Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Have you ever wanted to elevate your brunch game with an easy yet irresistibly delicious twist? Let me introduce you to Hawaiian Roll French Toast—a little culinary adventure that’s about to make your breakfast plate your favorite canvas.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delicious take on classic French toast. I love using rich Hawaiian rolls, which soak up the creamy milk and egg mixture inside.

My favorite part is the hint of cinnamon and vanilla that adds a warm, comforting flavor. With a touch of butter for cooking, it’s a breakfast delight, especially when served with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian rolls: Soft, sweet bread; high in carbohydrates, enhancing sweetness.
• Eggs: Rich in protein; essential for creating a custard-like dip.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess; source of calcium and vitamins.
• Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet, aromatic flavor; no nutritional value.
• Ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and spice; contains antioxidants.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dish; high in carbohydrates.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor; contains fats; helps toast brown.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

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How to Make this

1. Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half along the horizontal plane.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
• Eggs (4 large)
• Whole milk (2 cups)
• Pure vanilla extract (1 T)
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• (Near) Lots of salt (1 D pinch)

Whisk all the above together until the mixture is homogeneous.

3. A large non-stick skillet or griddle should be preheated over medium heat, and 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter should be added to melt.

4. Immerse each part of the divided rolls into the egg mix, guaranteeing they are uniformly enveloped yet not saturated. There’s a fine line here, and it’s easily crossed. If you end up with wet bread, the whole thing will just fall apart.

5. Carefully put the two half rolls, which have been coated, onto the hot skillet (or griddle) and do not allow them to touch each other while they sit in the pan.

6. Prepare the rolls for frying, and heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is at the desired temperature, place the rolls in the skillet, seam side down. Cook the rolls for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have cooked through.

7. As needed, add the last 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet, and keep cooking the remainder of the rolls.

8. Once all the rolls are finished cooking, take them out of the skillet and keep them warm.

9. The French Toast made with Hawaiian Rolls needs a good drizzle of maple syrup to serve it properly.

10. Top with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and to make it look nice.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Bread knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Large non-stick skillet or griddle
8. Spatula
9. Tongs (optional, for handling rolls)
10. Plate or tray (to keep cooked rolls warm)
11. Small sieve (for dusting powdered sugar, optional)

FAQ

• Q:Am I allowed to use another kind of roll or bread in place of Hawaiian rolls? A: You may use another kind of roll or bread in place of Hawaiian rolls and still achieve similar textures, though the kind of flavor produced won’t be nearly as good or nearly as unique.
• Q:How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
  Ensure that the rolls are soaked quickly and then cooked on medium heat until they are golden brown. This gives them a crisp exterior.
• Q:Is it possible for me to ready the batter beforehand? A: It is possible; you can combine the egg batter the night before and keep it in storage, covered and in the refrigerator.
• Q:Can whole milk be non-dairy?
  You can use either almond milk or coconut milk in this recipe as a substitute for dairy milk.
• Q:What is the best method to maintain the warmth of prepared French toast?
  A:
  Put the cooked French toast on a baking sheet and hold it in a warm oven (about 200°F) until you are ready to serve. This holds true whether there is one serving or a half-dozen. You could also use an electric warming tray. And if you have nobody to serve that night, there is no reason not to reheat, cover, and serve the next morning.
• Q:What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
  A: This dish is beautifully complemented by maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Almond milk or oat milk can be substituted for whole milk in a dairy-free version.
Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract to achieve a different flavor in a recipe.
You can substitute honey or maple syrup for granulated sugar to use a natural sweetener in its place.
Coconut oil can be used instead of unsalted butter to add a subtle hint of tropical flavor.
Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternative toppings for maple syrup.

Pro Tips

1. For an extra flavorful twist, try adding a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture. This will infuse the French toast with a subtle citrus aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.

2. To prevent the rolls from getting too soggy when dipping them into the egg mixture, try using day-old Hawaiian rolls. Slightly stale rolls will absorb the custard more evenly without becoming overly saturated.

3. When whisking the egg mixture, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before dipping the rolls. This will help ensure that each bite of French toast is evenly sweetened and will also prevent any grainy texture.

4. For a deeper caramelized flavor, consider using a mix of butter and a neutral cooking oil (like canola or vegetable oil) when frying the rolls. The oil has a higher smoke point, which will help prevent the butter from burning, allowing the rolls to develop a nice golden crust.

5. If you’re serving a crowd, keep the cooked French toast warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack while you finish cooking the rest. This will ensure they remain crispy on the outside and warm on the inside without becoming soggy.