Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Okay, real talk: if you’re still making French toast with stale white bread, you’re missing out on life. Seriously. Hawaiian rolls are soft, fluffy, sweet little pillows sent directly from the carb gods. Turning them into French toast? Pure breakfast genius.

I stumbled upon this recipe after buying a pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls just because they were on sale. I swear those rolls have a magnetic field because they somehow end up in my cart every time. And then… BAM. Hawaiian Roll French Toast happened. And now I’m here to share this heavenly secret with you. Ready to make brunch history? Let’s go.

What Makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast So Special?

So, what’s the big deal, right? Why can’t we just use regular bread?

Well:

• Hawaiian rolls are soft and slightly sweet, which makes them perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart.
• They caramelize beautifully when cooked, giving you that golden-brown exterior.
• They’re bite-sized, making this the cutest French toast you’ll ever eat.
• Did I mention they taste like happiness?

Honestly, once you try this, you’ll never look back. Ever wondered why your French toast always feels a little… meh? This is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need (aka, Your Grocery List)

Let’s keep it simple, because nobody has time for fancy stuff at 8 a.m.

For the French Toast:

• 1 pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or even half & half if you’re feeling fancy)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter (for the pan)

Optional Toppings (but honestly, mandatory IMO 😉):

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Nutella (because why not?)

If you already have these ingredients at home, congrats — you’re halfway to breakfast greatness.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast (Without Burning Your Kitchen Down)

Don’t worry — if I can do this half-asleep on a Sunday morning, you totally can too.

Step 1: Slice & Prep

Take your Hawaiian rolls and slice each one in half horizontally. You’ll end up with 24 little halves. Keep them together if you want, but I like separating them because they cook more evenly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. FYI: whisk it until it looks smooth and the cinnamon doesn’t sit on top like it’s judging you.

Step 3: Dunk Those Rolls

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter. While it heats, dip each roll half into the custard. Don’t soak them for too long — just a quick dunk so they’re coated but not soggy. Nobody likes mushy toast.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Place the soaked rolls on the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown. Don’t wander off — these babies cook fast.

Step 5: Serve & Devour

Stack them on a plate, drizzle with syrup, dust with powdered sugar, throw some berries on there, and take a picture for Instagram (because, obviously).

Tips & Tricks for Next-Level French Toast

Because I’ve messed this up enough times to know better:

• Use day-old rolls — they soak up custard better without falling apart.
• Cook in butter, not oil. Trust me, you want that rich, buttery flavor.
• If cooking for a crowd, keep finished rolls in a warm oven while you cook the rest.
• Want to make it extra? Stuff the rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dunking. You’re welcome.

Ever wondered why your French toast doesn’t taste like the fancy brunch spot’s? These little hacks are probably the reason.

Why This Recipe Beats Every Other French Toast

Here’s where I throw a little shade at regular French toast (no offense if you’re loyal to your Wonder Bread).

Feature	Regular French Toast	Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Flavor	Meh.	Sweet, buttery, perfect.
Texture	Sometimes soggy.	Soft inside, crisp outside.
Presentation	Boring.	Cute AF.
Portion size	Big slabs.	Perfect bite-sized pieces.

So yeah… unless you like being basic, the choice here is obvious.

Perfect Occasions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Not that you even need an excuse, but here are a few:

• Brunch with friends — because nothing says “I’m a culinary genius” like this recipe.
• Mother’s Day or Father’s Day — parents love carbs.
• Lazy weekend mornings — treat yourself.
• Holiday mornings — imagine this with Christmas music and hot cocoa.

Basically, if you’re breathing, it’s a good time for Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

FAQS abouut Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the custard and slice the rolls the night before. Cook them fresh, though — they’re best hot off the skillet.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yep! Almond, oat, soy — go wild. Just don’t come at me if it tastes a little different. 😉

Can I bake them instead?

You could, but IMO the skillet gives you that crispy golden crust that baking just can’t.

How to Serve: Keep It Fun & Fancy

If you want to impress (or just feel fancy), try one of these serving ideas:

• Mini Skewers: Stack rolls with fruit on toothpicks for a brunch party.
• French Toast Bar: Lay out toppings and let everyone build their own.
• Stuffed Versions: Like I said before, add cream cheese, jam, or Nutella inside before cooking.

Ever wondered why brunch spots charge $18 for something like this? Because presentation = $$$.

Related Recipes

• Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies Recipe 
• Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
• Banana Blueberry Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Final Thoughts about Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Look, if you’re still reading this, it means you’re curious… or hungry… or both. Either way, you need to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ASAP.

It’s easy, impressive, and honestly kind of addictive. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe you can whip up in your pajamas without burning the house down. (Well, unless you leave the skillet unattended, but that’s on you. 😜)

So grab a pack of Hawaiian rolls, crack some eggs, and live your best brunch life. And don’t forget to snap a pic before devouring it — because your followers deserve to know you’re a breakfast boss.

TL;DR?

• Hawaiian rolls > regular bread.
• Sweet, fluffy, perfect for French toast.
• Easy enough for beginners, fancy enough to impress.
• Best eaten hot with all the toppings.

What are you waiting for? Go make some magic.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes — and if you discover an even better topping combo, don’t gatekeep. Share it! 🧡

Happy brunching! 🥞✨