Irresistibly Crunchy Hawaiian French Toast: A Cereal-Coated Breakfast Delight
Growing up, French toast was a rare treat, reserved almost exclusively for special occasions like Christmas mornings. It was a cherished dish, but not something that graced our weekend breakfast table regularly. If I wanted it at other times, it usually meant ordering it out. Fast forward to today, and the story is entirely different. French toast has transformed into a beloved weekend staple in my household, largely thanks to my son who simply adores it. Anytime we have bread on hand, especially leftover from a meal, French toast is the immediate and most enthusiastic request.
This delightful recipe takes that comforting breakfast classic and elevates it with an unexpected, yet incredibly delicious, twist. While traditional French toast often calls for standard sandwich bread, this particular version finds its magic in leftover King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls. Their inherent sweetness, soft, fluffy texture, and slightly brioche-like quality provide an absolutely fantastic base, making them ideal for transforming into a luxurious breakfast. But the real game-changer here is the crunchy coating. About a decade ago, a friend introduced me to the concept of “crunchy French toast,” and it was an instant revelation. The idea is simple yet brilliant: after dipping your bread in the classic egg mixture, you press it into crushed cereal! This addition doesn’t just add an incredible textural marvel; it infuses an extra layer of flavor and makes French toast an even more exciting and gourmet experience. It’s an ingenious way to breathe new life into stale bread or leftover rolls, turning humble ingredients into an extraordinary morning indulgence.
The Magic of the Cereal Crunch
What truly sets this Crunchy French Toast apart from its traditional counterpart is undoubtedly the playful, yet sophisticated, cereal coating. Imagine the soft, custardy interior of perfectly cooked French toast contrasting beautifully with a golden-brown, irresistibly crispy exterior. That’s precisely what the crushed cereal brings to the table. It’s not just about the textural delight; the cereal also contributes a subtle, familiar sweetness and sometimes a hint of maltiness or other delightful flavors, depending on your choice of cereal. This simple addition transforms an already comforting dish into an exciting culinary adventure, pleasing both children and adults alike. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a standard breakfast or brunch item, making it feel more special and gourmet without any complicated steps. The crispness holds up remarkably well, adding a delightful “snap” to every single bite, making each mouthful a joyous experience. This innovative method is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Crafting this incredible Crunchy Hawaiian French Toast requires a few simple, everyday ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Beyond the standard French toast components, the star addition is, of course, the crushed cereal that gives this dish its signature texture and name.
- Bread: While King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls are highly recommended for their sweetness and soft texture, any bread can work wonderfully. We’ll delve into more versatile options shortly.
- Eggs: The foundational binder for French toast, providing richness and helping to create that desirable custardy interior. Large eggs are ideal for the best consistency.
- Milk: Adds essential moisture and creaminess to the egg mixture. Whole milk offers the richest flavor, but any type of milk (including non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk) can be used.
- Cinnamon: A classic and indispensable spice that infuses warmth, a delightful aroma, and that quintessential French toast flavor we all love. Don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a small pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the overall profile.
- Sugar: Sweetens the egg batter, contributing to a golden-brown crust and a more dessert-like flavor profile that perfectly complements the sweet bread.
- Crushed Cereal: The absolute key to the “crunch”! Choose a cereal with good texture that you genuinely enjoy the flavor of, as it will be a prominent feature in the finished dish.
- Non-Stick Spray/Butter: Essential for cooking the French toast, preventing sticking, and aiding in achieving that beautiful golden-brown finish. Butter adds a richer, more indulgent flavor compared to spray.
These basic components, combined with the exciting cereal twist, are all you need to create a truly memorable breakfast or brunch. Once prepared, the real fun begins with your choice of delectable toppings!
How To Make Irresistibly Crunchy French Toast
Making this Crunchy French Toast is straightforward and quick, perfect for a special weekend breakfast or a speedy weeknight treat. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy, flavorful results every time.
