Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

French toast is a timeless breakfast favorite, but when made with sweet Hawaiian rolls, it transforms into something extra special. These pillowy-soft rolls, already rich in flavor with a hint of sweetness, soak up the creamy custard mixture beautifully—resulting in a golden, tender French toast with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for lazy weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fun twist on the classic dish.

What makes this version stand out is the use of bite-sized rolls that are crisp on the outside and custardy on the inside. Lightly flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, the egg mixture infuses the rolls with just the right amount of sweetness and warmth. Topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and maybe a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, this dish is as pretty as it is delicious.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. It’s comfort food at its finest—familiar, cozy, and undeniably tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Texture: Soft, fluffy rolls with a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
Naturally Sweet Base: Hawaiian rolls add a built-in sweetness and flavor boost.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for feeding a group or family on special mornings.
Customizable Toppings: Dress it up with fruit, syrup, whipped cream, or nuts.
Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it a go-to recipe for any skill level.

Ingredients

Sweet Hawaiian rolls
Half and half
Eggs
Light brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Berries (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Variations

Stuffed French Toast: Slice rolls open and fill with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping.
Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and top with bacon and eggs.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of half and half and plant-based butter.
Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard for seasonal flair.
Overnight Bake: Assemble in a dish and refrigerate overnight for a next-day casserole-style breakfast.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 2: Cut and Dip the Rolls

Separate the Hawaiian rolls and, if desired, cut them in half for better soak coverage. Dip each roll or piece into the custard, letting them soak briefly to absorb the mixture.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

Step 5: Plate and Top

Transfer to a serving platter. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Add berries and whipped cream if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use day-old rolls if possible—they soak up the custard better without becoming mushy.
Don’t oversoak the rolls; a few seconds is enough to keep them tender but not soggy.
Cook on medium heat to allow the custard to cook through without burning the outside.
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned griddle for even cooking and easy flipping.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm with generous dustings of powdered sugar and a pour of real maple syrup. Add fresh berries for brightness and a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a brunch spread, pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled French toast in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Flash-freeze cooked pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

Warm in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispy edges. Microwave is convenient but may soften the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, but the unique sweetness and texture of Hawaiian rolls are what make this version special.

2. Do I need to toast or dry out the rolls first?

It’s not necessary, but using slightly stale rolls helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

3. Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Place soaked rolls in a buttered dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

4. Is it okay to prep this the night before?

Yes, you can soak the rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Cook fresh in the morning for best results.

5. Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Absolutely. Whole milk works well, though the result will be slightly less rich.

6. How can I keep them warm for serving?

Place cooked French toast in a warm oven (around 200°F/93°C) until ready to serve.

7. What toppings go best?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

8. Can I make a large batch for a crowd?

Yes, use multiple pans or a griddle, or bake them all at once in a casserole dish.

9. Are Hawaiian rolls gluten-free?

Traditional Hawaiian rolls are not, but you can find or make gluten-free versions for this recipe.

10. Can kids help make this?

Yes! Kids can whisk the custard and help dip the rolls—with adult supervision during cooking.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast comfort food—quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable. The sweet, fluffy rolls paired with a warm vanilla-cinnamon custard create a dish that’s both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or indulging on a quiet Sunday morning, this recipe is sure to delight. One bite, and it just might become your new brunch tradition.