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Today I'm sharing my absolute favorite breakfast discovery that had my whole family begging for seconds. These pillowy soft Hawaiian rolls transform into the most incredible French toast you'll ever taste. The natural sweetness of the rolls combined with my special custard mixture creates pure breakfast magic.
A Breakfast Game Changer
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my weekend cooking experiments. When my local store was out of brioche I grabbed Hawaiian rolls instead and wow what a happy accident. The texture is incredible plus it's practically foolproof. My kids now request this every weekend and I'm not complaining one bit.
Your Shopping List
- Hawaiian Rolls: One pack of these fluffy cloud-like rolls
- Eggs: Farm fresh when possible they make such a difference
- Whole Milk: The fat content creates the perfect custard
- Sugar: Regular granulated works great here
- Cinnamon: I love Ceylon cinnamon for its subtle warmth
- Pure Vanilla: Splurge on the good stuff here
- Butter: European style for extra richness
- Toppings: Real maple syrup berries whipped cream whatever makes you happy
Let's Make It
- Mix your custard:
- Whisk your eggs milk sugar cinnamon and vanilla until smooth and silky
- Prep those rolls:
- Poke tiny holes in the bottom of each roll trust me this makes all the difference
- The soaking step:
- Give each roll a quick 30 second bath in the custard any longer and they'll fall apart
- Time to cook:
- Get your pan nice and hot with butter cook until golden brown on each side
- The fun part:
- Stack them high add your favorite toppings and dig in while warm
My Secret Tricks
I learned the hard way that patience is key here. Keep your heat at medium low and let them cook slowly. A good nonstick pan is your best friend and don't be shy with the butter it creates those perfectly crispy edges we all fight over.
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Prep It Ahead
On busy mornings I pull my prepped rolls from the fridge pop them in the oven and breakfast is ready in minutes. They actually taste even better the next day since the flavors have time to develop overnight.
Topping Ideas
Some mornings I keep it simple with just warm maple syrup. Other days I go all out with fresh berries a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. My kids love creating their own combinations it's like breakfast art.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I stuff the rolls with a spoonful of cream cheese before dipping them in custard. Adding orange zest to the mixture gives it a lovely citrus kick. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes cooking so fun.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers they'll stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. Just pop them in the oven at 350 for a few minutes and they crisp right back up. Perfect for busy weekday mornings.
Complete Your Breakfast
In my house we love serving these alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. A fresh fruit salad on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. Don't forget your morning coffee or tea.
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Getting Kids Involved
My kitchen gets pretty messy when the kids help but seeing their proud faces makes it worth it. They love creating their own topping combinations and it's become our special weekend tradition.
Freezer Instructions
These freeze beautifully. I make a double batch lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze then transfer to freezer bags. Such a lifesaver for busy mornings just heat and eat.
Why These Rolls Work So Well
The natural sweetness and soft texture of Hawaiian rolls make them perfect for French toast. They soak up the custard without falling apart and develop this amazing caramelized exterior when cooked.
Perfect for Company
This has become my go to when hosting breakfast or brunch. I set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own plate. The compliments never stop flowing and neither do the recipe requests.
Worth Every Bite
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It's more than just breakfast it's about creating memories around the table. The smiles it brings to faces make all the cooking worthwhile. Give it a try and let me know how it becomes your family favorite too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use Hawaiian rolls for French toast?
Hawaiian rolls are already sweet and soft, which makes them perfect for soaking up the custard. They create a deliciously different French toast with a unique texture and flavor.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best served fresh and warm. However, you can mix the custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. Just give it a quick whisk before using.
- → Why poke holes in the rolls?
Poking holes helps the custard soak into the rolls better. This ensures every bite is filled with flavor and prevents the outside from getting soggy while the inside stays dry.
- → What can I serve with this?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, powdered sugar, and maple syrup are classic toppings. You can also try whipped cream, nutella, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- → Why cook on medium-low heat?
Medium-low heat allows the custard to cook through without burning the outside. Since Hawaiian rolls are already sweet, they can brown quickly, so lower heat helps prevent burning.
Conclusion
Turn regular Hawaiian rolls into an incredible breakfast treat with this easy French toast recipe. The sweet rolls soak up a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and cook to golden perfection in minutes.