Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, soft, and golden breakfast treat that turns pillowy Hawaiian rolls into the ultimate morning indulgence. It’s slightly crisp on the outside, custardy in the center, and full of flavor. Whether I’m cooking for a weekend brunch or craving something a little special during the week, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms something as simple as store-bought Hawaiian rolls into a breakfast that feels gourmet. The natural sweetness of the rolls pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-vanilla custard, and they soak up just the right amount of egg mixture without falling apart. It’s quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. I can serve it with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar for endless options.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hawaiian sweet rolls

• Eggs

• Milk or half-and-half

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Butter or oil for cooking

• Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream

Directions

1. I begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected for easy dipping and flipping.

2. In a shallow bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to create a smooth custard.

3. I dip each roll section into the egg mixture, letting it soak briefly to absorb flavor without getting soggy.

4. I heat butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the rolls cut-side down first until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.

5. Once they’re golden and cooked through, I remove them from the pan and serve warm with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically serves 4 people, using a standard 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so I have it on the table in around 20 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes stuff the rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them in the custard for an extra decadent version.

• For a fruity twist, I top them with caramelized bananas or sautéed apples.

• If I want something less sweet, I skip the syrup and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.

• I’ve also added orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy note.

• To make it dairy-free, I substitute almond or oat milk and use oil instead of butter.

storage/reheating

Leftovers (if I ever have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet or pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore the crisp edges. They also reheat nicely in the air fryer. I avoid the microwave since it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use stale Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, slightly stale rolls actually soak up the custard better without falling apart, so I often use day-old rolls if I have them.

Do I need to separate the rolls?

Not necessarily. I like keeping them together in sections for easier flipping, but I’ve also made individual pieces for smaller servings.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, I arrange the dipped rolls in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway if I want both sides crisp.

What’s the best way to keep them warm before serving?

I place the cooked rolls on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F) while I finish the rest of the batch.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Yes, I let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. I reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer for best texture.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of my favorite ways to elevate breakfast with minimal effort. It’s sweet, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding a group or just treating myself, this recipe delivers warm, golden perfection every time. Once I tried it, regular French toast just didn’t hit the same.