French Toast Hawaiian Rolls

You know those weekend mornings when everyone shuffles into the kitchen, still in their pajamas, with that hopeful look? That’s when I reach for a bag of those sweet, fluffy rolls and turn them into something magical. This recipe for French Toast Hawaiian Rolls is my family’s absolute favorite.

It transforms a simple package of sweet rolls into a decadent, custardy breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. The best part? It’s so easy.

You get all the cozy comfort of classic French toast, but the sweet, buttery Hawaiian rolls make it extra special and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let me show you how to make this unforgettable dish.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FRENCH TOAST HAWAIIAN ROLLS RECIPE

You will adore this French Toast Hawaiian Rolls recipe because it is incredibly simple yet feels so indulgent. The pre-sliced rolls are a huge time-saver. Furthermore, their inherent sweetness and soft texture soak up the custard beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth result every single time.

This recipe for French Toast Hawaiian Rolls is also wonderfully versatile. You can easily double it for a brunch crowd or add your favorite mix-ins. Honestly, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes any morning feel like a celebration.

Print

Ingredients You’ll Need

Quantity	Ingredient	Notes
1 (12 count) package	Hawaiian sweet rolls	Keep them connected in the tray.
4 large	Eggs
1 cup	Milk	Whole or 2% works best.
1/3 cup	Heavy cream or half-and-half	For extra richness.
2 teaspoons	Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon	Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon	Ground nutmeg	Optional, but delicious.
Pinch	Salt	Balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons	Unsalted butter	For cooking.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have heavy cream? Use all milk. For a dairy-free version, almond or oat milk works well.

Feel free to add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to the custard. Love a crunch? Mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the egg mixture.

You can also bake your French Toast Hawaiian Rolls! Simply arrange the soaked rolls in a buttered dish and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. For a fun twist, try making a baked French Toast Casserole with Hawaiian Rolls by tearing the rolls into chunks before soaking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the rolls: Gently place the entire sheet of connected Hawaiian rolls on a cutting board. Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice the whole slab in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom “slab.” Set aside.
2. Make the custard: In a large, shallow dish (a 9×13 pan is perfect), whisk the eggs vigorously. Then, whisk in the milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth and combined.
3. Soak the rolls: One at a time, place each Hawaiian roll slab into the custard. Let it soak for about 30-60 seconds per side. You want the bread to absorb the liquid but not become soggy and fall apart.
4. Cook: Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot and bubbling, add the soaked slabs. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve: Transfer the cooked French Toast Hawaiian Rolls to a plate. Slice along the perforations and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Success

First, do not over-soak your Hawaiian rolls. Their soft texture absorbs liquid quickly. A quick dip is all you need.

Second, use medium, not high, heat. This ensures the inside cooks fully before the outside burns. Finally, let your skillet get properly hot before adding the butter and rolls. This prevents sticking and gives you that perfect golden crust on your French Toast Hawaiian Rolls.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store any leftover French Toast Hawaiian Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a toaster or a skillet over medium heat.

This method helps restore a little crispness. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture can become mushy.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These decadent French Toast Hawaiian Rolls are a complete meal on their own, but a few sides make it spectacular. We love them with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links for a salty contrast. Of course, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is essential.

Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar also take this French Toast Hawaiian Rolls recipe to the next level. A cold glass of milk or orange juice completes the perfect breakfast plate.

FAQs

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You can, but the result won’t be as sweet or tender. The unique sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls is what makes this French Toast Hawaiian Rolls recipe so special.

Can I make this the night before?

Absolutely! For a baked casserole version, assemble the soaked rolls in a dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning. For stovetop French Toast Hawaiian Rolls, I prefer to soak and cook fresh.

Why are my rolls soggy in the middle?

This usually means the heat was too high, cooking the outside too fast before the inside set. Next time, cook over medium heat for a slightly longer time. Also, ensure you didn’t oversoak the bread.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount (per roll)
Calories	~180
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	22g
Sugars	10g
Protein	5g

French toast is a popular breakfast dish made by soaking bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then frying it. The dish has many international variations and is often served with sweet toppings like maple syrup or fruit. Learn more about its global history and adaptations on Wikipedia.