There’s something about a lazy weekend morning that just calls for French toast. But if you’ve been making it with plain old sandwich bread, I’m here to introduce you to a game-changer—Hawaiian roll French toast.

Now, I love a good classic French toast, but once I tried it with sweet, buttery Hawaiian rolls, I realized I’d been missing out. These little golden pillows soak up the rich custard perfectly, caramelizing into golden-brown bites of heaven. They’re softer, slightly sweet, and way more flavorful than standard white bread, making them the ultimate base for French toast.

If you’re looking for a new go-to breakfast or brunch dish, this is it. And if you love learning about the science behind what makes French toast turn out perfectly every time, check out The Science of Making the Best French Toast—it dives deep into why eggs, milk, and sugar react the way they do when cooking.

Now, let’s talk about why Hawaiian rolls are the perfect choice for French toast.

Why Use Hawaiian Rolls for French Toast?

I get it—switching up something as classic as French toast can feel unnecessary. But trust me, once you try Hawaiian rolls, you won’t go back. Here’s why.

• They’re naturally sweet – Unlike plain white bread, Hawaiian rolls have a hint of honey and vanilla baked in, which means every bite already has built-in flavor.
• They’re soft but sturdy – The pillowy texture is perfect for soaking up custard without falling apart, which means no soggy mess.
• They caramelize beautifully – Because they’re slightly denser than brioche but softer than sourdough, they get golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
• They hold up well in different cooking methods – Whether you’re frying them in butter, baking them into a casserole, or even tossing them in an air fryer, they deliver every time.

If you’ve ever had a batch of French toast turn into a soggy disaster, switching to Hawaiian rolls could be the secret fix you’ve been looking for.

And speaking of choosing the right bread, if you’re curious about the history of Hawaiian rolls and why they’re so uniquely delicious, check out Hawaiian Rolls: History & Origins.

The Best Hawaiian Rolls for French Toast

So, not all Hawaiian rolls are created equal. While King’s Hawaiian is the most famous brand, there are plenty of store-brand versions that work just as well. Here’s what you need to know when picking the perfect rolls.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

• Store-bought Hawaiian rolls (like King’s Hawaiian) are convenient and perfectly soft.
• Homemade Hawaiian rolls are slightly denser, which makes them even better at holding custard.

Honestly, both work great. But if you can get freshly baked Hawaiian rolls, you’ll notice an even richer butter flavor.

Should You Use Fresh or Stale Rolls?

Here’s where a lot of people mess up—they grab a fresh pack of Hawaiian rolls and soak them immediately.

Don’t do that.

Fresh Hawaiian rolls absorb too much liquid too fast, which can make them fall apart or turn mushy. Instead, try one of these pro tips:

• Use day-old rolls – Let them sit uncovered overnight to dry out slightly.
• Lightly toast them first – If your rolls are super soft, slice them and toast them for 5 minutes at 300°F before dipping.
• Cut them into smaller pieces – Whole rolls can be too thick. Halving them makes them easier to cook evenly.

Now that you’ve got the right bread, let’s talk custard—the heart of any great French toast recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

A good French toast is all about balance—you need the right mix of richness, sweetness, and spice. Here’s what I use to make the perfect custard.

Eggs: The Backbone of the Custard

Eggs are non-negotiable. They give the toast structure, richness, and a golden color. But too many eggs? You’ll end up with a scrambled egg texture instead of a silky smooth bite.

• Use 2 large eggs per 12 rolls for a light, custardy soak.
• Want extra richness? Add one egg yolk for every two eggs.

Milk vs. Cream: What’s Best?

Here’s the deal:

• Milk alone = lighter, fluffier French toast.
• Heavy cream alone = super rich, almost custard-like.
• The best combo? ½ cup milk + ¼ cup heavy cream—the perfect mix of light and rich.

If you’re dairy-free, you can swap in full-fat coconut milk—it adds a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with Hawaiian rolls.

Sweeteners: Sugar, Maple Syrup, or Honey?

Hawaiian rolls are already slightly sweet, so you don’t need a ton of added sugar.

• 1 tbsp brown sugar → Adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 tbsp maple syrup → A richer, deeper sweetness.
• 1 tsp honey → A natural Hawaiian-inspired twist.

Flavor Boosters: The Secret to Next-Level French Toast

These small add-ins make a huge difference:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ tsp cinnamon – Essential for a cozy, classic flavor.
• A pinch of salt – Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Butter vs. Oil: Which One to Use for Frying?

I’ve tested this way too many times, and here’s what I’ve found:

• Butter alone burns too fast.
• Oil alone doesn’t give you that buttery flavor.
• The best method? Use a mix of butter and oil—butter for flavor, oil to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Now that we’ve got our Hawaiian rolls and custard ready, it’s time to cook. If you’ve ever had French toast turn out soggy, burnt, or just kind of bland, don’t worry—I’ve been there. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve learned exactly how to get that golden, crispy outside and soft, custardy inside.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Before you dip those sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into custard, take a second to prep them correctly.

• Keep them whole for a soft, fluffy center or slice them in half for a crispier texture.
• If they’re too fresh, dry them out a bit by leaving them uncovered overnight or toasting them at 300°F for 5 minutes.
• If making French toast sticks, cut each roll into thirds for easy dipping.

We already covered what goes into a perfect custard, but now it’s time to mix it up.

1. Crack 2 large eggs into a shallow bowl—a wide dish makes dipping easier.
2. Add ½ cup milk + ¼ cup heavy cream for the perfect balance of richness and fluffiness.
3. Whisk in 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ tsp cinnamon for that classic French toast flavor.
4. Don’t forget a pinch of salt—this makes the sweetness pop.
5. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.

