Let me share with you a delightful breakfast treat that’s both irresistibly sweet and wonderfully easy to make: the Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. This recipe transforms soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into golden, custardy slices of heaven perfect for a family brunch or a special weekday morning. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, promising a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with comfort and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with 25 small square sandwich pieces arranged in a 5x5 grid. Each square piece is either the soft, golden brown top bun or the white inner bread, laid out alternately like a checkerboard. The top buns have a smooth, slightly wrinkled texture, and the inner bread pieces appear soft and airy with a light, spongy texture. The colors are warm and inviting, with the buns forming a repeating pattern with the white bread below, all placed evenly and neatly on the wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that beautiful golden color that makes this dish so inviting.

4 large eggs: These form the rich custard base that soaks into the rolls and helps create that classic French toast texture.
1/2 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal, but feel free to use any dairy or non-dairy alternative; it thins the egg mixture for perfect soaking.
1 Tbsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spiced note that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
1/8 tsp nutmeg: Delivers a subtle earthy spice that adds complexity without overwhelming.
2 Tbsp unsalted butter: For toasting, giving the French toast a rich golden crust and delightful buttery flavor.
12 Hawaiian Rolls: Preferably King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls sliced horizontally; their soft, sweet texture makes all the difference.
Confectioners’ sugar (optional): A light dusting for added sweetness and presentation flair.
Maple syrup (optional): Classic topping to drizzle over for that perfect finishing touch.

TIP

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

How to Make Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a wide, deep bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, soaking into the rolls to provide that irresistible custardy center packed with flavor.

Step 2: Heat your pan and melt butter

Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and brush it with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. The butter not only keeps the rolls from sticking but ensures a crisp, golden crust for every slice.

Step 3: Dip and soak the rolls

Working in batches, dip each Hawaiian roll half into the egg mixture until fully saturated. It’s important to let the excess drip off to avoid sogginess, but don’t be shy—make sure the bread soaks up plenty of custard for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Cook until golden and delicious

Place the soaked rolls on the heated griddle and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden brown forms. Flip carefully to cook evenly and avoid burning—your reward is a perfectly tender yet crisp French toast.

Step 5: Keep warm and repeat

Transfer the finished French toast to a warm plate while you repeat the dipping and cooking process with the remaining rolls. Remember to add more butter to the griddle as needed to maintain that luscious, buttery crust for every batch.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe with confectioners’ sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if you like. These finishing touches bring a lovely sweetness and visual appeal that will have everyone eagerly digging in.

How to Serve Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

The image shows fifteen square-shaped, toasted English muffins on a dark griddle surface. Each muffin has a lightly golden-brown top with a slightly rough texture and some uneven edges. The muffins are arranged in a grid pattern in three vertical columns and five horizontal rows. The toasting varies slightly, with some muffins appearing more browned than others. The background is minimal, and the griddle is clean with some small crumbs and bits of melted butter around the muffins. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of snowy sweetness, making each piece look picture-perfect. Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream can take this classic dish to the next level, adding color and contrasting textures.

Side Dishes

Pair your French toast with crisp bacon or breakfast sausage for a delightful salty contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad also work wonderfully to balance the richness and make for a well-rounded breakfast feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the toasted rolls like little mini sandwiches filled with cream cheese or fruit preserves between layers. Serving them on a wooden board with an array of syrups and toppings invites everyone to customize their plates in a fun, interactive way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (they do disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked French toast to enjoy later. Lay individual pieces flat on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then stack in freezer bags. When properly stored, they keep well for up to a month without losing that fantastic taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast by popping it in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes to regain the crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the toast soggy instead of perfectly warm and slightly crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread besides Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls offer that sweet softness that makes this recipe stand out, you can use brioche or challah for a similarly tender and rich finish. Just keep in mind that thicker breads might need longer soaking times.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe still shines with these swaps.

How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Make sure to soak the rolls long enough to absorb the custard but not so long that they fall apart. Also, let the excess mixture drip off before placing the rolls on the pan to keep the texture just right.

Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?

Yes, you can whisk the egg mixture ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give it a good stir before dipping the rolls to recombine any separated ingredients.

What are some good toppings besides syrup and powdered sugar?

Try fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, whipped cream, nut butters, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut to complement the tropical touch of the Hawaiian rolls. The options to personalize this recipe are endless.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about starting your day with the Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It’s simple yet indulgent, offering a taste that’s equal parts nostalgic and fresh. Whether for a busy morning or a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the smiles it brings around the table!

Quick Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need