Name: Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Quick & Delicious!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings
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 unsalted butter, for cooking; Powdered sugar, for serving; Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), for serving; Pure maple syrup, for serving

Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately conjures images of a breakfast that truly transcends the ordinary. Forget your standard, sometimes dry, French toast – prepare your taste buds for an experience of unparalleled sweetness and fluffy perfection. I promise you, imagining soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, transformed into golden-brown pillows of delight, soaked in a rich, spiced custard and griddled to absolute perfection, is just the beginning of the delicious journey you’re about to embark on.

A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Classic

While French toast itself boasts a fascinating history, with roots stretching back to medieval Europe as a clever and resourceful way to utilize stale bread, the addition of King’s Hawaiian rolls genuinely elevates this classic to a special occasion. These beloved rolls, with their signature sweetness and uniquely airy texture, infuse a touch of the warm, inviting aloha spirit into your breakfast table, transforming a simple morning meal into an island-inspired treat. People adore this dish because the rolls absorb the custard beautifully without becoming soggy, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful interior with a delightfully crisp exterior. The inherent sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian rolls often means you can go lighter on the syrup, allowing their unique flavor to truly shine through. This incredible Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only wonderfully easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making any morning feel like a celebratory brunch. I am confident it will quickly become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls: The star of our show, these sweet, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up all that delicious custard.
3 large eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs provide the rich base for our custard.
1 cup half-and-half: This adds a wonderful creaminess to the custard, making the French toast incredibly decadent. You can substitute with whole milk for a lighter option, or heavy cream for ultimate indulgence.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is crucial for that classic, comforting French toast flavor. I always recommend using a good quality extract for the best results.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice of cinnamon perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls. Feel free to adjust to your personal preference; some people love a little more!
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed: This adds a beautiful depth of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to our custard. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, but brown sugar truly elevates the taste.
¼ teaspoon salt: Just a touch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the custard.
2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For cooking the French toast. Butter adds incredible flavor and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. You might need more depending on how many batches you cook.
For serving (optional but highly recommended):
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), for a burst of freshness
- Pure maple syrup, for drizzling
- Whipped cream, for extra indulgence

Preparing the Custard

This is where the magic begins! A perfectly balanced custard is key to exceptional French toast that is moist and flavorful on the inside, with a delightful exterior. Take your time with this step; it truly makes all the difference.

Gather Your Tools and Ingredients: First things first, make sure you have a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and all your custard ingredients measured out and ready to go. Having everything prepped before you start streamlines the process and helps prevent any last-minute scrambling. I always find that having my mise en place in order makes cooking so much more enjoyable and less stressful!
Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack your 3 large eggs. Give them a good whisk by themselves first, until the yolks and whites are fully broken down and combined. You want a smooth, homogenous mixture here, not distinct globs of yolk and white. This initial whisking helps ensure an even texture in your final custard.
Add the Half-and-Half: Pour in the 1 cup of half-and-half with the whisked eggs. Continue to whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully combined. The half-and-half provides a creamy richness that will penetrate deep into the rolls, giving them an incredibly tender texture once cooked. If you’re using whole milk, ensure it’s well incorporated.
Incorporate the Flavorings: Now for the delicious aromatics and sweeteners! Whisk in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue whisking until all the sugar has dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You shouldn’t see any clumps of cinnamon or undissolved sugar crystals. This might take a minute or two, so don’t rush it. The brown sugar adds a lovely molasses note that pairs beautifully with the Hawaiian rolls’ inherent sweetness, while the cinnamon offers a comforting warmth. The tiny pinch of salt is vital; it brightens all the other flavors and prevents the French toast from tasting flat or overly sweet.
Prepare the Soaking Dish: Once your custard is perfectly mixed, pour it into a shallow dish or a baking pan with low sides. A pie plate, a 9×13 inch baking dish, or even a large, deep dinner plate would work well. The key is to have a vessel wide enough to comfortably fit at least one King’s Hawaiian roll, allowing it to soak evenly without crowding. Set this aside; your delicious custard is ready for its starring role!

Preparing the King’s Hawaiian Rolls

These sweet, fluffy rolls are already pretty perfect, but a tiny preparation step ensures they become the best French toast you’ve ever had. This small action makes a huge difference in how well the rolls absorb our creamy custard.

