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 dish combines ease with incredible flavor, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll have a delightful breakfast ready in no time.
- Pillowy Texture: The soft Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard perfectly, giving each bite a light and fluffy feel.
- Versatile Serving Options: You can serve it with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup, allowing for a personalized touch every time.
- Perfect for Any Meal: While it’s great for breakfast, this dish also shines as a brunch item or even a dessert!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, everyone will love this delicious twist on traditional French toast.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything prepared will make your experience smooth and 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: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making flipping the rolls easier.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to whisk together all your custard ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture by thoroughly combining eggs and half-and-half.
- Spatula: Ideal for turning the French toast gently to avoid breaking them apart during cooking.
Ingredients
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 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 effectively. 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 careful not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30–60 seconds per side until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to turn carefully so all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve Your Delightful Creation
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm! Dust it with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries or drizzle with maple syrup according to your preference. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings happiness to any table!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this sweet dish that will impress your family and friends.
With Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and sprinkle them over the top for a burst of flavor.
- Blueberries: Add a handful of blueberries for a pop of color and juicy goodness.
- Raspberries: Top with tart raspberries to balance the sweetness of the toast.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- Classic Maple Syrup: Pour warm maple syrup over your French toast for a traditional touch.
- Flavored Syrups: Experiment with different syrups like caramel or vanilla for unique flavors.
Sprinkled with Powdered Sugar
- Generous Dusting: Lightly dust powdered sugar on top to enhance its sweetness and visual appeal.
- Sugar Patterns: Use a stencil to create fun shapes with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Make your own whipped cream to pair with the toast for added richness.
- Flavored Whipped Creams: Consider adding vanilla or cinnamon to whipped cream for extra flavor.
Served with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this dish even more indulgent, perfect for a dessert twist.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Pair it with chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To achieve the ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast, follow these tips that ensure your creation is nothing short of perfection.
- Choose Fresh Rolls: Using fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls enhances the flavor and texture, making them soft and fluffy.
- Don’t Over-soak: Dip the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming soggy—about 30 seconds should suffice.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring a golden-brown finish on all sides.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try various toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes for added crunch and flavor.
- Keep Warm in Oven: If making in batches, keep cooked rolls warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Roll French Toast can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some tasty suggestions that complement this sweet breakfast treat.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory element that balances the sweetness of the French toast wonderfully.
- Sausages: Link or patty sausages offer hearty protein that makes your breakfast more filling.
- Eggs: Scrambled or fried eggs provide additional nutrition and pair well with sweet flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt gives a tangy contrast and can be topped with honey or fruit.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers vibrant colors and refreshing flavors alongside your sweet dish.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, making for a satisfying meal combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you soak the rolls for too long, they can become soggy. Aim for just 30 seconds per side.
- Not whisking ingredients well: Ensure you thoroughly mix the eggs and half and half before adding other ingredients. This helps create a smooth custard.
- Using high heat: Cooking on too high of a heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Stick to medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Skipping the toothpick step: Poking holes in the rolls allows the custard to soak in better. Don’t skip this step!
- Neglecting toppings: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is delicious on its own, but adding toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit enhances flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide a unique sweetness, you can substitute with brioche or challah if preferred.
How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread rolls as a substitute. The recipe will still yield delicious results!
What toppings pair well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even nut butter make great toppings that complement this dish beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls up to a few hours before cooking. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe offers a delightful twist on classic French toast that is sure to impress. Its soft texture and sweet flavor cater to breakfast lovers everywhere. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Enjoy this cozy dish any day of the week!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (3 rolls each) 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a sweet and fluffy breakfast dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat. Using soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls, this recipe creates a light and airy texture that perfectly absorbs the rich custard mixture. Each bite is infused with cinnamon-sugar sweetness, making it an ideal choice for cozy family breakfasts or vibrant brunch gatherings. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries or syrup, to create a personalized breakfast masterpiece that everyone will love.
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)
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until smooth. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt; mix well.
- Poke several holes in the bottom of each roll with a toothpick. Dip rolls in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, turning to coat evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook soaked rolls for 30–60 seconds per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm topped with powdered sugar and your choice of fresh fruit or syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (75g)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
