Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a soft, sweet, and buttery twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with pillowy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard and cooked to golden perfection, this dish is everything I love about French toast—but more indulgent and fun. Whether I serve it for a special brunch or a weekend breakfast, it always feels like a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the slightly sweet and buttery flavor of Hawaiian rolls takes French toast to the next level. The rolls soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart, and they cook up soft on the inside with a light crisp on the outside. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it pairs perfectly with all my favorite toppings—from syrup and berries to powdered sugar and whipped cream.

Ingredients

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

• Hawaiian rolls (preferably a whole pack, still connected)

• Eggs

• Milk or cream

• Vanilla extract

• Ground cinnamon

• Butter (for cooking)

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

Directions

1. I slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls intact like a loaf.

2. In a shallow bowl, I whisk together eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.

3. I dip the cut sides of the rolls into the custard mixture, letting them soak briefly without getting soggy.

4. I heat butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

5. I place the rolls cut side down and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden, then carefully flip and cook the tops until lightly toasted.

6. I remove the rolls and let them rest for a minute before slicing and serving with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size. It takes around 5 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 15 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I stuff the rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping for a surprise filling. I also like using flavored Hawaiian rolls like honey or butter to mix things up. When I want a festive version, I top them with caramelized bananas or drizzle them with chocolate sauce and crushed nuts.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the rolls in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. They also freeze well—just let them cool, wrap tightly, and reheat in the toaster oven or skillet.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes dip and cook the rolls ahead, then reheat them in the oven just before serving.

Do I have to keep the rolls together?

No, I’ve made individual roll pieces too—it just takes a little longer to cook all of them separately.

Can I use dairy-free milk?

Absolutely. I’ve used almond milk and oat milk, and both work well in the custard.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I like cutting the finished French toast into bite-sized pieces and piling them up with syrup and berries—it looks great and is easy to share.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes, I sometimes place the soaked rolls in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until set and golden.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a simple, sweet, and indulgent breakfast that never fails to delight. The soft, buttery rolls turn into the perfect French toast base, soaking up flavor and cooking up beautifully. Whether I dress it up with toppings or keep it classic with just syrup, it’s always a delicious way to start the day.

Print