Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this dish stands out with its unique flavor and delightful texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in no time.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetness creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special holiday brunch or a weekday treat, this dish fits any setting.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or top it with fresh fruit and syrup for added flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love these soft and sweet rolls – making breakfast fun!
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for whisking ingredients together without spills.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth custard mixture, crucial for flavor absorption.
- Spatula: Perfect for flipping the rolls gently while cooking, avoiding breakage.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
– 3 large eggs
– 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
– Powdered sugar (fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving)
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until everything is incorporated.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds. Turn to coat all sides but avoid soaking them too long to prevent sogginess.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the soaked rolls into the skillet. Cook each side for about 30-60 seconds until they are golden brown. Use a spatula to flip them gently to ensure all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries or maple syrup if desired. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with family and friends!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these suggestions will elevate your experience.
Classic Toppings
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting brings sweetness and elegance to each bite.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle this classic syrup over the warm rolls for a comforting touch.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and freshness.
Gourmet Additions
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a rich texture perfect for special occasions.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for an island twist that complements the Hawaiian rolls.
- Nutella: Spread a layer of this chocolate-hazelnut delight for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Compote
- Berry Compote: Warm berry compote can enhance the sweetness and provide a luscious sauce to pour over your French toast.
- Banana Foster Style: Sauté bananas in brown sugar and butter for an extravagant topping that adds warmth and flavor.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
To make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Rolls: Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls absorb the custard better, resulting in a soft texture.
- Soak Briefly: Make sure not to soak the rolls too long. A quick dip ensures they remain fluffy instead of soggy.
- Control the Heat: Cook on medium-low heat. This allows the insides to cook through without burning the outside.
- Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom in your custard for added depth.
- Try Different Milks: For creamier French toast, use whole milk or even coconut milk as an alternative to half-and-half.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can make for a complete meal. Here are some ideas that work wonderfully together.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds savory crunch to balance the sweetness of the French toast.
- Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links provide hearty protein that complements the dish nicely.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that contrasts with the richness of the toast.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a satisfying crunch and are great for breakfast lovers.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can cleanse the palate while adding brightness to your plate.
- Eggs Any Style: Scrambled or poached eggs add a protein boost, making this meal more filling.
- Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl full of fruits and nuts offers a nutritious balance alongside your sweet main dish.
- Avocado Toast: For something trendy, serve avocado toast topped with fresh herbs for added flavor contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your breakfast turns out perfectly.
- Over-soaking the rolls: If you let the rolls soak for too long, they’ll become soggy. Limit soaking time to 30 seconds per side.
- Ignoring the heat level: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Stick with medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Not using enough butter: Insufficient butter can lead to sticking and uneven browning. Make sure to use enough butter in your skillet or griddle.
- Neglecting toppings: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is delightful on its own but adding fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or syrup elevates it. Don’t skip these extras!
- Skipping the holes: Forgetting to poke holes in the rolls can prevent the custard from soaking in. Use a toothpick to create several holes before dipping.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Can I use other types of bread?
Certainly! You can substitute other sweet breads or brioche if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, and powdered sugar all complement this dish beautifully!
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using whole milk instead of half and half and reduce the amount of brown sugar used. You can also add fruits as toppings instead of syrup.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls ahead of time. Just cook them right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a breakfast; it’s an experience filled with warmth and sweetness. The fluffy texture combined with delightful toppings makes it versatile for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite fruits or syrups and enjoy this heavenly dish at your next brunch!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a breakfast treat that brings joy to any morning gathering. This recipe transforms soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a heavenly dish coated in a creamy custard of eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with fresh fruit and syrup, this French toast is versatile enough for special occasions or simple family breakfasts. Easy to prepare, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) King's Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until blended.
- Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until fully combined.
- Poke holes in the bottom of each roll with a toothpick; dip each roll into custard for about 30 seconds.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat; add soaked rolls and cook for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
