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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bites with Cream Cheese Dip

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bites - featured image

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bites are golden, pillowy-soft, and perfumed with vanilla, served with a tangy, creamy cream cheese dip. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a fun breakfast treat, they come together quickly and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (12 rolls, approx. 14 oz) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying (plus more as needed)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dip)
  • Pinch of salt (for dip)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional, for serving)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gently pull apart the Hawaiian rolls and cut each roll into quarters for bite-sized pieces. If rolls are very soft, freeze for 10 minutes before cutting.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Working in batches, dip the roll pieces into the egg mixture for 20-30 seconds, just until coated but not soggy.
  4. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and swirl to coat.
  5. Add soaked roll pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, flipping gently, until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining pieces, adding more butter as needed.
  6. Transfer cooked bites to a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) if working in batches or to keep warm.
  7. For the cream cheese dip: In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. Adjust sugar or milk to taste and consistency.
  8. Serve French toast bites warm, dusted with powdered sugar if desired, with cream cheese dip on the side. Garnish with fresh berries and serve with maple syrup or honey if desired.

Notes

Do not oversoak the rolls in the custard to avoid mushy bites. Work in small batches for best browning. Keep cooked bites warm in a low oven if serving a crowd. The recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping in suitable bread and dairy alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, French toast bites, cream cheese dip, easy breakfast, brunch, sweet breakfast, kid-friendly, party food, King's Hawaiian, quick breakfast