This is where most people go wrong. Hawaiian rolls soak up liquid fast, so if you leave them in the custard too long, they’ll fall apart.

• Whole rolls → 10-15 seconds per side is plenty.
• Sliced rolls or sticks → 5-10 seconds per side to prevent oversaturation.

Pro tip: Give the rolls a gentle press while soaking to help the custard absorb evenly.

Best Pan for Cooking Hawaiian Roll French Toast

The right pan makes a huge difference:

• Cast iron skillet → The best choice for even heat and crispy edges.
• Nonstick pan → Easier to clean and works well for beginners.
• Griddle → Best if making a large batch for a crowd.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alternative Cooking Methods

Want to switch things up? Here are three alternative ways to make Hawaiian roll French toast.

This is perfect if you’re feeding a crowd or want a make-ahead breakfast.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a baking dish.
2. Cut Hawaiian rolls into quarters and arrange them in the dish.
3. Pour the custard mixture over the rolls, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and set.

Bonus tip: Try adding toasted coconut and macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.

If you’re looking for more details on making a great overnight French toast, check out Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole.

For extra crispy French toast with less butter, the air fryer is a great option.

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Place soaked Hawaiian rolls in a single layer in the basket.
3. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Serve immediately with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

This method gives super crispy edges without needing extra oil.

If you’ve got kids (or just love dipping food), this is a fun option.

1. Cut Hawaiian rolls into thirds to create bite-sized French toast sticks.
2. Soak them quickly (5 seconds per side) to prevent mushiness.
3. Cook as usual, but reduce frying time to 2 minutes per side.
4. Serve with cinnamon sugar or maple syrup for dipping.

If you love crispy, cinnamon-flavored breakfast treats, you might also like Cinnamon Crescent Rolls.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve messed up French toast in just about every way possible. Learn from my mistakes so you don’t have to suffer through soggy, burnt, or bland results.

• Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid fast. Too much soaking = soggy, falling-apart toast.
• Stick to 10-15 seconds per side for whole rolls, 5-10 seconds for sliced rolls.

• Too hot? The outside burns before the inside cooks.
• Too low? The rolls turn greasy and dense instead of crisp and golden.
• Medium heat is the sweet spot.

• Butter is essential for that golden-brown crust.
• But too much? Your toast turns greasy.
• The best method: 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp oil per batch.
• What’s Next?

Best Toppings and Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Once your Hawaiian roll French toast is golden brown and crispy, it’s time for the fun part—toppings. While classic maple syrup and powdered sugar are always winners, why not get creative? Here are some of the best ways to serve this breakfast favorite.

If you love traditional French toast, these simple toppings let the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls shine.

• Powdered sugar – The easiest way to add a little extra sweetness.
• Maple syrup – Use real maple syrup for a deeper, richer taste. If you’re curious about how to pick the best syrup, check out How to Pick the Right Maple Syrup.
• Whipped cream – A dollop of fresh, homemade whipped cream takes it to the next level.

If you’re feeling fancy, try one of these gourmet variations:

• Toasted coconut + macadamia nuts – A Hawaiian-inspired twist with extra crunch.
• Caramelized bananas – Sauté bananas with brown sugar and butter for a rich, gooey topping.
• Nutella + crushed hazelnuts – A perfect option for chocolate lovers.
• Berry compote – Warm strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries cooked down into a syrupy topping.
• Lemon curd + powdered sugar – Adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich rolls.

If you want a warm fruit topping, try making Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. They’re perfect for adding a cinnamon-spiced, caramelized touch to your French toast.

Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet, but they also work surprisingly well with savory toppings.

• Crispy bacon + cheddar cheese – The salty-sweet combo is addictive.
• Avocado + hot honey – A modern twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
• Fried eggs + chives – The runny yolk adds richness to the soft, buttery bread.
• Cream cheese + smoked salmon – Think of it as a Hawaiian roll bagel sandwich.

If you love sweet and savory combos, you might also enjoy Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese for a protein-packed side dish.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast

French toast is best when fresh, but if you’ve made too much, don’t worry—you can store and reheat it without losing that crispy, golden texture.

How to Store Leftover French Toast

If you’re planning to eat leftovers within a few days, follow these steps:

1. Let the French toast cool completely before storing—this prevents it from getting soggy.
2. Stack slices with parchment paper between them to avoid sticking.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Want to meal prep or save some for later? Freezing is a great option.

1. Cool completely, then arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
3. Transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container, and label with the date.
4. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Best Ways to Reheat French Toast Without Losing Texture

Reheating French toast the wrong way can make it soggy or rubbery. Here’s how to bring it back to life.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Pop a slice into a toaster on medium heat.
• Works best for thicker slices that won’t fall apart.

• Set air fryer to 375°F.
• Place slices in a single layer.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add a little butter or oil.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through.

Final Thoughts: Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the Best Brunch Recipe

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re officially a Hawaiian roll French toast expert. We’ve covered everything from why Hawaiian rolls make the best French toast to step-by-step cooking methods, topping ideas, and how to store and reheat leftovers.

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Sweet, buttery flavor that beats regular bread.
Perfectly soft inside, crispy outside.
Endless topping options—from classic maple syrup to savory eggs and bacon.
Works for brunch, meal prep, and even dessert.

If you’re ready to switch up your breakfast game, grab some Hawaiian rolls, mix up a batch of custard, and start flipping. You won’t go back to regular French toast again.

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