating that rich, custard-like coating that transforms the bread into French toast.
• Milk (or Half-and-Half)
  This adds creaminess to the custard mixture. Use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer flavor and texture.
• Vanilla Extract
  Just a splash enhances the overall warmth and sweetness of the dish.
• Ground Cinnamon
  Adds depth and a cozy spice note that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• Butter
  For greasing the pan and giving the toast those perfectly crisp, golden-brown edges.
• Powdered Sugar
  A light dusting at the end makes each serving look bakery-worthy and adds a sweet final touch.
• Fresh Berries (Raspberries, Blackberries, etc.)
  These balance the richness of the toast with a burst of tart freshness. They also add color and texture.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional)
  For drizzling—go as heavy or light as your sweet tooth desires.

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Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This creamy blend is what’s going to soak into the Hawaiian rolls and give them their soft, custardy center.

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Step 2: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls

If your rolls are fresh, separate them and slice each one in half, horizontally. If they’re already slightly stale (ideal!), just keep them whole or slice if you prefer thinner pieces. You can also dry them out a little in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

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Step 3: Dip the Rolls

Dip each roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides. Let them sit in the mixture for about 10–15 seconds per side to really absorb the flavor. Don’t oversoak or they’ll fall apart—just enough to get that richness inside.

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Step 4: Heat the Skillet

In a large skillet or nonstick pan, melt about a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Let it fully melt and start to sizzle lightly before adding the rolls—this ensures a golden, even crust.

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Step 5: Cook the Rolls

Place the soaked rolls in the skillet, cut-side down if you sliced them. Cook in batches if needed, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.

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Step 6: Serve and Top

Once cooked, arrange the French toast on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar and top generously with fresh berries. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if you like, or serve it on the side for dipping.

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How Long to Cook the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

From start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 20–25 minutes, making it a quick yet indulgent choice for breakfast or brunch. Here’s a rough time breakdown:

• Prep time: 5–10 minutes (including mixing the custard and slicing rolls)
• Cook time: 2–3 minutes per side for each batch, around 10–15 minutes total depending on skillet size

Each roll should be cooked until it’s golden on the outside and slightly puffed, with a warm, soft center. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a caramelized crust and gives a slight bounce when pressed.

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Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Rolls French Toast

Getting that dreamy contrast between crispy edges and a soft, custardy center isn’t hard, but a few key tips make all the difference:

• Use slightly stale rolls – Day-old rolls soak up the custard beautifully without getting soggy.
• Don’t oversoak – Give each roll a good 10–15 second soak per side. Too long, and they’ll fall apart.
• Medium heat is your friend – Cooking too hot will brown the outside too quickly and leave the center undercooked.
• Butter the skillet between batches – Keeps the toast from sticking and gives it a rich, golden finish.
• Add a pinch of salt to the custard – It balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• Warm your syrup – A small touch, but warm maple syrup makes the final bite feel extra luxurious.
• Top just before serving – Wait to add powdered sugar or berries until right before serving so nothing gets soggy.
• Double up for a crowd – This recipe is easily scalable and great for feeding guests.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple dish like Hawaiian Rolls French Toast, a few missteps can make a big difference in texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using overly fresh rolls
  Fresh Hawaiian rolls are very soft, and they can fall apart when soaked. Let them sit out for a few hours or lightly toast them in the oven to dry them out a bit.
• Oversoaking the bread
  Letting the rolls linger too long in the custard can result in soggy, falling-apart toast. A quick dip is all they need.
• Using too much heat
  High heat will burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked. Stick to medium heat for an even, golden finish.
• Crowding the pan
  Give each roll some space to breathe in the skillet. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
• Skipping the butter
  Butter in the pan is what gives that irresistible crispy edge and rich flavor. Don’t skimp.
• Not preheating the pan
  If your skillet isn’t hot enough when the rolls go in, they won’t brown properly.
• Forgetting the seasoning
  A pinch of salt in the custard mixture sharpens the flavors and prevents the dish from tasting flat.
• Neglecting toppings
  Don’t skip the powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup—they’re not just for looks, they add depth and contrast.

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What to Serve With Hawaiian Rolls French Toast?

This dish is rich, so pairing it with something fresh, creamy, or savory can really round out the meal. Here are my go-to sides:

Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon is the perfect contrast to the sweet, soft French toast.

Scrambled Eggs

Keep it simple with fluffy, buttery eggs to balance the sweetness on the plate.

Fresh Orange Slices

A bright citrus note helps cut through the richness and refresh the palate.

Avocado Slices

Unexpected but creamy and grounding—especially if you like sweet-savory contrasts.

Iced Coffee or Cold Brew

A slightly bitter coffee drink pairs beautifully with the sugary, buttery toast.

Berry Parfait

Layered yogurt, granola, and berries offer a refreshing, textural complement.

Whipped Cream or Flavored Butter

Top the toast with a small dollop of vanilla whipped cream or cinnamon-honey butter for extra indulgence.

🥂 Mimosa

If you’re hosting brunch, this citrusy, bubbly cocktail feels festive and elegant with French toast.

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Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Rolls French Toast (a rare but happy accident), it stores surprisingly well! Here’s how to keep it fresh for round two:

• Refrigerator:
  Place cooled French toast slices in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them if needed. They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezer:
  For longer storage, freeze individual pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
• Reheating Tips:
  Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the toast soggy. Instead, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to revive that crispy exterior.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind that these are general estimates and can vary depending on the exact brands and quantities you use, especially if you add toppings like syrup or whipped cream.

Per serving (2 rolls):

• Calories: ~280
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

This dish leans toward indulgent, but with the right toppings and sides, you can balance it into a satisfying breakfast or brunch that feels both fun and comforting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hawaiian rolls better than regular bread for French toast?

Hawaiian rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and buttery—perfect for soaking up custard without getting soggy. Their texture creates a creamy, almost dessert-like interior while crisping beautifully on the outside.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can dip and refrigerate the rolls overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning. Or cook them fully and reheat in a toaster oven the next day—both methods work well.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The skillet is your best friend. Heat a bit of butter over medium-low and re-crisp each roll. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the toast rubbery.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely. Substitute the milk with oat, almond, or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter. The flavor will still be deliciously rich with a slight coconut note if using coconut milk.

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Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes. Arrange dipped rolls on a buttered baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s a great way to cook for a crowd without needing a skillet.

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Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! Kids love the soft texture and natural sweetness. You can even skip the cinnamon or berries and just serve with maple syrup for picky eaters.

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How do I keep it warm for guests?

Place cooked French toast in a warm oven (about 200°F or 95°C) on a wire rack-lined baking sheet until ready to serve. It’ll stay crispy and warm without drying out.

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Can I add extra flavor to the custard?

Absolutely. Try a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of orange liqueur, or even a tablespoon of brown sugar for deeper flavor. You can really customize it to your mood or occasion.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Rolls French Toast is one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but is deceptively easy to make. Whether you’re serving it up for a lazy Sunday morning, a family brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner, it always brings a little joy to the table. The combination of buttery rolls, creamy custard, and your favorite toppings is pure comfort food bliss.

With so many ways to make it your own—from substitutions to serving ideas—it’s a recipe that invites creativity without ever sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and show-stopping, you just found your new favorite French toast.

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