Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the perfect marriage of two beloved breakfast classics. It combines the soft, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy texture of French toast, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet familiar. I love this recipe because it turns an ordinary morning into something special with very little effort. The cinnamon rolls soak up the egg mixture beautifully, baking into a warm, tender center with lightly crisp edges. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen. The first time I made this, it instantly became a weekend favorite, especially when finished with a drizzle of icing or syrup. It is ideal for slow mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting breakfast that feels bakery-worthy without complicated steps.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Sweet, Comforting Breakfast Upgrade
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory Texas Roadhouse mushrooms are a copycat-style side dish featuring tender sautéed mushrooms simmered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with deep steakhouse flavor.
Ingredients
- 16 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (halal)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire-style sauce (halal/vegetarian)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire-style sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce reduces and coats the mushrooms.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan so mushrooms brown properly.
- Cremini mushrooms provide deeper flavor.
- Perfect as a steakhouse side or burger topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Cinnamon rolls form the base of this dish. They provide sweetness, spice, and a soft texture that works perfectly for French toast.
Eggs
Eggs create the custard that coats the cinnamon rolls, giving the dish structure and richness.
Milk
Milk helps loosen the egg mixture and ensures a creamy, tender result.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream adds extra richness and helps create a soft, luxurious texture.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar enhances sweetness and balances the cinnamon spice.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the custard mixture.
Ground cinnamon
Ground cinnamon reinforces the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Butter
Butter prevents sticking and adds richness to the cooking surface or baking dish.
Icing from cinnamon rolls
The included icing provides a sweet finishing touch and ties the flavors together.
Directions
Begin by cutting the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and setting the icing aside. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter to coat the surface. Dip the cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak briefly. Place them into the skillet in a single layer.
Cook until golden on the outside and set on the inside, turning gently to brown all sides. Continue cooking in batches as needed. Alternatively, the mixture can be transferred to a greased baking dish and baked until puffed and lightly golden.
Warm the reserved icing slightly and drizzle over the cooked French toast before serving.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes. Total time is around 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cinnamon Roll French Toast is easy to adapt. You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or fresh berries for brightness. When I tested this with sliced strawberries, the fresh fruit balanced the sweetness beautifully.
For a baked version, arrange the soaked cinnamon roll pieces in a baking dish and bake until set. You can also enhance the custard with a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth. Cream cheese glaze or whipped cream makes an excellent topping if you want to take it a step further. These variations allow you to personalize the dish while keeping its comforting essence.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and indulgent, containing dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is best enjoyed as a special breakfast or brunch treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not oversoak
Brief soaking prevents the rolls from becoming mushy.
Use medium heat
Gentle heat ensures even cooking without burning.
Serve immediately
This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Warm the icing
Warmed icing spreads easily and enhances flavor.
FAQs
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking works well for feeding a crowd.
Do I need to use heavy cream?
No, but it adds extra richness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
What toppings work best?
Icing, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Yes, homemade rolls work beautifully.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced by the custard.
Can I add spices?
Nutmeg or cardamom add warmth.
What skillet works best?
A nonstick skillet or griddle works best.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, it is very popular with children.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With its soft texture, warm spices, and sweet finish, it delivers everything you love about cinnamon rolls and French toast in one easy dish. Perfect for weekends or brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you will return to again and again.
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