Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe for a Sweet Breakfast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve never made French toast with Hawaiian rolls before, you’re in for a sweet, fluffy surprise! This Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is about to become your go-to breakfast favorite. Why? Let’s count the reasons:

Sweet and pillowy texture: Hawaiian rolls soak up the egg mixture perfectly and bake into soft, custardy bites with caramelized edges.
Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, meaning less time cooking and more time enjoying.
No slicing required: Unlike regular French toast, there’s no need to cut bread—just use the rolls whole or halved!
Versatile and customizable: Add fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup to make it uniquely yours.
Perfect for brunch: Impress your guests or family with this fun twist on a breakfast classic.

This sweet breakfast treat combines ease and flavor so well, it might just beat your classic pancakes or waffles. Trust us—your weekend mornings are about to get a serious upgrade.

Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need a fancy setup to whip up this dish. Just a few kitchen staples will do the trick:

Whisk – To blend your eggs and milk until smooth.
Mixing bowl – A medium-sized bowl will hold the custard mixture.
Non-stick skillet or griddle – For evenly cooked, golden-brown French toast bites.
Spatula – For flipping without breaking the rolls.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precision makes perfect!
Optional: Baking tray – For keeping toast warm in the oven while finishing the batch.

Preparation Tips

Want to make your morning even smoother? Here are a few helpful prep suggestions:

Use slightly stale rolls. If your rolls are a day old, they’ll absorb the egg mixture better without getting soggy.
Preheat your skillet. Toasts will brown better and cook faster on a hot surface.
Prep the night before. Whisk your custard mixture and store it in the fridge overnight to save time in the morning.
Cook in batches. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—this ensures each roll gets golden and crispy.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast at home:

1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
3 large eggs – at room temperature
1/2 cup milk – whole or 2% works best for a rich custard
1 tsp vanilla extract – optional but adds lovely aroma
1/2 tsp cinnamon – optional but so good!
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness
Butter or non-stick spray – for greasing your skillet
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries – for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to whip up the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast, one step at a time:

Prep the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
Preheat the skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or spray to coat.
Dip the rolls: Tear apart Hawaiian rolls if they’re connected. Dip each roll quickly into the egg mixture, allowing it to absorb but not become soggy. Shake off excess.
Cook the toast: Place soaked rolls on the hot skillet. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat and keep warm: Continue cooking in batches. You can keep finished rolls warm in a 200°F oven on a tray.
Serve promptly: Top with maple syrup, fruit, powdered sugar, or even whipped cream. Enjoy while warm!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you from some slip-ups before they happen. Watch out for these!

Over-soaking the rolls: Hawaiian rolls are fluffy and delicate. A quick dip in the custard is all they need. Extended soaking will turn them mushy.
Using cold eggs and milk: Cold ingredients don’t blend as well. Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter.
Skillet not hot enough: If your skillet is too cool, the rolls will just soak instead of sizzle. You want that golden crust!
Skipping the pinch of salt: A touch of salt enhances flavor and keeps the dish from tasting flat. Don’t forget it!

Best Side Dishes

To turn this into a full-on breakfast feast, pair your sweet French toast bites with some delicious companions:

Scrambled eggs or omelet: Balance the sweetness with a savory touch.
Crispy bacon or sausage: The salty crunch beautifully complements the soft, sweet toast.
Fresh fruit salad: Adds color, freshness, and cuts through the richness.
Greek yogurt and granola: For a creamy, crunchy contrast on the side.

Expert Recipe Tips

Take your French toast game to the next level with these pro tips:

Add a splash of orange zest: It gives a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Use flavored creamer instead of milk: Try vanilla or hazelnut creamers for added depth.
Turn it into a casserole: Want to make it for a crowd? Arrange dipped rolls in a baking dish, pour remaining custard on top, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Dust with cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle just before serving adds a caramelized touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Have leftovers? (Though we doubt you will!)

Store: Let the French toast cool completely and place in an airtight container in the fridge. Good for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm up in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or use a toaster oven for crispier results.
Freezing: Arrange cooled French toast rolls in a single layer on a tray and freeze. Transfer to a bag and store up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the rolls and reheat them in the morning.

What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?

If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, try brioche, challah, or dinner rolls. The sweeter and softer, the better.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat and a dairy-free butter substitute. Just note flavor and texture may slightly differ.

Why are my rolls soggy or falling apart?

This usually happens when too much custard is absorbed. Dip quickly and avoid over-soaking.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of on the stove?

Yes! Arrange dipped rolls in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until golden and set.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or looking for a quick weekday breakfast treat, this Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe hits all the right notes—sweet, soft, golden, and just indulgent enough.

Once you see how simple and crowd-pleasing it is, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for that pack of Hawaiian rolls week after week. And hey, why not get creative with toppings and flavors?

Have you tried this recipe or added your own twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share a picture on social media and tag us. Happy cooking—and even happier eating! 🧡

Looking for more breakfast ideas? Check out our recipes for:

Bon appétit!