Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Breakfast

Introduction

If you’re looking for a fun and indulgent way to elevate your breakfast or brunch, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the answer. This mouthwatering twist on traditional French toast uses soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls instead of the typical bread, resulting in a fluffy, flavorful, and slightly tropical dish that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. The sweet and soft texture of the rolls combined with a rich custard soak creates a breakfast experience unlike any other, and the tropical flair is added with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Whether served with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to become a new family favorite.

In this article, we’ll dive into why Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a must-try, walk you through the easy step-by-step process of making it, and share tips and variations to make this recipe even more personalized. If you’re a French toast fan, or you just want to try something new, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical Flavor: Hawaiian rolls bring a touch of sweetness to the classic French toast, and when combined with tropical toppings like coconut and pineapple, it offers a delightful flavor profile.
• Soft and Fluffy: The soft, pillow-like texture of the Hawaiian rolls is ideal for soaking up the rich custard mixture, giving each bite a decadent softness.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings or a weekend breakfast.
• Customizable: You can customize the French toast with your favorite toppings, fruits, or even mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: Hawaiian Roll French Toast can easily be scaled up for larger groups, making it perfect for family gatherings, brunch parties, or holiday breakfasts.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on how many pieces you cut from the rolls.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 7g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 8-10 Hawaiian rolls: These soft, sweet rolls are the star of the dish and provide the perfect base for the French toast. You can use the classic variety or try the King’s Hawaiian rolls for added sweetness.
• 4 large eggs: The eggs provide structure and richness to the custard mixture.
• 1 cup whole milk: For a creamy custard that soaks into the rolls.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and gives the French toast a decadent texture.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture and enhances the tropical flavors.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added warmth and flavor in the custard.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
• A pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors of the custard.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For cooking the French toast and adding flavor to the crispy edges.

For the Toppings:

• Maple syrup: For drizzling over the French toast, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Adds a tropical crunch and extra sweetness.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: To bring a fresh, fruity element to the dish.
• Whipped cream (optional): For a creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the French toast.
• Powdered sugar (optional): For a light dusting on top of the French toast for extra sweetness and a polished look.

First Step: PREPARE THE HAWAIIAN ROLLS

1. Cut the Rolls: Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. If you prefer smaller portions, you can cut them into quarters, but larger halves work best for the traditional French toast experience.
2. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the cut rolls in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You want the rolls to fit snugly together so they can soak up the custard mixture evenly.

Second Step: MAKE THE CUSTARD MIXTURE

1. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and brown sugar until smooth. The eggs will provide structure, and the cream will add richness.
2. Add the Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon adds warmth, and the vanilla enhances the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
3. Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the Hawaiian rolls in the baking dish. Use a spoon to gently press down the rolls so they soak up the custard. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to ensure the custard is absorbed.

Third Step: COOK THE FRENCH TOAST

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, it’s time to cook the French toast.
2. Cook the French Toast: Working in batches, place the soaked rolls in the pan, cut side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the French toast to cook unevenly.
3. Continue Cooking: Once the first batch is done, transfer the French toast to a plate and keep it warm by covering it loosely with foil. Continue cooking the remaining rolls until all are golden and crispy.

Fourth Step: TOAST THE COCONUT AND ASSEMBLE

1. Toast the Coconut: While the French toast is cooking, toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Toppings: Cut fresh pineapple into small chunks or rings. If you’re using whipped cream, prepare it by either whipping heavy cream with a touch of sugar or using store-bought whipped cream.

Final Step: ASSEMBLE AND SERVE

1. Plate the French Toast: Place the cooked French toast on individual plates. Drizzle with warm maple syrup for sweetness.
2. Top with Pineapple and Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top of the French toast, followed by fresh pineapple chunks. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness and an elegant finish.
4. Serve: Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the tropical flavors with every bite.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas for different ways to enjoy this decadent dish:

1. Classic Breakfast

Serve the French toast as a classic breakfast or brunch dish with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. The savory contrast pairs beautifully with the sweet and tropical French toast.

2. With Fresh Fruit

Pair the French toast with additional fresh fruit like berries, mango, or bananas. The brightness of the fruit will help balance the richness of the French toast, and the natural sweetness will enhance the tropical flavors.

3. As a Dessert

Why not serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast as a dessert for a dinner party? The rich, custardy texture makes it a perfect sweet end to any meal, especially when topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

4. For a Crowd

This recipe scales easily, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and bake the French toast in a larger pan. You can also keep the French toast warm in the oven while preparing other batches, ensuring everyone gets a hot, delicious serving.

Recipe Variations

While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize the recipe:

1. Add Chocolate Chips

For a decadent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers of the rolls before soaking them in the custard. The melted chocolate will add a gooey, indulgent element to each bite.

2. Use Different Breads

If you’re not a fan of Hawaiian rolls, you can swap them out for other soft, sweet breads like challah, brioche, or even cinnamon rolls for a new twist on the recipe.

3. Make it Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.

4. Add Nuts

Chopped macadamia nuts, almonds, or pecans can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor. These nuts pair well with the tropical theme and give the dish an extra texture contrast.

Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

1. Soak the Rolls Well: Hawaiian rolls are soft and soak up custard easily, but make sure to let them sit in the custard mixture for at least 5 minutes before cooking. This ensures that they absorb enough liquid for a fluffy, creamy texture.
2. Cook on Medium Heat: Don’t rush the cooking process—cooking the French toast over medium heat ensures that it cooks evenly and gets a golden brown, crispy exterior while staying soft inside.
3. Keep It Warm: If making French toast for a large group, you can keep the cooked pieces warm by placing them in an oven set to low (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
4. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding a drizzle of coconut cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zing.

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes the classic French toast to new heights with its soft, sweet rolls and tropical toppings. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a weekend breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its indulgent flavors and irresistible texture. With endless opportunities for customization, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the perfect combination of sweetness, richness, and tropical flair in every bite!