Description
This easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe combines soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with a creamy plant-based custard and smoky turkey bacon for a delightful sweet and savory breakfast treat. Perfect for weekends or brunch gatherings, it delivers a tender, fluffy texture topped with warm maple syrup (natural) and crispy bacon strips for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 8–10 soft Hawaiian rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup plant-based dairy
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- Pinch of salt
Savory Addition
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- Maple syrup (natural), for drizzling
Optional Garnishes and Sides
- Fresh berries
- Sliced bananas
- Powdered sugar (natural)
- Light fruit salad
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Plant-based yogurt with chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mix: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, plant-based dairy, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract (natural), and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This custard will soak the Hawaiian rolls, making them tender and flavorful.
- Preheat the Pan and Cook Bacon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside and keep warm.
- Dip the Hawaiian Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally if desired. Soak each piece in the custard mixture for about 20 seconds per side, allowing them to absorb liquid without falling apart.
- Cook the French Toast: In the same skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Place the soaked rolls in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each piece of French toast with smoked turkey bacon strips. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup (natural) and serve immediately for the best combination of soft, crispy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh or slightly stale Hawaiian rolls for better custard absorption without becoming mushy.
- Do not over-soak the rolls to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to develop a golden crust without burning.
- Keep bacon warm in a low oven while cooking French toast to maintain crispiness.
- For a thicker syrup, use a natural gelling agent to create a homemade sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces with bacon
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet and savory breakfast, plant-based French toast, smoked turkey bacon, easy brunch recipe