Unpack the Rolls: Carefully remove the 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls from their packaging. You’ll notice they are typically connected to each other. For this recipe, it’s often easiest to separate them into individual rolls before soaking. Gently tear or cut them apart so each roll is distinct. This allows for maximum surface area exposure to the custard and ensures each piece cooks evenly.
The Crucial Hole-Poking Step: This is a secret weapon for truly amazing Hawaiian Roll French toast! Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll. I usually aim for about 3-4 holes per roll, strategically placed. Why do we do this? Because King’s Hawaiian Rolls are wonderfully soft and slightly dense, the holes act as tiny tunnels, allowing the rich custard to penetrate deeper into the interior of the roll. This means every bite will be saturated with flavor and moisture, preventing a dry center. Without this step, the custard might only coat the surface, leaving the inside feeling a bit bland and un-French toast-like. Trust me on this one; it’s a game-changer!

Soaking the Rolls

The soaking process is delicate but essential. We want the rolls to absorb enough custard to be flavorful and moist, but not so much that they become mushy and fall apart. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!

Working in Batches: Given the size of most shallow dishes and the number of rolls, you’ll likely need to work in batches. Place 2-3 prepared Hawaiian rolls into the shallow dish filled with the custard mixture. Don’t overcrowd the dish; give each roll some space to breathe and soak properly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven soaking.
The Golden Soak Time: Dip the rolls into the custard mixture and let soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. This isn’t a race, but it’s not a marathon either. The King’s Hawaiian rolls are incredibly porous, so they absorb liquid quite quickly. Thirty seconds per side, or a total of about one minute per roll, is usually the sweet spot. You want the roll to feel noticeably heavier and softer, but still hold its shape when you gently pick it up. If it feels too firm, give it a few more seconds. If it feels like it’s about to disintegrate, you’ve gone too long! Learning the right feel comes with a little practice.

Why Proper Soaking is Key:

If you soak the rolls for too little time, the French toast will be dry and bland on the inside. If you soak them for too long, they will become oversaturated, difficult to handle, and might turn mushy when cooked. The goal is a uniform absorption that results in a custardy interior and a perfectly golden-brown exterior. The holes you poked earlier really shine here, ensuring that even with a relatively short soak time, the custard gets deep into the center of each roll.
Transfer to a Wire Rack: As each batch of rolls finishes soaking, carefully transfer them to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows any excess custard to drip off, preventing soggy French toast and ensuring a crispier crust when cooked. It also buys you a little time if your skillet isn’t ready or if you’re cooking in multiple batches. Don’t let them sit on the rack for too long, though, or they might dry out a bit.
Repeat the Process: Continue soaking the remaining Hawaiian rolls in batches until all of them have had their luxurious bath in the vanilla-cinnamon custard. You might need to gently stir the custard mixture occasionally to ensure the spices and sugar haven’t settled at the bottom.

Cooking the French Toast

Now comes the moment of truth – transforming those custardy rolls into golden, delicious French toast! This stage requires a bit of attention to achieve that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior.

Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle: Place a large non-stick skillet or a flat-top griddle over medium heat. Let it heat up for a few minutes until it’s nice and hot. You want a consistent, even heat for optimal browning. If your heat is too low, the French toast will absorb too much butter and become greasy; too high, and it will burn on the outside before the inside is properly cooked through. Medium heat is your friend here.
Add the Butter: Once the pan is hot, add about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. The butter not only prevents sticking but also contributes significantly to that irresistible golden crust and rich flavor.
Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked Hawaiian rolls onto the hot, buttered skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches if necessary, allowing enough space between each roll for proper browning and easy flipping. I usually cook 3-4 rolls at a time, depending on the size of my skillet.

Patience is a Virtue:

Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and lightly crisp. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your stove and pan. The sugar in the custard can cause them to brown quickly, so adjust your heat down slightly if you notice them getting too dark too fast. You’re looking for a rich, appetizing color. The inside should be warm and custardy, not raw.
Flip and Finish: Using a spatula, carefully flip each piece of French toast to cook the other side until it, too, is a gorgeous golden hue. Continue cooking in batches, adding more butter to the pan as needed for each new batch. You’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen as they cook – a sure sign that something delicious is on its way!
Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re cooking a large batch and want to serve them all at once, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest. This prevents them from getting cold and ensures everyone gets to enjoy them fresh and warm.