- First, you’ll need to prepare your egg mixture. In a shallow bowl—wide enough to comfortably dip your bread—whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and sugar until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is light and uniform. This ensures every piece of French toast is evenly flavored and achieves that perfect custardy texture.
- Next, prepare your crunchy coating. Take your chosen cereal and crush it. You can do this by placing the cereal in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crushing it with a rolling pin or by pulsing it gently in a food processor. You want a consistency that’s mostly crumbs but with some small, discernible pieces for maximum crunch and textural interest. Place the crushed cereal in a second shallow bowl, separate from the egg mixture.
- Now for the bread. If using Hawaiian dinner rolls, slice each roll in half horizontally to create two pieces, maximizing the surface area for the coating. Gently dip each piece of bread or roll into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are moistened but not overly saturated. Immediately after dipping, press the bread into the crushed cereal, making sure it’s completely coated on all sides. A good, firm press helps the cereal adhere beautifully and creates a robust crust.
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. If you are using butter, add a pat to the pan and let it melt until it shimmers and slightly foams, indicating it’s ready. If using non-stick spray, coat the pan lightly and evenly. Once hot, carefully place your cereal-coated French toast pieces onto the pan. Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until each side is beautifully golden brown and the cereal crust is delightfully crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning while ensuring the interior is cooked through.
- Once perfectly golden and crunchy, remove the French toast from the heat. Transfer the cooked pieces to a plate and serve immediately. This dish is truly best enjoyed fresh off the pan when the crunch is at its peak. Garnish with your favorite toppings and prepare to enjoy a truly unique breakfast experience.
Delightful Toppings for Your Crunchy French Toast
The beauty of French toast lies not just in the base itself, but also in the endless possibilities for toppings. This crunchy version is no exception; in fact, the crispy exterior provides an even more interesting canvas for both classic and creative garnishes. Don’t limit yourself to just one – mix and match to create your ultimate Crunchy French Toast masterpiece!
- Maple Syrup: The timeless classic. A generous drizzle of warm, pure maple syrup is a non-negotiable for many, and its sweet, earthy notes beautifully complement the crunchy exterior and sweet bread.
- Strawberry Syrup: For a burst of fruity sweetness. Whether homemade or store-bought, fruit syrups add a vibrant touch and a lovely contrasting flavor.
- Fresh Berries: A vibrant and healthy addition. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a colorful mix of seasonal berries add freshness, a slight tartness, and beautiful visual appeal.
- Whipped Cream: A cloud of airy sweetness that melts delightfully into the warm French toast, adding a touch of luxurious indulgence and a creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds elegance and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the distinct cereal flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle them on top as soon as the French toast comes off the pan so they melt slightly, creating gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- Nutella: A decadent spread of hazelnut cocoa can turn this breakfast into an even more indulgent dessert-like treat.
- Caramel Sauce: For a rich, buttery, and incredibly indulgent finish that pairs wonderfully with the sweet bread.
- Sliced Bananas: A natural sweetness and soft texture that complements the crunch beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add another layer of crunch and a nutty flavor profile.
Choosing Your Canvas: What Bread to Use for Crunchy French Toast
While King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls were the initial inspiration and a fantastic choice for this particular recipe, the good news is that Crunchy French Toast is incredibly versatile when it comes to bread options. This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize any leftover bread you might have on hand, transforming it into something spectacular and preventing food waste.
Specifically, King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls are a dream for this recipe. Their signature sweetness and light, airy texture absorb the egg mixture beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully moist and tender interior. Plus, if you often find yourself with a few rolls left after a holiday meal or a family dinner, this is the perfect, delicious solution. Simply slice them in half horizontally to create two pieces, maximizing the surface area for that delightful cereal coating and ensuring even cooking.
But don’t limit yourself! Any other type of sandwich bread you enjoy can be used with great success. The key is to choose a bread that isn’t too dense but also not so flimsy that it falls apart when dipped. Here are some excellent alternatives:
- Texas Toast: These thick slices are perfect for a hearty French toast, offering a substantial base that remains wonderfully fluffy inside even after cooking with the crunchy exterior.
