Elevate your breakfast with this delightful twist on a classic favorite. By using soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, this French toast offers a rich, custardy interior and a golden, crispy exterior. Perfect for weekend brunches or a special morning treat, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
3 large eggs
¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
Powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup for topping
Directions
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
Prepare the Rolls:
Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll to help them absorb the egg mixture more effectively.
Soak the Rolls:
Dip each roll into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well-coated but not overly soaked. Allow them to soak for about 30 seconds.
Cook the Rolls:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve:
Remove the cooked rolls from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 188 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 77 mg
Sodium: 157 mg
Potassium: 44 mg
Sugar: 7 g
Fiber: 0.1 g
Vitamin A: 296 IU
Calcium: 28 mg
Iron: 0.3 mg
The Allure of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers an extraordinary twist on a classic breakfast dish, using the sweet and soft texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls to elevate a beloved favorite. Whether you’re an avid French toast fan or looking for a creative breakfast idea to impress your guests, this recipe delivers rich, custardy goodness in every bite, all while being easy to prepare. The subtle sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior created during the cooking process, and the addition of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup ensures a satisfying finish.
One of the key factors that make this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can easily swap out the toppings to suit your tastes. Consider using whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a unique spin on this recipe. It’s also perfect for a wide range of dietary preferences: the dish can be made dairy-free or vegan with simple ingredient substitutions like plant-based milk and egg alternatives.
Why Choose Hawaiian Rolls for French Toast?
At the heart of this recipe is the use of King’s Hawaiian rolls, which bring a uniquely sweet flavor and soft texture to the dish. Traditional French toast is often made with regular bread, but the Hawaiian rolls take this dish to a whole new level. Their delicate sweetness and pillowy softness create an ideal base for absorbing the egg mixture, while the exterior crisps up beautifully when cooked.
The slight sweetness of the rolls makes the French toast indulgent without being overwhelming, allowing for a balanced dish when paired with traditional toppings like maple syrup and fresh fruit. The result is a breakfast treat that feels special and decadent, but is simple to make at home.
The Perfect Breakfast for Any Occasion
This recipe is not only perfect for weekends or holidays, but it’s also ideal for special occasions, including birthdays, brunches, or family gatherings. The beauty of French toast lies in its adaptability, and by using Hawaiian rolls, you’re creating something that feels both gourmet and approachable at the same time. The bright pop of color and fresh flavors from the berries add a touch of elegance, making this dish perfect for entertaining guests.
Additionally, since the recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of servings needed, it’s a great choice for both intimate gatherings and large family meals. Preparing Hawaiian Roll French Toast can even become a fun family tradition or a memorable treat for your children on special mornings.
Toppings: The Finishing Touch
The toppings are what truly elevate Hawaiian Roll French Toast from simple to extraordinary. The combination of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup adds a burst of flavor and visual appeal. The sugar dusting creates a slight sweetness that complements the rich, custardy center, while the berries offer a fresh contrast to the dense texture of the rolls.
Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, not only bring vibrant color to the plate but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the toast. They add antioxidants and a touch of tartness, helping to balance the richness of the French toast.
Maple syrup is the classic accompaniment for French toast, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping it out with flavored syrups like honey, agave nectar, or even a spiced syrup for extra depth. A drizzle of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can also add a unique twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in the endless possibilities for customization based on your personal taste preferences.
Variations for Dietary Preferences
The Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re catering to someone with allergies or you’re following a specific eating plan, there are a variety of substitutions you can make to tailor the dish.
Gluten-Free Version:
For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread. Many brands offer soft, sweet bread that mimics the texture of traditional rolls, making it an easy swap for those who need to avoid gluten.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Version:
To make the recipe dairy-free or vegan, replace the half-and-half or milk with a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. For the eggs, you can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacement, ensuring the texture and flavor of the French toast remains intact.
Lower Sugar or Low-Carb Options:
For those who are watching their sugar intake or following a low-carb diet, there are several adjustments that can be made. You can reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, and choose sugar-free syrup or fresh fruit as a topping. For a keto-friendly version, low-carb bread options and sugar substitutes will work well.
Nut-Free Variation:
If you need to make this recipe nut-free, simply opt for non-dairy milk that is nut-free (like oat milk or soy milk) and check all ingredients for any potential allergens, such as nuts, in the syrup or toppings.
By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy this delicious breakfast treat no matter your dietary preferences or restrictions.
The Nutritional Benefits of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
While French toast is often considered a decadent indulgence, it also has some nutritional benefits, especially when you choose quality ingredients and balance the dish with healthy toppings.
Protein:
Eggs are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. By using eggs in the batter, you ensure that your French toast offers a substantial protein boost that will keep you feeling full longer.
Fiber:
Depending on the type of bread you choose, you can increase the fiber content of your French toast. For example, whole grain or sprouted grain bread provides more fiber than regular white bread. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Fresh berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with Vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. They also contain manganese and fiber, promoting healthy digestion and metabolism.
Healthy Fats:
If you opt for healthy fats like unsalted butter or coconut oil when cooking your French toast, you add essential fatty acids that contribute to brain function and overall wellness.
Though French toast can be higher in calories due to the butter and syrup, the balance of nutrients in the dish, especially with the addition of fruit and moderate portions, makes it a reasonable breakfast choice when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a unique and delicious variation of the classic breakfast dish. Its combination of soft, sweet rolls with a rich egg mixture results in a custardy interior and a crispy golden exterior that is hard to resist. With endless possibilities for toppings and easy-to-make substitutions for dietary needs, this recipe is a versatile and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Whether you’re looking for an impressive breakfast for guests, a weekend treat, or a family favorite, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to satisfy. With the added bonus of being able to customize the recipe to suit your taste, this dish can easily become a staple in your breakfast rotation.