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These delicious little Hawaiian roll French toast bites turn ordinary dinner rolls into tasty golden breakfast morsels. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls make the perfect base for this custardy morning treat that's ready in just minutes.
I whipped these up one weekend morning when we had nothing planned, and my kids went crazy for them. Now they always ask for these Hawaiian roll bites whenever French toast is mentioned for our weekend breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 packs of Hawaiian Rolls: They've got just the right amount of sweetness and softness
- 3/4 cup half and half: Gives the right level of creaminess without being too heavy
- 2 large eggs: Helps create that nice firm outside layer
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Makes everything brown better for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Try to get the real stuff for best taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: The milder Ceylon type works great if you can find it
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The fancier European kinds brown up nicer
- Powdered sugar: Get one without extra additives for smoother sprinkling
- Maple syrup: Stick with real maple syrup instead of the fake stuff
- Berries (optional): Whatever's in season adds nice color and freshness
- Whipped cream (optional): Use cream with higher fat content for fluffier results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Your Dipping Mixture:
- Grab a bowl and mix the half and half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Whisk it all up until everything's smooth and the same color throughout. You'll know it's ready when it sticks to the back of a spoon.
- Get Your Pan Hot:
- Put a big skillet on medium-low heat. Drop in some butter to cover the bottom. Keep an eye on it as it melts so it doesn't get too brown. You'll know the pan's ready when the butter's all melted and starts making tiny bubbles.
- Soak and Cook:
- Take each roll and dunk it quickly in the egg mixture, making sure all sides get wet but not soaked through. Put them straight into the hot pan. Add more rolls until you've got one layer without cramming them together.
- Brown Them Up:
- Let the rolls cook about 2 minutes until the bottoms turn a nice golden color. Flip each piece with tongs or a spatula and cook another 2 minutes. Keep turning now and then until they're golden brown all over.
- Finish and Top:
- Move your finished French toast bites to plates. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top using a small strainer. Pour on some maple syrup and add berries and whipped cream if you want.
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Cinnamon makes such a difference in this recipe. My grandma always told me that cooking cinnamon in the butter first brings out more flavor, but this quick dipping way works great too.
Make Ahead Options
You can get a head start with this breakfast. Mix up the egg mixture the night before and keep it in the fridge. After cooking, you can keep the French toast bites warm in your oven at 200°F for up to half an hour, which is handy when you've got guests coming at different times.
Perfect Pairings
These sweet bites taste amazing with something salty on the side. Try them with crispy bacon or some breakfast sausage for a perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. The combo of salty meat and sweet French toast really hits all your taste buds at once.
Storage Solutions
Got leftovers? Keep them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat them again, put them on a baking sheet and warm them up in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. They freeze really well too - freeze them flat on a tray first, then put them in a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to a month.
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These tiny French toast bites will make any ordinary morning feel like a special occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make Hawaiian Roll Toast Cubes before my guests arrive?
Absolutely! Make them up to a day ahead. Cook them all the way, cool them down, and keep them in a sealed container in your fridge. When ready to eat, warm them in your oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they're hot and crispy again.
- → What can I use instead of half and half?
You've got options! Try regular milk, heavy cream, or even plant-based drinks like almond or oat milk. Want something close to half and half? Just mix equal amounts of whole milk and heavy cream together.
- → Can I use bread other than Hawaiian rolls?
Sure thing! Though Hawaiian rolls give that special sweetness and feel, you can swap in brioche, challah, or any soft, rich bread. Your cooking steps won't change, but you'll notice the taste is a bit different.
- → How do I keep my toast cubes from getting mushy?
Don't soak them too long! Just dip each roll for 2-3 seconds in your egg mix. Also, keep your stove at medium-low heat so the outside gets nice and crispy while the inside cooks through without getting soggy.
- → What goes well on top of Hawaiian Roll Toast Cubes?
Besides the usual maple syrup and powdered sugar, try adding fresh berries, sliced bananas, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, some peanut butter, honey, fruit sauce, or even a bit of toasted coconut for a beach-inspired touch.
- → Can I freeze my leftover toast cubes?
They freeze great! Cook them completely, let them cool down, and freeze them spread out on a baking sheet. Once they're frozen solid, put them in a freezer bag. When you want them again, heat them straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes.