HAWAIIAN ROLL FRENCH TOAST

Oh my goodness, you’re in for such a treat! Think pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls transformed into the most incredible French toast you’ve ever tasted. Every bite is pure breakfast heaven – imagine sweet, fluffy clouds of bread infused with warm cinnamon and brown sugar. When I first spotted this genius idea on Chef Candace’s TikTok, I couldn’t wait to get in my kitchen and try it!

You see, these aren’t your typical French toast slices. The Hawaiian rolls create these perfect little French toast bites that get golden and crispy on the outside while staying irresistibly tender inside. My family goes absolutely crazy for these, especially when I serve them alongside crispy bacon – the sweet-and-salty combo is pure magic!

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

Let me count the ways you’ll fall in love with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast! First, those pillowy-soft rolls soak up the custard mixture like little sponges, creating the most incredible texture. Each bite practically melts in your mouth while still maintaining that perfect French toast structure.

What makes this recipe extra special is how versatile it is. You can dress these up for a fancy brunch (perfect for when you’re hosting guests for breakfast or brunch!) or keep them simple for a cozy weekend morning. The individual roll portions are also ideal for little hands, making this a family-friendly breakfast winner.

The best part? While traditional French toast can sometimes turn out soggy or unevenly cooked, these Hawaiian roll versions are practically foolproof. The rolls hold their shape beautifully while soaking up just the right amount of the egg mixture, giving you that perfect French toast texture every single time.

Quick tips:
– Look for King’s Hawaiian rolls for the best results
– Don’t skip the pinch of salt – it enhances all those sweet flavors
– Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries
– Keep extras (if you have any!) in an airtight container for up to 2 days

Ingredients Overview

Let’s talk about what makes these Hawaiian roll French toast bites so incredible! Here’s everything you’ll need:

The Essential Ingredients

• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These pillowy-soft rolls are our star ingredient! Their natural sweetness and tender texture make them perfect for soaking up our custard mixture. Unlike regular bread, these rolls have a divine honeyed note that really shines through.

• Eggs: The foundation of our custard mixture. They provide structure and richness, similar to what I use in my cinnamon roll French toast. Room temperature eggs work best here!

• Half and Half: This gives us the perfect balance of richness without being too heavy. You can substitute whole milk for a lighter version, but the half and half creates that dreamy, custard-like interior we’re after.

• Brown Sugar: I love using this instead of regular granulated sugar. It adds a gorgeous caramel note and helps create those crispy, caramelized edges when cooking.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth. Don’t skip this!

• Cinnamon: Just enough to complement without overpowering the rolls’ natural sweetness.

Success Tips & Tricks

Let me share some game-changing tips I’ve learned while testing this recipe (and yes, I’ve made these countless times!):

• The most crucial tip? Don’t oversoak your rolls! Just like when making breakfast classics, timing is everything. A quick 30-second dip is perfect – any longer and they’ll become too mushy.

• Use a fork to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll. This helps the custard mixture penetrate evenly through the bread.

• Keep your heat at medium-low. These rolls have more sugar content than regular bread, so they can brown quickly. Lower heat ensures the inside cooks while the outside gets perfectly golden.

• Let the custard mixture sit for about 5 minutes after whisking – this allows the cinnamon to fully incorporate and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Work in batches if needed. Don’t crowd your pan – these little rolls need space to brown evenly on all sides.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making these incredibly fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast pieces! The process is simple but requires some attention to detail for the best results.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

Start by whisking together your base ingredients in a large bowl:
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup half and half
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

The bowl needs to be large enough to fit several rolls for dipping. Whisk until the mixture is completely combined and smooth, with no streaks of egg remaining.

Prepping and Soaking the Rolls

Here’s my favorite trick – take a toothpick or wooden skewer and poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This helps the egg mixture absorb better into the thick, fluffy bread. Just like my cinnamon roll pancakes, getting the right texture is key!

Only soak the rolls for about 30 seconds – any longer and they’ll become too soggy. I learned this the hard way! Work in batches based on your pan size.

Cooking Method

– Melt 2-3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat
– Place soaked rolls in the pan, leaving space between each
– Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
– Gently turn to brown all sides, including the edges

Recipe Variations

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast pieces are wonderfully versatile! For a special breakfast spread like my breakfast sausage crescent rolls, try these variations:

Toppings and Garnishes

– Fresh berries and whipped cream
– Maple syrup and banana slices
– Nutella and strawberries
– Cream cheese glaze (like on my breakfast pastry bars)
– Crushed nuts and honey

Flavor Twists

– Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the egg mixture
– Swap vanilla extract for almond extract
– Mix in orange zest for brightness
– Use coconut milk instead of half and half
– Sprinkle with coconut flakes before serving

Remember to keep your heat at medium-low throughout cooking. This ensures the outside gets perfectly golden while the inside stays soft and custardy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these Hawaiian rolls the night before?

You sure can! While I prefer making them fresh (just like my hearty breakfast casseroles), you can mix the egg mixture ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Just give it a good whisk in the morning before dipping your rolls!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. I wouldn’t recommend microwaving – it can make them a bit soggy. Though honestly, we rarely have leftovers at my house!

My French toast seems soggy in the middle – what went wrong?

This usually happens when the rolls soak too long or the heat is too high. Remember my 30-second rule for soaking, and keep that heat at medium-low. Think of it like making the perfect grilled cheese – slow and steady wins the race!

Can I freeze these?

Yes! Cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them straight from frozen into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Recipe Notes & Tips

– Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and half-and-half come to room temperature for the best absorption into the rolls.
– Pan Selection: A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan works best here.
– Don’t Rush: If you notice the outside browning too quickly, lower your heat. The inside needs time to cook through.
– Make Ahead: The egg mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Sweet friends, I hope you give these Hawaiian Roll French Toast pieces a try! They’ve become a weekend favorite in our house, and I just know you’re going to love them too. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me – seeing your creations absolutely makes my day! Happy baking! 💕

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. If you run into any problems or have questions, drop them in the comments below – I’m always here to help!