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 brunch gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or even as a special treat on a weekend morning, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Hawaiian Roll French Toast comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of Hawaiian rolls and cinnamon creates a delightful flavor that pleases everyone.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar for a customizable breakfast experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual weekday breakfast, this dish fits right in.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness and soft texture of Hawaiian rolls; they’ll be asking for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a few essential tools will help ensure success. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more 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: Prevents sticking and allows for easy flipping of the rolls without tearing them.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to whisk ingredients thoroughly and combine everything without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures that the eggs and half-and-half blend well, creating a smooth custard mixture.
Ingredients
- 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)
- Powdered sugar (fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving)
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 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. Let them soak for about 30 seconds while turning to coat all sides evenly. Be cautious not to soak them too long to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls into the skillet. Cook each side for about 30-60 seconds until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them carefully to achieve crispy edges all around.
Step 4: Serve Your Delightful Dish
Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries or maple syrup as desired for an extra touch of sweetness! Enjoy!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your morning meal.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Banana Slices: Add sliced bananas for natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
Drizzled with Syrup
- Maple Syrup: A classic pairing that adds a rich sweetness to the dish.
- Honey: For a lighter alternative, drizzle honey over the toast for a floral sweetness.
Garnished with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream enhances the richness of the toast.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, use coconut whipped cream to complement the Hawaiian rolls.
Served with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this breakfast into a dessert treat.
- Coconut Ice Cream: Pairing it with coconut ice cream adds an extra layer of flavor.
On a Breakfast Platter
- Breakfast Stack: Serve alongside eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast platter.
- Brunch Buffet: Perfect for sharing at brunch gatherings, include this dish on your buffet spread.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To ensure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Day-Old Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb custard better without falling apart.
- Soak Briefly: Limit soaking time to avoid overly soggy rolls; 30 seconds is ideal.
- Control Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning.
- Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to gently flip each roll for even cooking on all sides.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while warm for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or vanilla bean for extra depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweetness of the toast beautifully.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links add hearty protein and balance the flavors on your plate.
- Scrambled Eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide a great counterpoint to the sweet French toast.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and brightness alongside the rich dish.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side that rounds out your meal.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and savory goodness that pairs well with sweet dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make a few missteps when preparing Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.
- Over-soaking the rolls: When dipping the Hawaiian rolls into the custard, less is more. Soak them for about 30 seconds to prevent sogginess.
- Skipping the holes: Forgetting to poke holes in the rolls means less custard flavor. Use a toothpick to create several holes at the bottom of each roll for better absorption.
- Cooking on high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Keep the heat medium-low for even cooking.
- Not using enough butter: Insufficient butter can lead to sticking and uneven browning. Ensure you use enough butter for a crispy texture.
- Serving without toppings: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is delightful on its own, but adding powdered sugar or fresh fruit elevates it. Don’t skip those finishing touches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Place cooled pieces between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for about 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free bread rolls for King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time, then cook them just before serving.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Popular choices include powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even chocolate sauce!
Can I use other types of bread?
While King’s Hawaiian Rolls offer a unique flavor, you can use brioche or challah as substitutes for a different twist on this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or even add spices like nutmeg for extra flavor. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a special occasion brunch, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Give it a try!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 (approximately two slices per serving) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a breakfast treat that combines sweet, pillowy rolls with rich cinnamon and vanilla flavors. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings or special weekend brunches. Each bite is a heavenly blend of fluffy texture and comforting sweetness, sure to impress your family and friends. Customize your serving with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or whipped cream for an elevated breakfast experience that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 12 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)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until combined. Add vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt; mix well.
- Poke several holes in the bottom of each roll using a toothpick. Dip the rolls into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and desired toppings like fresh fruit or syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (55g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
