Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This recipe transforms sweet Hawaiian rolls into a scrumptious French toast dish that is perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion. The soft and fluffy texture paired with the warm notes of cinnamon makes it an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Deliciously Sweet: The natural sweetness of Hawaiian rolls enhances the flavor of traditional French toast.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup for a fun breakfast experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it great for family gatherings or brunch parties.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will adore this tasty breakfast, making it an easy way to start the day off right.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Toothpick or skewer
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making flipping easier.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for whisking the egg mixture without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly combining the ingredients.

Ingredients

For this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you will need:

Main Ingredients

• 1 (12 pack) of Kings sweet Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup half and half (or whole milk if that’s all you have)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 small pinch salt
• 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted is fine)
• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup for topping

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. Crack your eggs into a large bowl and add the half and half.
2. Whisk until fully combined so you no longer see bits of egg whites.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

1. Add in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Whisk again until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

1. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes in the bottom of each roll to help absorb the egg mixture.
2. Drop a few rolls at a time into the mixture and allow them to soak for about 30 seconds—no longer!

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

1. Heat your non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
2. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter to melt in the pan.
3. Carefully add soaked rolls to the pan; cook each side for about 30 seconds until golden brown—turn them to cook all sides.

Step 5: Serve Your Creation

1. Once all rolls are cooked, serve immediately while warm.
2. Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup for an extra special touch!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast option that can be served in various ways to enhance its sweetness and flavor. Whether you prefer classic toppings or unique additions, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Classic Toppings

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the rolls for a rich, sweet flavor that complements the cinnamon.

Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a burst of freshness and color.
• Banana Slices: Add sliced bananas for extra creaminess and natural sweetness.

Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Top your French toast with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.

Nut Butters

• Almond Butter: For a nutty twist, spread almond butter on the rolls before adding syrup.
• Peanut Butter: A layer of peanut butter offers a protein boost and rich flavor.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm French toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Creating the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Stale Rolls: Day-old Hawaiian rolls absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure your egg mixture is well combined for even coating on each roll.
• Control Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning.
• Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to gently turn each roll to avoid tearing them apart.
• Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or orange zest for added depth.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the rolls right after cooking while they are still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Pairing side dishes with Hawaiian Roll French Toast can enhance your breakfast experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the toast.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and complement the sweet flavors nicely.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your meal.
5. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach brings a healthy green element to your plate.
6. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add tropical flair and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Over-soaking the rolls: If you soak the rolls for too long, they will become mushy. Limit soaking time to about 30 seconds.
• Using high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside of the rolls while leaving the inside uncooked. Stick to medium-low heat for best results.
• Not whisking thoroughly: Failing to fully combine the egg mixture can result in uneven flavor. Ensure all ingredients are well-blended before soaking the rolls.
• Skipping toppings: Serving your French toast plain misses out on delicious flavors. Add powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for an irresistible finish.
• Using stale rolls: Freshness counts! Stale Hawaiian rolls will not absorb the egg mixture properly. Use soft, fresh rolls for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the French toast to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Label the bags with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast without eggs?

You can use a mixture of plant-based milk and a vegan egg substitute like flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacers. This will give you similar results without using eggs.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! While Hawaiian rolls give a unique sweetness, you can substitute with any soft bread like brioche or challah if you prefer.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Popular toppings include powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup. You can mix and match according to your taste!

How can I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or even incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for added flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can soak the rolls in the egg mixture and refrigerate them overnight before cooking them in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and flavors to suit your preferences. This recipe is perfect for brunches or cozy breakfasts at home, so gather your ingredients and enjoy this delightful dish soon!