If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game with something irresistibly sweet and fluffy, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. This delightful twist combines the soft, pillowy texture of classic King’s Hawaiian rolls with the rich, comforting flavors of traditional French toast. The gentle spices and vanilla infusion make each bite a little piece of morning bliss, perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with a checkerboard pattern of square bread pieces arranged in 5 rows and 4 columns. Half of the bread squares are white sliced bread with a soft, spongy texture and pale color, while the other half are golden brown sandwich rolls with a soft, slightly wrinkled top crust. The squares are placed alternately so no two pieces of the same kind touch, creating a clear contrast between the white and brown pieces. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe requires only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—bringing creaminess, warmth, or sweetness—so you end up with a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that truly delight.

4 large eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs help bind and add richness to the bread.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk works best to create a creamy custard, but feel free to use your favorite dairy or non-dairy alternative.
1 Tbsp vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that elevates every bite.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, cozy spice that complements the sweetness of the rolls.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
1/8 tsp nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and a subtle hint of aromatic spice.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter: Used for cooking, giving the toast a perfectly golden and buttery finish.
12 Hawaiian Rolls: Sliced horizontally, these soft and sweet rolls are the star of this recipe (King’s Hawaiian is my go-to).
Confectioners’ sugar (optional): For a light dusting that adds a pretty touch and extra sweetness before serving.
Maple syrup (optional): The perfect classic drizzle to complete your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe experience.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Grab a wide, deep bowl and whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until everything is perfectly blended. This custard is where your Hawaiian rolls soak up all the luscious flavor, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth amazing.

Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Set your griddle or large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, coating the surface nicely. This step ensures your French toast will have that golden, buttery crust that is so satisfying to bite into.

Step 3: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Working in batches, dip each horizontally sliced Hawaiian roll half into the egg and milk custard until fully saturated. Give the excess liquid a gentle shake so your toast doesn’t turn scrappy or soggy when cooking. This soaking process is key for that perfect custardy texture.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the soaked rolls on your hot griddle and cook until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip and repeat for the other side. The result is a crisp outside with pillowy softness inside—pure breakfast magic.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Repeat

Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while you butter the griddle again and cook the rest of your rolls. This helps maintain those warm, cozy, melt-in-your-mouth bites for everyone at the table.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the rolls are toasted, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if you like. These final touches bring out an irresistible sweetness and make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe a feast for both the eyes and palate.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

A black griddle pan holds fifteen square pieces of golden-brown cooked dough, arranged in neat rows with a few crumbs around their edges; each piece has a slightly rough and uneven texture on top, showing a cooked surface with some darker and lighter patches. The griddle shows small bits of dough stuck around the pieces, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a lovely burst of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet rolls. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes can also make the presentation pop and add layers of indulgence.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage links to create a well-rounded meal that balances sweet and savory perfectly. Fresh fruit salad or even a scoop of Greek yogurt can add freshness and lighten up the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the French toast halves to form a mini tower and tying them with a pretty ribbon for a festive brunch setup. Serve alongside cute little jars of homemade jams or tropical fruit compotes to enhance the tropical vibe of the Hawaiian rolls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts when your schedule gets busy.

Freezing

This French toast freezes wonderfully! Place cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. You can keep them frozen for up to a month, ready to pop into the toaster or oven whenever you need a breakfast boost.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or refrigerated French toast back to life, reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide that signature sweetness and softness, brioche or challah also make excellent alternatives for French toast if you want a slightly different texture.

Is it okay to use non-dairy milk in this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?

Yes, you can swap whole milk for almond, soy, oat, or any other favorite milk alternative without compromising the taste too much. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced.

How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to soak the Hawaiian rolls for too long—just until saturated—and let any excess custard drip off before cooking. Cooking over medium heat also helps create a crispy exterior that holds up well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use a plant-based milk and a flax or chia egg substitute, and swap butter with a vegan alternative. It won’t be quite the same as the original Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, but still utterly delicious!

What toppings work best with this version of French toast?

Classic maple syrup is a must, but fresh fruit, nuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce can add wonderful dimensions depending on your mood.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is truly a game-changer for breakfast lovers who want a touch of island sweetness combined with all the comfort of classic French toast. Whether it’s a special weekend treat or a way to brighten up a weekday morning, this recipe is easy, scrumptious, and endlessly rewarding. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites too!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need