Hawaiian Roll French Toast is an innovative spin on a beloved breakfast classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your typical French toast recipe, look no further than this easy-to-make dish. With the soft, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls, combined with the warm, indulgent flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and butter, this variation brings something special to the breakfast table. Let’s dive in and explore why Hawaiian Roll French Toast deserves a spot on your menu.
The Allure of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
French toast is a quintessential breakfast dish, enjoyed across the world in many variations. Traditional French toast, made with thick slices of bread, is an excellent base for soaking up the rich custard and creating that crispy, golden exterior. However, when you swap out regular bread for the iconic soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, you get an entirely new level of indulgence. The Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes the classic recipe to new heights.
The primary reason Hawaiian rolls work so well in this dish is their texture and flavor. Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft, which makes them perfect for soaking up custard while still retaining their structure. This ensures that your French toast is both tender and fluffy inside, with a delicate, crispy edge. The light sweetness from the rolls complements the warm vanilla and cinnamon custard, making each bite even more delicious. When topped with maple syrup, fresh fruits, and a dusting of powdered sugar, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is elevated to the next level of breakfast luxury.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Are the Ideal Choice for French Toast
When it comes to making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, the choice of bread is essential. Hawaiian rolls, with their buttery softness and mild sweetness, offer a unique advantage that ordinary bread simply can’t replicate. Here’s why they are the perfect match for this dish:
- Softness and Absorption: Hawaiian rolls have a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the custard mixture perfectly without falling apart. This ensures your French toast will be fluffy and moist inside while developing a crisp, caramelized crust on the outside.
- Natural Sweetness: Hawaiian rolls already have a slight sweetness, making them perfect for French toast. You don’t have to add much sugar to the custard mixture, as the bread already brings in a mild sweetness that enhances the flavor.
- Rich Flavor: The flavor of Hawaiian rolls is rich but subtle, providing a delightful background to the cinnamon, vanilla, and egg custard mixture. It adds a buttery note that makes the French toast taste even more indulgent.
- Versatility: Hawaiian rolls can be used for both savory and sweet French toast variations, making them a versatile choice. You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences or even make a savory version with herbs, cheese, and bacon.
By using Hawaiian rolls in your French toast, you’re choosing an ingredient that naturally complements the rich, comforting qualities of French toast without overwhelming the dish. They make the recipe easier to prepare while elevating the final result.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly simple, but it yields an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy Sunday breakfast or a special brunch gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Here’s how you can prepare this mouthwatering breakfast:
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for a richer French toast)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls: Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half, horizontally. You want to create thick slices—this ensures the French toast will hold its structure while soaking up the custard mixture.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until smooth and well-combined. You want to create a thick custard that will coat the rolls evenly.
- Soak the Rolls: Dip each half of the Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture. Ensure both sides are fully soaked but not too soggy, as you want the rolls to hold their shape when cooked. Allow them to soak for 10-15 seconds before cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the soaked Hawaiian rolls on the skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas. For an added indulgence, you can also add a dollop of whipped cream.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Flavored Custard: Add a splash of orange zest or a teaspoon of almond extract to the custard mixture for an added layer of flavor.
- Stuffed French Toast: If you want to make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast even more decadent, slice the rolls horizontally and stuff them with cream cheese or Nutella before soaking them in the custard. This creates a gooey, rich filling inside each slice.
- Nutty French Toast: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the custard mixture for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
Perfect Toppings for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Toppings can completely transform the flavor profile of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast. While maple syrup is the traditional choice, you can get creative with your toppings to create a more personalized breakfast experience. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries add a burst of color and freshness to your French toast. The acidity from the berries helps balance the sweetness of the bread.
- Bananas: Sliced bananas add a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the rich, buttery French toast.
- Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, top your French toast with fresh whipped cream. This adds a light, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
- Chocolate Chips: For those who enjoy a sweeter breakfast, sprinkle chocolate chips over your Hawaiian Roll French Toast just before serving. As the chips melt, they create a gooey, delicious layer.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your French toast can add richness and a smooth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances the appearance and provides an extra layer of sweetness.
Toppings are a fun way to personalize your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, and the combinations are nearly endless. Whether you prefer a simple drizzle of syrup or an extravagant topping, each addition enhances the overall experience.
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast Savory
While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is traditionally a sweet dish, it can also be made savory. By omitting the sugar and cinnamon from the custard mixture and instead adding herbs, cheeses, and savory fillings, you can create a delicious, non-sweet breakfast. Here’s how to make savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
Savory Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bacon or sausage (for serving)
Instructions for Savory Version
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls into thick slices.
- Make the Savory Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Soak and Cook: Dip the slices of Hawaiian rolls into the savory custard mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cook in a skillet with a little butter, just like you would for the sweet version.
- Serve: Serve with crispy bacon, a side of sausage, or even a poached egg on top.
Savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be the perfect brunch dish, especially when paired with a nice, tangy hollandaise sauce or some fresh avocado.
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast in Advance
One of the great things about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is that it can be prepared ahead of time. This makes it an excellent choice for busy mornings, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. Furthermore, by preparing it in advance, you can save valuable time and still enjoy a delicious breakfast. As a result, it’s both convenient and delicious, perfect for any occasion.
Overnight French Toast
To make your French toast ahead of time, you can soak the rolls in the custard mixture overnight. Simply prepare the custard and dip the rolls as usual, then place them in a baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just pop the dish into the oven and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Freezing French Toast
You can also freeze the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast. After cooking, let the French toast cool completely, then store individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags. To reheat, place the slices in the toaster or on a skillet for a crispy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Can I make this recipe with other types of bread?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe, you can use other sweet breads like brioche or challah. These breads also have a soft texture and mild sweetness, though they may not match the exact flavor of Hawaiian rolls.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of whole milk or cream. The texture and flavor will still be great!
How can I make my French toast extra crispy?
To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the skillet is well-heated before adding the rolls. Use a good amount of butter to help crisp up the edges. You can also sprinkle a bit of sugar over the French toast while it cooks for an added crunch.
Can I use fresh Hawaiian rolls or do they need to be stale?
You can use fresh Hawaiian rolls, but day-old rolls will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy. If using fresh rolls, try letting them sit out for a few hours before making the French toast.
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast without eggs?
Yes! You can make an egg-free version of this recipe using a plant-based custard made with unsweetened applesauce and non-dairy milk. This will mimic the creamy consistency of traditional custard, offering a smooth texture without the eggs. In addition, this substitution makes the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. As a result, you can still enjoy a delicious, egg-free version of this dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve its texture, reheat in the toaster or on a skillet for the best results. Alternatively, you can also microwave it, but this may affect the crispiness. As a result, reheating it on the stove or toaster provides the closest match to the original freshness.