Serving the Hawaiian Roll French Toast

The final step is perhaps the most exciting – presenting and enjoying your culinary creation! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it to an unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience.

Plate Your Masterpiece: Arrange the warm Hawaiian roll French toast on individual plates or a large serving platter. The golden-brown exterior contrasting with the fluffy white interior of the roll is a sight to behold!
The Classic Dusting: Serve the Hawaiian roll French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar provides a beautiful visual appeal and an extra touch of sweetness that melts delightfully on the warm toast. You can use a small sieve or a specialized powdered sugar shaker for an even coating.
Add Freshness and Sweetness: Top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. A generous handful of mixed fresh berries – think vibrant strawberries, plump blueberries, and tart raspberries – adds a wonderful burst of color, freshness, and a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the French toast. And, of course, a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup is almost mandatory. The warmth of the French toast will cause the syrup to gently seep into every crevice, creating an absolutely divine experience.
Optional Indulgences: Feeling extra decadent? Consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream (especially if serving as a dessert!), or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce could also be fun for a special treat. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!
Enjoy Immediately: French toast is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle while it’s still warm and the textures are at their peak. Gather your loved ones and savor every single bite of this sweet, custardy, utterly irresistible King’s Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s truly a comforting and satisfying dish that feels special, yet is surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

Well, we’ve reached the sweet end of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up this incredible breakfast or brunch masterpiece. If there’s one recipe I could implore you to try this week, it’s truly this one. What makes it an absolute must-try? It’s the sheer genius of taking the naturally soft, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible King’s Hawaiian rolls and transforming them into something even more extraordinary. Forget your average, dense French toast; this recipe elevates the experience to an entirely new level of fluffy, custardy perfection.

The magic truly begins with our carefully crafted custard. The blend of 3 large eggs with creamy half-and-half, infused with warm vanilla, aromatic cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the rolls. And let’s not overlook the simple yet crucial step of poking those little holes in the rolls! That’s our secret weapon, ensuring that every nook and cranny of those delightful buns soaks up every drop of that luscious custard, leading to an incredibly moist and tender bite after a quick dip of about 30 seconds on each side. The result is a French toast that’s soft on the inside, with a perfectly golden exterior, offering an unparalleled texture that will have you reaching for more.

Elevate Your Serving Experience: Beyond the Basics

While serving your French toast warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar and crowned with a medley of fresh berries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, is undeniably a classic for a reason, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings! Imagine a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract, melting slowly over the warm bread. For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips could be a divine addition. Nutty variations could include toasted pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of candied almonds for an added crunch and depth of flavor.

Consider seasonal fruit compotes – a warm peach compote in the summer, or a spiced apple and pear compote in the cooler months. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream could turn this breakfast into an indulgent dessert, perfect for a special occasion. For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a lemon curd drizzle could cut through the sweetness beautifully. And if you’re feeling truly adventurous, why not explore a savory side? While traditionally sweet, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a fried egg on the side could make for an unexpectedly delightful sweet-and-savory brunch plate. You could even try a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a truly wild twist – though I’d recommend sticking to the sweet for your first go!

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

I genuinely believe that once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday morning, an impressive holiday brunch, or even a delightful “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) treat. The aroma alone as these cook will fill your home with warmth and comfort, promising a truly memorable meal. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet yields results that feel gourmet. The transformation of those humble 1 (12 Pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls into such a decadent dish is nothing short of magical, truly making it a standout.

So, please, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and embark on this delicious adventure. Don’t be shy! I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you stick to the classic toppings, or did you venture into new and exciting flavor combinations? Did you try the vanilla and cinnamon custard exactly as described, letting those rolls soak up all that goodness? Share your thoughts, your successes, and even your funny kitchen anecdotes in the comments below. Snap a picture of your glorious French toast creation and share it with us! Your feedback and shared experiences are what truly make this community vibrant and inspiring. Let’s make some amazing memories in the kitchen together!