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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Flona

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Looking for a breakfast upgrade that's guaranteed to impress? Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, buttery twist on a classic favorite. Made with soft King's Hawaiian rolls, this golden brown breakfast transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package King's Hawaiian sweet rolls 12-count
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ 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
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Fresh berries for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Large wide bowl
  • Whisk
  • Toothpicks or skewers
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large wide bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until completely smooth with no streaks remaining.
  2. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt to the egg mixture. Whisk until fully combined and sugar is dissolved.
  3. Separate Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces. Using a toothpick or skewer, poke 3-4 small holes in the bottom of each roll to help custard absorb.
  4. Working in batches of 4-6 rolls, place rolls in custard mixture and soak for 30 seconds per side. Don't oversoak or they'll become soggy.
  5. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let melt, swirling to coat pan.
  6. Place soaked rolls in skillet, leaving space between each. Cook for 30-60 seconds per side, turning to brown all six sides (top, bottom, and four sides) until deep golden brown.
  7. Remove cooked rolls to a plate. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet and repeat soaking and cooking process with remaining rolls.
  8. Serve immediately while warm. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh berries as desired.

Notes

  • Use slightly day-old rolls for better custard absorption without falling apart
  • Don't skip poking holes—it's essential for flavor throughout the roll
  • Keep heat at medium-low to prevent burning while ensuring custard cooks through
  • Turn rolls frequently for even golden browning on all six sides
  • Cook in small batches (4-6 rolls) to maintain proper pan temperature
  • Serve immediately for best texture contrast between crispy and fluffy
  • Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 min
  • Can freeze cooked rolls for up to 3 months; reheat from frozen
  • Substitute half-and-half with whole milk, heavy cream, or coconut milk
  • For cinnamon sugar version, toss hot rolls in mixture of ¼ cup sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon