Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If you’re looking for a breakfast that brings everyone together, look no further! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make. Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, making your family eager to join you at the table. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a cozy weekend brunch with friends, this dish will surely become a favorite in your household.
What makes this recipe so special? The soft and fluffy Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful treat in under 15 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves French toast, and using Hawaiian rolls makes it extra special for kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Delight: You can prep the custard mixture the night before for an even quicker morning assembly.
- Customizable Toppings: Dress it up with your favorite fruits, maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast. You probably have many of these already in your pantry!
For the 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
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (like berries)
- Maple syrup
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Add Some Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into your custard mixture for a refreshing twist.
- Go Nutty: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
- Fruit-Filled Surprise: Add slices of banana or strawberries between the rolls before soaking them for a fruity surprise.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice to change up the flavor profile.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until they’re fully combined. This step is important because it ensures that every bite of your French toast is rich and creamy. Next, add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is incorporated—this will give your dish that delightful sweet flavor we all love!
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Before dipping those fluffy rolls into our custard mixture, use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll. This little trick allows the custard to soak in perfectly without making them soggy. Now it’s time to dip! Working in batches, gently dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds on each side. Just be careful not to soak them too long!
Step 3: Cook Them Up!
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cooking at this temperature helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color without burning them. Once the butter is melted, carefully place your soaked rolls onto the skillet. Cook each side for about 30-60 seconds until they’re crispy and golden brown—turning them with care using a spatula.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Finally, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm! Dust them with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Gather around with family or friends as you dig into this delightful breakfast that combines sweetness with comfort—a true crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about technique and a bit of love. Here are some tips to elevate your breakfast game!
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Use fresh rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls will soak up the custard better and provide a softer, fluffier texture. Stale rolls may not absorb the mixture as well, leading to uneven cooking.
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Don’t skip the holes: Poking holes in the bottoms of the rolls allows for more custard absorption, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This little step makes a huge difference!
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Monitor your heat: Cooking on medium-low heat ensures that your French toast cooks evenly without burning. A slow cook helps develop that beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside soft.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or even some orange zest for an extra burst of flavor. Creativity in spices can take your French toast from good to unforgettable.
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Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast straight from the skillet. It’s at its most delicious when warm and fresh!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serving this delightful dish is half the fun! With just a few creative touches, you can make it look as amazing as it tastes.
Garnishes
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
- Coconut flakes: A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes brings a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the Hawaiian theme.
- Chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that balances out the softness of the French toast.
Side Dishes
- Yogurt parfait: Layered with granola and fresh fruit, yogurt adds creaminess and tang, making it a perfect contrast to sweet French toast.
- Hash browns: Crispy hash browns offer a savory element that pairs wonderfully with sweet dishes, adding texture and heartiness.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits not only brightens up your plate but also adds a healthy touch to your meal.
- Smoothie: A vibrant smoothie made with bananas, spinach, and almond milk can complement your breakfast beautifully while providing an extra boost of nutrition.
Now you’re ready to whip up this incredible Hawaiian Roll French Toast and impress everyone at your breakfast table! Enjoy each bite and share the love!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch without the fuss.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
- Allow the cooked French toast to cool completely.
- Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, place slices in a toaster or toaster oven until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can warm them in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Can I use other types of bread for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls give this dish its sweet twist, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even thick-cut white bread if preferred.
How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread rolls. The same soaking technique applies, and you’ll achieve that delicious flavor without gluten!
Can I prepare the custard mixture for Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before dipping the rolls.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can get creative with toppings! Fresh fruits like berries or bananas, whipped cream, or even flavored syrups are all fantastic choices that complement the sweetness of the rolls.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe brings as much joy to your mornings as it does to mine! It’s not just about breakfast; it’s about creating beautiful moments around the table with family and friends. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences – I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a sweet and fluffy breakfast treat that brings joy to every morning. This recipe combines soft Hawaiian rolls with a rich custard blend of eggs, milk, and warm spices, creating a breakfast that is both comforting and irresistible. Perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends, this dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you choose to serve it topped with fresh berries and maple syrup or add your favorite nuts for a crunchy twist, this French toast will surely become a family favorite. Gather around the table and enjoy the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen as you savor each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Fresh fruit (like berries) (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Whisk together eggs and milk in a large bowl until combined. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt; whisk until smooth.
- Poke holes in the bottoms of each roll for better custard absorption. Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Melt 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 fresh fruits or maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