- White Bread: A classic and widely available choice, white bread absorbs the egg mixture well, leading to a tender and familiar French toast texture.
- Brioche: For an extra indulgent treat. Brioche is rich with butter and eggs, making for an incredibly luxurious, soft, and flavorful French toast that pairs beautifully with the crunchy coating.
- Challah: Similar to brioche in its richness and often braided structure, challah bread makes for a superb French toast base, offering a slightly sweet and eggy flavor.
- Sourdough: For those who prefer a tangier note, sourdough can offer a delightful contrast to the sweet cereal crust and toppings.
- Day-old Bread: Slightly stale bread is actually often preferred for French toast, as it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without becoming soggy, leading to a better texture.
The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its adaptability. Literally any bread you have available will work; just adjust your dipping time slightly depending on the bread’s absorbency and thickness to achieve the perfect internal tenderness.
Unleash Your Creativity: What Cereal Works Best for Crunchy French Toast
This is where the real fun and creativity come into play! The choice of cereal can significantly impact the final flavor and crunch profile of your French toast. You want something that you genuinely enjoy the taste of and that offers a good, satisfying texture once crushed and cooked. Experimentation is encouraged!
- Captain Crunch: A popular choice for a reason! It holds its crunch incredibly well, even after cooking, and its sweet, slightly buttery flavor is a fantastic complement to the French toast. It offers a robust crunch that stands out.
- Corn Flakes: For a more classic, subtle crunch and a neutral flavor that allows the French toast itself to shine. They crisp up beautifully and provide a delicate, flaky texture.
- Frosted Flakes: Similar to corn flakes but with an added layer of sweetness. These create a lovely caramelized crust when cooked, adding another dimension of flavor.
- Rice Krispies: Light and airy, Rice Krispies offer a delicate, crisp texture. While they might not be as robust as Captain Crunch, they still add a delightful textural element and subtle flavor.
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch: If you adore cinnamon, this is a brilliant choice. It doubles down on the cinnamon flavor present in the French toast batter and adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
- Chex Cereal (Rice or Corn): These provide a great, light crispiness and are excellent if you prefer a less sweet cereal coating, allowing other flavors to come through.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: While not technically a breakfast cereal, crushed graham crackers can also provide a wonderful sweet, sandy crunch and a hint of honey flavor that pairs wonderfully with French toast.
- Honey Bunches of Oats: Offers a mix of flakes and crunchy oat clusters for a varied texture and a lovely honey flavor.
- Fruity Pebbles/Cocoa Pebbles: For a fun, colorful, and intensely flavored option, especially if you’re serving kids or want a nostalgic twist.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite cereals! Consider cereals that don’t get soggy too quickly when exposed to moisture and have a flavor profile that you think would pair well with sweet breakfast foods. You can even mix two different types of cereal for a unique blend of flavors and textures, making this recipe truly your own. The possibilities are endless for creating your ultimate crunchy breakfast!
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Cinnamon Scones
- Lemon Pancakes
- Breakfast Tacos
- Double Chocolate Cheesecake Muffins
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Nutella Crepes
Crunchy Hawaiian French Toast
Ingredients
French Toast
- 4 KING’S HAWAIIAN ® Dinner Rolls
- 2 whole large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup roughly crushed cereal, Captain Crunch
- Butter or Nonstick spray
Toppings:
- fresh fruit
- whipped cream
- maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat large skillet or grilled to medium heat.
- In a large bowl beat eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and sugar together.
- In another bowl place the crushed cereal.
- Slice the dinner rolls in half. Dip into the egg mixture, and then press into the cereal until well coated.
- If you are using butter, place in hot pan to melt. Put coated rolls into hot skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes per side.
- Remove from pan, and top as desired to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of King’s Hawaiian®. The opinions and text are all mine.