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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revolution! Imagine the pillowy softness of sweet Hawaiian rolls transformed into golden, custardy perfection. This isn’t your average French toast; it’s a flavor explosion that will have you ditching the plain bread forever.

While French toast itself boasts a history stretching back to ancient Rome, this particular twist, using the undeniably delightful Hawaiian roll, is a more modern innovation. The inherent sweetness and delicate texture of these rolls elevate the classic dish to a whole new level. Think of it as a tropical vacation for your taste buds, right in your own kitchen!

What makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a melt-in-your-mouth interior. The subtle sweetness of the rolls complements the richness of the egg custard, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick and satisfying weekday breakfast. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at French toast the same way again!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes

Preparing the Custard:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is whip up that delicious custard that will soak into our Hawaiian rolls. This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention!

  1. Crack the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack all 6 of your large eggs. Make sure you don’t get any shell fragments in there! Nobody wants crunchy French toast.
  2. Whisk in the Dairy: Add the 1 cup of milk and the 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. The heavy cream adds a wonderful richness, but you can substitute with more milk if you prefer a lighter version.
  3. Sweeten the Deal: Now, pour in the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will give our French toast a touch of sweetness without being overpowering.
  4. Flavor it Up: Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices are what give French toast that warm, comforting flavor. Don’t skip them! A pinch of salt will enhance all the flavors.
  5. Whisk it All Together: Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. You want to make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and there are no streaks of yolk or white. A good whisking is key!

Soaking the Hawaiian Rolls:

Now comes the fun part – soaking those fluffy Hawaiian rolls in our custard! This step is crucial for getting that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

  1. Prepare the Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You can either keep them attached in rows of 3 or 4, or separate them completely into individual rolls. I personally like keeping them in rows because it makes them easier to flip.
  2. Submerge in Custard: Place the rolls (either in rows or individually) into the bowl with the custard. Make sure each roll is fully submerged in the liquid.
  3. Soak it Up: Let the rolls soak in the custard for at least 5 minutes per side. For extra-soft French toast, you can soak them for up to 10 minutes per side. The longer they soak, the more custard they will absorb, resulting in a richer and more decadent final product. Gently press down on the rolls to ensure they are fully saturated. Be careful not to squeeze them too hard, or they might fall apart.
  4. Gentle Handling: Carefully remove the soaked rolls from the custard, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl. You don’t want them to be dripping wet, just nicely saturated.

Cooking the French Toast:

Alright, time to cook these beauties! This is where we transform those custard-soaked rolls into golden-brown perfection.

  1. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot enough to cook the French toast evenly, but not so hot that it burns.
  2. Melt the Butter: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot pan. Let the butter melt completely and coat the surface of the pan evenly. The butter will prevent the French toast from sticking and will also add a delicious buttery flavor.
  3. Cook the First Side: Carefully place the soaked Hawaiian rolls onto the hot, buttered pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Leave enough space between the rolls so they can cook evenly.
  4. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to gently flip the rolls over. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust as needed to prevent burning.
  5. Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Remove the cooked French toast from the pan and set aside on a plate. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and repeat the cooking process with the remaining soaked rolls.

Serving and Topping:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up these delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast and add all your favorite toppings.

  1. Plate the French Toast: Arrange the cooked French toast on plates. You can serve them individually or stack them up for a more impressive presentation.
  2. Drizzle with Syrup: Drizzle generously with maple syrup. Real maple syrup is always the best choice, but you can use your favorite syrup.
  3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the French toast with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
  4. Add Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The berries add a burst of freshness and color.
  5. Optional Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can add whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or anything else that sounds delicious.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately while it’s still warm and delicious. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the French toast from steaming instead of browning.
  • Adjust the Heat: Keep a close eye on the heat and adjust as needed to prevent burning. Medium heat is usually ideal.
  • Soaking Time: The longer you soak the rolls, the softer and more flavorful the French toast will be.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, milk, and spices will make a big difference in the flavor of your French toast.
  • Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.

