Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Recipe

Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of French toast? It’s one of those comforting, feel-good breakfasts that never goes out of style. But have you ever tried making it with Hawaiian sweet rolls? Let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer! Today, I’m sharing my favorite way to turn a simple pack of sweet rolls into the most amazing French toast you’ll ever taste. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are soft, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re like little pillows of happiness that soak up the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart. Plus, they toast up beautifully, giving you that perfect balance of crispy edges and fluffy insides. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to regular bread for your French toast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (leftover or slightly stale ones work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or your favorite alternative)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil (for greasing the pan)
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar (for serving)

Optional toppings:

• Fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or sliced peaches
• Whipped cream
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts for a little crunch

How to Make Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast

This recipe is super straightforward, which makes it perfect for lazy mornings or when you’re hosting brunch. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Rolls

Start by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. You’ll end up with two layers — the tops and bottoms. This helps them absorb the egg mixture evenly.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined. The cinnamon might try to float on top, but give it a good stir and it’ll blend right in.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each piece of the sweet rolls into the egg mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Don’t leave them in too long — a quick dunk is all they need to soak up that amazing flavor.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Once it’s hot, place the soaked rolls on the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy. Work in batches if necessary, and don’t forget to add more butter or oil as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving plate and keep them warm while you finish the rest. Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit and whipped cream are always a hit in my house!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use day-old rolls: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and holds its shape while cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving each piece some breathing room helps them cook evenly.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you’re serving this with syrup, you can reduce the sugar in the egg mixture.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Hawaiian sweet rolls bring so much flavor to the table that you don’t need to overcomplicate things. The egg mixture adds richness and a hint of spice from the cinnamon, while the toasting process creates a perfect texture contrast. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s bound to impress your family or guests.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the egg mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving.
• Coconut Twist: Replace half the milk with coconut milk and top with shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
• Savory Version: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and serve the rolls with scrambled eggs and cheese instead.

Serving Suggestions

This Hawaiian sweet roll French toast pairs beautifully with a side of crispy turkey sausage or fresh fruit salad. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of orange juice. It’s a breakfast that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

A Breakfast Worth Sharing

There’s something so satisfying about turning a simple ingredient like Hawaiian sweet rolls into a breakfast that feels special. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for weekdays but fancy enough for holidays or brunch gatherings. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike — no one can resist that combination of sweetness and warmth.

I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does. It’s become a go-to in our house for weekend breakfasts, and I’m sure it will in yours too. If you do make it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear about your favorite toppings or any creative twists you come up with.

Happy cooking and even happier eating!