Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or even a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe stands out with its unique use of Hawaiian rolls that add an irresistible sweetness to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or drizzled maple syrup for a customized experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes 12 servings, making it perfect for gatherings or family breakfasts.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavor and soft texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Unique Twist: Using Hawaiian rolls adds a special touch that sets this French toast apart from the rest.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making cleanup easy.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for whisking ingredients together without spills.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly combining eggs and liquids.
- Spatula: Perfect for flipping the rolls gently to keep them intact while cooking.
Ingredients
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
- Maple syrup
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in. Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture and let them soak for about 30 seconds. Be sure to turn them to coat all sides evenly. Avoid soaking them too long to prevent sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds on each side until they turn golden brown. Use your spatula to turn them gently to ensure all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm from the skillet. Dust them with powdered sugar and add fresh berries or maple syrup on top if desired. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with family and friends!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a delightful dish; it’s also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy this sweet treat.
Classic Toppings
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup enhances the flavor and adds a lovely sticky texture.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a fresh tartness that balances the sweetness.
Creative Additions
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This tropical twist complements the Hawaiian rolls perfectly, adding creaminess.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for a decadent touch. They melt slightly and create a rich experience.
Seasonal Flavors
- Pumpkin Spice: For fall, mix in pumpkin spice to the custard for a seasonal flavor boost.
- Cinnamon Apples: Warm sautéed apples with cinnamon can be served on top for an autumn-inspired version.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To achieve the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast, consider these useful tips. They will help you elevate your breakfast game.
- Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls absorb the custard better, leading to a more flavorful outcome.
- Customize Custard: Feel free to adjust spices like nutmeg or add orange zest for a unique twist.
- Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooking can lead to dryness while undercooking might leave them soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your French toast right away for optimal softness and warmth.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like yogurt or caramel sauce for variety in flavors and textures.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Bacon: The savory crunch of crispy bacon offsets the sweetness of the toast perfectly.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add protein and balance out the meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers brightness and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a nutritious side that complements your toast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide extra protein and round out your breakfast beautifully.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns introduce texture and heartiness to your brunch spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin this delightful dish.
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you soak the rolls too long, they may become soggy. Keep the soak time to 30 seconds for a perfect texture.
- Ignoring the skillet temperature: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the toast. Use medium-low heat to achieve a golden-brown finish without burning.
- Skipping the holes in the rolls: Not poking holes allows the custard to sit on top. Poke several holes in each roll for better absorption of flavors.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Old eggs or milk can affect taste and texture. Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Failing to serve immediately: Hawaiian Roll French Toast tastes best when served warm. Plan to serve it right after cooking for optimal flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds per piece, checking doneness frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
How can I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can add toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate chips. Fresh fruit also enhances flavor and presentation!
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge overnight and cook them in the morning.
Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for special diets?
This recipe can be adapted. Use dairy-free substitutes like almond milk or coconut cream for a lactose-free option.
What’s the best way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Serve warm topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible breakfast treat!
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on traditional recipes that combines comfort and sweetness. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, and you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s not just delicious but also incredibly versatile!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a breakfast treat that combines sweetness and comfort in every bite. This recipe transforms soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a delicious brunch classic, perfect for gatherings or cozy breakfasts at home. The melt-in-your-mouth texture, enhanced by a cinnamon-sugar custard, makes this dish irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this sweet delight in under 15 minutes, ensuring it’s both quick and satisfying. Whether topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or drizzled maple syrup, this French toast is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until well combined. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt; whisk until smooth.
- Poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or skewer. Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring even coverage without soaking too long.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for about 30-60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar dusting and toppings of your choice like fresh fruit or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