Variations:

  • Add Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
  • Add Liqueur: Add a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Frangelico, to the custard for an extra touch of flavor.
  • Make it Savory: Omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to the custard for a savory version. Serve with a fried egg and bacon.
  • Stuffed French Toast: Before cooking, slice the soaked rolls horizontally and fill them with cream cheese, Nutella, or your favorite filling.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the custard and soak the Hawaiian rolls ahead of time. Store the soaked rolls in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply follow the cooking instructions.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

(This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.)

  • Calories: 350-450
  • Fat: 15-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-12g
  • Cholesterol: 150-200mg
  • Sodium: 200-300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50g
  • Sugar: 20-30g
  • Protein: 8-12g

Why Hawaiian Rolls?

You might be wondering, why Hawaiian rolls specifically? Well, their slightly sweet flavor and incredibly soft texture make them absolutely perfect for French toast. They soak up the custard beautifully, resulting in a French toast that’s both rich and fluffy. Plus, their smaller size makes them ideal for individual servings.

Troubleshooting:

  • French Toast is Burning: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a longer period of time

    Hawaiian Roll French Toast

    Conclusion:

    Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve scrolled this far because something about Hawaiian Roll French Toast just screamed “weekend brunch goals,” right? And trust me, it should have! This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill French toast. The inherent sweetness and pillowy texture of the Hawaiian rolls elevate this breakfast staple to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory (if you add a little salt!), and utterly comforting.

    I know, I know, there are a million French toast recipes out there. But what sets this one apart is its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. You’re using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and the preparation is so quick and easy that even the most sleep-deprived among us can whip this up in minutes. Plus, the Hawaiian rolls create this unbelievably soft and custardy interior while maintaining a slightly crisp exterior – it’s a textural masterpiece!

    But the real reason this recipe is a must-try? It’s the sheer joy it brings. From the moment the sweet aroma fills your kitchen to the first blissful bite, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every last morsel and enjoying the company of loved ones.

    Serving Suggestions and Variations:

    Now, let’s talk about how to take this already amazing recipe to the next level. While it’s absolutely divine on its own, a few simple additions can transform it into a truly unforgettable brunch experience.

    * Fruit Frenzy: Top your French toast with a generous helping of fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, you name it! The tartness of the berries perfectly complements the sweetness of the rolls. Sliced bananas, peaches, or even a tropical fruit salad would also be fantastic.
    * Nutty Delight: Sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top for added crunch and flavor. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey will tie it all together beautifully.
    * Chocolate Indulgence: For the chocolate lovers out there, a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup is a must. You could even add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra decadent treat.
    * Savory Twist: Don’t be afraid to experiment with savory toppings! Crispy bacon, crumbled sausage, or a fried egg would all be delicious additions. A sprinkle of chives or a dollop of sour cream would also add a nice touch.
    * Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cardamom in the batter will add warmth and complexity to the flavor.

    Don’t Forget the Sides!

    To complete your brunch spread, consider serving your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage, a fresh fruit salad, or a dollop of whipped cream. A mimosa or a cup of coffee would also be the perfect accompaniment.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab a package of Hawaiian rolls, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the best French toast of your life! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

    I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add your own special twist? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking (and eating)!

    Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

    Sweet and fluffy Hawaiian roll French toast, soaked in a rich custard and cooked to golden perfection. A delightful breakfast or brunch treat!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time15 minutes
    Total Time25 minutes
    Yield6 servings
    👨‍🍳By: Lana
    📂Category: Breakfast
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 6 servings
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking.
    • Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
    • The longer you soak the rolls, the softer the French toast will be.
    • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
    • Get creative with toppings!
    • For a citrusy flavor, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard.
    • Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
    • Add a tablespoon of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Frangelico to the custard.
    • For a savory version, omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add garlic powder and onion powder. Serve with a fried egg and bacon.
    • For stuffed French toast, slice the soaked rolls horizontally and fill them with cream cheese, Nutella, or your favorite filling before cooking.
    • You can prepare the custard and soak the Hawaiian rolls ahead of time. Store the soaked rolls in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
    • Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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