Introduction
Transform leftover Hawaiian rolls into a decadent, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch bake! This recipe is your secret weapon for a delicious, impressive meal that’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, even on busy weekdays. No more frantic morning scrambles – this bake can be prepped the night before!
Why This Works
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is a game-changer because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. The sweet, slightly tangy custard soaks into the fluffy Hawaiian rolls, creating a rich and satisfying texture that’s far superior to regular French toast. Plus, it’s a beautiful bake that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating your family to a special weekend breakfast.
Key Ingredients
- 🍞 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 🥚 6 large eggs
- 🥛 1 ½ cups milk
- 🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 砂糖 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🍎 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
3️⃣ Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Pour the egg mixture evenly over the rolls, ensuring they are fully soaked. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the rolls to absorb the custard.
5️⃣ Pour the melted butter over the soaked rolls.
6️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set. Check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center – it should come out clean.
7️⃣ Let the bake cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture.
- If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can use other types of sweet rolls or even challah bread.
- Don’t overbake! Overbaked French toast bake will be dry.
Heat Control
Maintaining a consistent oven temperature is key. Using an oven thermometer ensures accuracy. If the edges are browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Crunch Factor
While the inside of this bake is wonderfully soft and custardy, you can achieve a delightful crunch by broiling the top for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close watch to avoid burning!
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep ahead: Assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Make it a meal: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Leftover magic: Cut the cooled bake into individual portions and freeze for a quick and easy breakfast later in the week.
Storage Tips
Store leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Cut the French toast bake into individual squares and wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gift. Add a personalized tag with baking instructions for reheating.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the custard mixture for a bright and refreshing twist.
🌟 Berrylicious: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or a mix) into the custard before pouring over the rolls.
🌟 Chocolate Chunk Heaven: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent chocolatey indulgence.
🌟 Spiced Apple: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples and a dash of apple pie spice to the custard.
Troubleshooting
- Too dry: The rolls may not have absorbed enough custard. Next time, let them soak for a longer period (up to 20 minutes) before baking.
- Burnt edges: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F and/or loosely tent the baking dish with foil.
- Soggy bottom: Ensure your baking dish is greased properly and the rolls aren’t overcrowded.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of milk? Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of milk you prefer.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Can I freeze this? Yes, cut the cooled bake into individual portions and freeze for quick breakfasts.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is your new go-to for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious breakfast or brunch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and share your creations with us – we can’t wait to see your amazing results! Happy baking!
30-Minute Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake: Weeknight Winner
A delicious and easy-to-make French toast bake using Hawaiian rolls, perfect for a quick weeknight breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350u00b0C and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed Hawaiian rolls and crushed pineapple to the egg mixture, stirring gently to coat the rolls evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup.
Tips
- For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Make it ahead of time by preparing the mixture the night before and refrigerating it overnight before baking.