Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is Perfect for Brunch
Brunch is the perfect blend of breakfast indulgence and relaxed weekend vibes — and nothing suits that mood better than Hawaiian Roll French Toast. With its sweet flavor and cloud-like texture, this dish checks all the boxes for a memorable, comforting, and easy-to-make brunch centerpiece. Here’s why it’s quickly becoming a favorite across kitchens.
The Sweet, Fluffy Texture of Hawaiian Rolls
One of the key reasons this dish stands out is the pillowy softness and subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls. Unlike traditional sandwich bread or thick-cut brioche, King’s Hawaiian rolls bring a naturally rich, almost buttery taste that enhances the custard flavors in French toast.
When soaked in the vanilla-cinnamon egg mixture, these rolls become ultra-tender — creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slightly crispy golden crust. It’s a perfect balance of soft and crisp, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
A Crowd-Pleasing Twist on Classic French Toast
Classic French toast is always a brunch winner, but using Hawaiian sweet rolls transforms it into something extra special. It offers a creative twist that’s still familiar and comforting, yet just different enough to feel exciting.
Guests love the novelty of seeing mini-rolls turned into a beautiful breakfast bake or skillet dish. Plus, it works just as well for an intimate breakfast for two or a big weekend brunch with friends and family.
Easy to Make and Customize
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and beginner-friendly. With just a few pantry staples — eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon — you can turn store-bought Hawaiian rolls into a delicious homemade masterpiece.
What’s more, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is super versatile. You can go traditional with powdered sugar and maple syrup, or get creative with stuffed fillings (like cream cheese or Nutella) and toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a light drizzle of caramel.
And if you’re prepping for a group, it’s easy to scale up or convert into a baked French toast casserole — a stress-free option that can be prepped ahead and popped into the oven on a lazy Sunday morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is simple, fun, and requires only a handful of ingredients — many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weekday treat or a full-on weekend brunch spread, here’s what you’ll need to bring this fluffy, sweet dish to life.
Core Ingredients List
To get started, gather the following basic ingredients:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls – These are the star of the show. Brands like King’s Hawaiian offer soft, subtly sweet rolls that soak up the custard mixture beautifully.
- Eggs – Essential for creating that rich, creamy custard base.
- Milk or cream – Adds creaminess and helps thin out the egg mixture. Whole milk works great, but for an ultra-decadent version, use half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and classic French toast flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma of the custard.
- Salt – A pinch helps balance and enhance the sweetness.
These basics form the heart of your French toast custard. When combined, they create a perfectly flavored soak that transforms the rolls into golden, custardy bites.
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings
While the classic version is already a delight, don’t hesitate to dress things up a bit. Here are some popular toppings and add-ins to personalize your dish:
- Maple syrup – A brunch essential for that sweet finishing touch.
- Powdered sugar – Dust on top for a bakery-style presentation.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add color and freshness.
- Whipped cream – Light and fluffy, perfect for indulgent weekend mornings.
- Nutmeg – Just a dash can bring extra warmth and depth to your custard mix.
- Butter – For cooking and serving; it helps achieve that crispy golden exterior.
These additions are not only tasty but visually appealing — making your dish Instagram-worthy and even more inviting at the table.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast (Step-by-Step)
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this delicious brunch dish to life. Whether you’re making it in a skillet or as a casserole, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly easy and satisfying to make. Follow these step-by-step instructions for guaranteed golden, custardy perfection every time.
Preparing the Custard Mixture
Start by making the heart of any good French toast: the custard soak.
- In a mixing bowl, crack in 4 large eggs.
- Add 1 cup of milk (or half-and-half for a richer version).
- Whisk in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything until it’s smooth and fully combined.
This mixture will soak into the rolls and create that soft, flavorful interior. If you like your French toast extra sweet, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup right into the mix.
Dipping and Soaking the Rolls
Next, prep your Hawaiian sweet rolls. You can either leave them whole for a pull-apart style or slice them in half for more browning surface.
- Carefully dip each roll into the custard mixture.
- Let it soak for a few seconds — you want it to absorb enough liquid without getting soggy and falling apart.
- Set each roll aside on a plate while you heat up your pan.
Pro Tip: If you’re using day-old rolls, they’ll hold up even better after soaking — just like traditional French toast with stale bread.
Cooking to Golden Perfection
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter.
- Once hot, place the soaked rolls cut-side down (or flat side if halved).
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
- Flip gently with a spatula and cook all sides if using whole rolls.
You’ll know they’re ready when the rolls are nicely caramelized and slightly puffed. The custard should be set, not wet, in the center.
Optional: Baking as a Casserole
If you prefer a make-ahead option, turn this dish into a French toast bake:
- Arrange soaked rolls in a greased baking dish.
- Pour any remaining custard over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a richer flavor.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
This version is great for feeding a crowd — just set it and forget it in the oven while you prep the rest of your brunch spread.
Conclusion: A Sweet and Simple Brunch You’ll Make Again and Again
If you’re looking for a brunch dish that’s effortless, delicious, and sure to impress, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is it. With its naturally sweet rolls, rich custard soak, and crispy golden finish, it brings all the comfort of classic French toast with a playful twist. Whether you serve it with fresh berries and syrup, bake it into a cozy casserole, or stuff it with your favorite fillings, this recipe is endlessly versatile.
Perfect for lazy weekends, family gatherings, or even special occasions, this sweet and satisfying dish is bound to become a staple on your brunch menu. So grab a pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls, mix up that creamy custard, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a plate full of flavor and love. If you want to prepare another breakfast idea, we recommend our breakfast category
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingrédients
- 1 pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for richness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp sugar optional, for extra sweetness
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter for cooking
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Separate or slice Hawaiian rolls in half, then dip each piece into the egg mixture, letting them soak briefly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter.
- Cook the soaked rolls for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.