Hawaiian Roll French Toast

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is not just a meal—it’s a whole event. And if you’re also like me, you probably have a soft spot for those pillowy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls that somehow always find their way into your grocery cart (no judgment here). Well, today I’m going to show you how to take those irresistible rolls and turn them into the dreamiest French toast you’ve ever had. Yep, we’re talking about Hawaiian Roll French Toast—soft on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on the outside, and perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a brunch that’ll make you the hero of the day.

I first stumbled upon this idea during one of those “clean-out-the-fridge” mornings. You know the kind: half a dozen rolls leftover from dinner, a few eggs sitting in the fridge, and a craving for something sweet. The result? A breakfast dish so comforting and delicious, it immediately earned a spot in our regular rotation.

These mini French toast bites are especially great if you love that classic custard-dipped flavor but want something a bit more playful. The slight sweetness of the rolls pairs perfectly with the creamy custard, and the smaller size makes them super easy to serve for a crowd—or just hoard for yourself with zero regrets.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 Hawaiian rolls, separated

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Butter for the skillet

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh berries

• Whipped cream

STEP 1: Mix Up the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This rich mixture is the secret to giving the rolls that perfect golden finish and tender bite. I like to really take my time here and whisk until everything is completely smooth and well combined—it makes a difference in the texture later.

If you’re someone who enjoys warm spices, feel free to up the cinnamon a touch or even add a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra cozy flavor.

STEP 2: Prep the Rolls

You’ve got two options here:

• For more surface area and more custardy goodness: Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally.

• For poppable French toast bites: Leave them whole for a slightly denser, bite-sized treat.

Personally, I love slicing them in half when I’m in the mood for a more indulgent breakfast and want every bite to soak up as much custard as possible. But if you’re serving a crowd or making breakfast for little ones, the whole rolls are adorable and easy to grab.

STEP 3: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. You want just enough to coat the surface so your rolls get that perfect golden-brown crust. Keep the heat on medium—too hot, and the outside will cook before the inside has time to set. Too low, and you’ll miss out on that beautiful golden color.

This step sets the stage for those crispy edges and that soft, almost bread pudding-like center. And yes, it smells amazing already.

Now that we’ve got our custard ready and the rolls prepped, it’s time for the fun part—dipping, cooking, and building that perfect plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. This is where everything comes together, and let me tell you, once those rolls hit the skillet and start to sizzle in that buttery goodness, you’ll be hooked.

This recipe is so simple, but the results feel like something you’d get from a cozy little brunch spot. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like maple syrup and powdered sugar or feeling a little extra with berries and whipped cream, these golden bites are ready for it all.

Let’s keep going and get those rolls perfectly golden!

STEP 4: Dip the Rolls in Custard

Working one or two at a time, dip each Hawaiian roll (or roll half) into the custard mixture. Let it soak for a few seconds per side, just enough to absorb that creamy mixture without falling apart. These rolls are soft to begin with, so you don’t want to leave them in too long—just enough for the custard to work its magic.

Tip: Let the excess custard drip off before placing the rolls in the skillet. Too much liquid can make the rolls soggy and prevent them from browning properly. A quick dip-and-drip works best here.

STEP 5: Cook Until Golden and Crisp

Place your custard-dipped rolls onto the hot skillet, spacing them out so they cook evenly. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until each roll is golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior.

Keep an eye on them—depending on your skillet and stovetop, the heat can vary. If they’re browning too fast, turn the heat down a touch. You want them beautifully golden, not dark and dry.

As each batch finishes, transfer the rolls to a warm plate or a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack. If you’re cooking for a crowd or making a big batch, pop them in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you finish the rest.

STEP 6: Serve and Top Your Way

Here comes the best part—building your breakfast plate! These warm, golden rolls are delicious all on their own, but they’re also the perfect canvas for toppings. Here are a few of my go-to combos:

• Classic: A drizzle of warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Simple and satisfying.

• Berry Bliss: Fresh berries (think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) and a dollop of whipped cream.

• Decadent Dessert Vibes: Try a swipe of Nutella or sweetened cream cheese inside the rolls before cooking, then top with chocolate shavings and berries.

• Tropical Treat: Top with sliced bananas, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of honey for a fun island-inspired twist.

Tips & Variations to Try

This recipe is pretty forgiving, and there are plenty of fun ways to customize it depending on what you have on hand:

• Stuff It: Slice the rolls and stuff them with a little cream cheese, Nutella, or even peanut butter before dipping in custard.

• Make Ahead: Whisk the custard the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning. You can even pre-slice the rolls.

• Use Leftovers: This is a great way to repurpose leftover rolls from dinner or a party. Slightly stale rolls actually soak up the custard even better.

• Bake It: Want a hands-off version? Arrange the soaked rolls in a buttered baking dish, pour the extra custard over, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until set and golden.

There’s something so comforting about this French toast—it’s soft and fluffy inside, slightly crisp outside, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent without going overboard. And since the rolls are already sweet and buttery, they bring a richness to the dish that regular bread just can’t match.