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 or cozy family breakfasts, this recipe stands out with its unique use of Hawaiian rolls. You won’t just be serving breakfast; you’ll be serving joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and rich custard creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, Sunday morning, or just because, this recipe fits right in.
- Customizable Toppings: Serve it with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe makes 12 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or sharing with friends.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for smooth preparation and cooking.
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 the rolls from sticking while achieving that perfect golden brown crust.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to whisk together the custard mixture without spills.
- Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients quickly and smoothly for a lump-free custard.
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)
- 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 add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk 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 each roll into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds per side, turning to coat all sides thoroughly. Be careful not to soak them too long; otherwise, they may become soggy.
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 on the skillet and cook each one for about 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them gently so all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve Your Creation
Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with family or friends!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Sliced strawberries add a refreshing sweetness.
- Blueberries: These little bursts of flavor complement the rolls perfectly.
- Raspberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the french toast.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Pure Maple Syrup: A classic choice that enhances the flavor of the rolls.
- Flavored Syrups: Consider vanilla or caramel syrup for a unique twist.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds richness to each bite.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Served with Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt: A tangy contrast that pairs nicely with the sweetness.
- Flavored Yogurt: Choose fruity or vanilla varieties for added taste.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on top turns this breakfast into dessert.
- Coconut Ice Cream: Perfectly complements the tropical flavors of Hawaiian rolls.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is easy, but these tips will help you achieve perfection every time.
- Use fresh rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls soak up the custard better and provide a fluffy texture.
- Don’t over-soak: Make sure to soak each roll for only about 30 seconds to prevent sogginess.
- Cook on medium-low heat: This ensures an even cook without burning, resulting in golden-brown edges.
- Keep them warm: If cooking in batches, place finished rolls in a warm oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
- Add spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweet french toast beautifully.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage adds protein and balances out the meal’s flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits provides color and freshness on your plate.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your brunch spread.
- Smoothies: A fruit smoothie is a quick and healthy side that’s also deliciously refreshing.
- Oven-Baked Eggs: Scrambled or baked eggs add protein, making it a complete meal option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out perfect, here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you soak the rolls for too long in the custard, they can become soggy. Aim for a quick dip of about 30 seconds for just the right texture.
- Not using enough butter: Insufficient butter can lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Always melt enough butter in your skillet to cover the surface.
- Skipping the holes: Forgetting to poke holes in the rolls prevents the custard from soaking in properly. Use a toothpick or skewer to create several holes in each roll.
- Cooking at high heat: Cooking on too high a heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Stick to medium-low heat for even browning.
- Neglecting toppings: Serving without toppings misses out on added flavor and presentation. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh fruit or maple syrup for an extra treat.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Place cooled French toast pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Good for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on high for 30-45 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet breakfast dish made using King’s Hawaiian Rolls soaked in a custard mixture of eggs and milk, then cooked until golden brown.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator overnight, then cook them fresh in the morning.
How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
You can add flavors like nutmeg or almond extract to the custard. Top with different fruits, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips for variety!
Can I use other types of bread?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal due to their sweetness, you can substitute with brioche or challah bread for similar results.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices. Give it a try; you’ll find it’s a delightful addition to any breakfast table!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a delightful twist on a classic dish. This recipe transforms soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a heavenly morning treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite delivers fluffy, custard-soaked goodness with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, making it an irresistible choice for brunch or cozy family breakfasts. Serve warm with fresh fruits, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream to take your meal to the next level. Simple to make and highly customizable, this French toast will surely bring joy to your breakfast table.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) 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
- Prepare the custard mixture by whisking together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Poke several holes in the bottom of each roll with a toothpick. Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds per side.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook soaked rolls until golden brown, about 30-60 seconds per side.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
