Tasty Hawaiian Roll Toast Cubes

Turning ordinary Hawaiian rolls into breakfast gold, this delightful spin on French toast creates irresistible bite-sized morning delights. The naturally sweet, cloud-like texture of Hawaiian rolls becomes the foundation for a custard-drenched breakfast treat that's ready in just minutes.

I whipped these up during an unplanned weekend breakfast, and my kids went crazy for them. Now they specifically ask for Hawaiian rolls whenever French toast shows up on our Saturday morning menu.

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 packs of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: They bring a natural sweetness and pillowy texture that's just right
• 3/4 cup half and half: Gives the perfect level of creaminess without going overboard
• 2 large eggs: They help create that crispy outside and hold everything together
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds that touch of caramel-like flavor when cooked
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Try to grab the real stuff for the best aroma
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: If you can find Ceylon cinnamon, it's milder and works beautifully here
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: European butter works great because it has less water
• Powdered sugar: Go for one without additives for the fluffiest dusting
• Maple syrup: Stick with genuine maple syrup instead of the breakfast aisle alternatives
• Berries (optional): Whatever's in season will bring a pop of color and freshness
• Whipped cream (optional): Make sure to use cream with at least 36% fat for the fluffiest results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Your Custard Base:

Stir together half and half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Beat until everything's completely mixed and the color looks even throughout. You'll know it's ready when the mixture leaves a thin coating on your spoon.

Get Your Pan Ready:

Set a big skillet on medium-low heat. Add just enough butter to lightly cover the bottom. Keep an eye on it as it melts so it doesn't start to brown. You're good to go when the butter has melted completely and tiny bubbles start forming.

Soak and Cook:

Quickly pass each Hawaiian roll through the custard mix, making sure all sides get wet but don't get soggy. Put them straight into your hot pan. Add more rolls until you've got one layer without cramming them together.

Brown 'Em Up:

Let the soaked rolls cook for about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown on the bottom. Carefully flip each piece with tongs or a spatula and cook another 2 minutes. Keep turning occasionally until they're golden-brown all around.

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.

I'm a huge fan of how cinnamon works in this dish. My grandma always told me that if you warm cinnamon in the butter before you add the bread, it really brings out the flavor, but this quick-dip approach works great too.

Make Ahead Options

You can totally prep ahead with this dish. Mix up the custard the night before and stick it in the fridge with a cover. After cooking, you can keep the French toast bites warm in your oven at 200°F for up to half an hour before eating, which is super handy when you've got company coming at different times.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet little morsels go amazingly well with salty breakfast foods. Try serving them with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links to get that perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors. When the salty meat hits your tongue alongside the sweet French toast, you'll get that breakfast magic that covers all your cravings at once.

Storage Solutions

Got leftovers? Pop them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 2 days. When you want them again, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. They're great freezer-friendly too. Just freeze them spread out on a baking sheet first, then dump them in a freezer bag once they're solid. They'll keep for up to a month that way.

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These tiny French toast bites will make your mornings feel extra special!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Hawaiian Roll Toast Cubes in advance?

Absolutely! You can make them a day ahead. Just cook them fully, cool them down, and keep them in a sealed container in your fridge. When ready to eat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until they're hot and crispy again.

→ What can I use instead of half and half?

You can swap in regular milk, heavy cream, or even plant-based options like almond or oat milk. For something similar to half and half, just mix equal amounts of whole milk and heavy cream.

→ Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls?

Hawaiian rolls give these cubes their special sweetness and texture, but brioche, challah, or any rich bread works too. The cooking method stays the same, though you'll notice a different taste.

→ How do I keep my toast cubes from getting soggy?

Don't soak the rolls too long—just dip them for 2-3 seconds in the egg mixture. Also, cook them on medium-low heat so the outside gets nice and crispy while the inside cooks through.

→ What goes well on top of Hawaiian Roll Toast Cubes?

Besides maple syrup and powdered sugar, try adding fresh berries, sliced bananas, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey, fruit sauces, or some toasted coconut flakes for a tropical feel.

→ Can I freeze these toast cubes?

They freeze really well. Cook them completely, let them cool, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they're frozen solid, put them in a freezer bag. When you want them, heat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.