How to Make Gooey French Toast Roll-Ups in Minutes

There is something undeniably fun about transforming a classic plated breakfast into finger food. These French Toast Roll-Ups take everything you love about the traditional dish, the custardy interior and the crispy edges, and roll them into a bite-sized format. I find that this recipe is the absolute best way to get kids involved in the kitchen, but let’s be honest, the adults usually eat more of them than the children do.

This recipe fits perfectly as a festive dish for a holiday brunch where you want people to mingle, but it is fast enough for a fun healthy comfort food option on a slow Tuesday morning. Unlike a standard slice of French toast which requires a fork and knife, these French Toast Roll-Ups are designed for dipping, making them an interactive experience that brings a little joy to the breakfast table.

Kitchen Workflow

Because these cook quickly, having your assembly line ready is crucial. Here is how to prep for French Toast Roll-Ups so you are not rushing later:

• The Bread Prep: You can cut the crusts off your bread slices the night before. Keep them in a sealed bag so they don’t dry out. Stale bread is usually good for French toast, but for rolling, fresh and soft is actually better to prevent cracking.
• The Sugar Station: Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl or plate ahead of time. Cover it with plastic wrap.
• Filling Temperature: Ensure your cream cheese or Nutella is at room temperature. If it is too cold, it will tear the bread when you try to spread it.

French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe Card

French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BreakfastCuisine: French, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

These golden, crispy French Toast Roll-Ups are stuffed with sweet fillings and coated in cinnamon sugar for the perfect dunkable breakfast treat.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 8.0 slices White Sandwich Bread (soft)

• 4.0 ounces Cream Cheese (softened) or Nutella

• 0.5 cup Fresh Strawberries (diced small, optional)

• 2.0 large Eggs

• 3.0 tablespoons Milk

• 1.0 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

• 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar

• 1.0 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon

• 2.0 tablespoons Butter (for frying)

Directions

• Start by preparing your coating station. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together until uniform. Set this aside.
• Prepare your bread. Take the slices of sandwich bread and cut off the crusts with a sharp knife. Discard the crusts or save them for breadcrumbs.
• Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until it is very thin and compact. This is crucial for easy rolling.
• Spread about 1 tablespoon of your chosen filling (cream cheese or Nutella) in a strip along one edge of the flattened bread. If using fruit, sprinkle a small amount over the filling.
• Tightly roll the bread up, starting from the filling side, until you have a tight cylinder. Repeat this for all slices.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
• Quickly dip each roll-up into the egg mixture. Do not soak them; just a quick coating is enough. Shake off any excess.
• Place the rolls in the hot pan, seam-side down. This seals them shut.
• Cook for about 1.0 to 2.0 minutes per side, turning them with tongs until they are golden brown on all sides.
• Remove the hot rolls from the pan and immediately drop them into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll them around until fully coated.
• Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.

Notes

• Bread Type: Soft white bread or potato bread works best. Whole wheat tends to break when rolled thin.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked roll-ups. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore the crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free white bread, but microwave the slice for 10 seconds before rolling to make it pliable.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 8g

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Why We Love French Toast Roll-Ups

What makes these specific French Toast Roll-Ups superior to standard French toast? It comes down to the surface area. In a traditional slice, you only get two sides of caramelization. When you roll the bread, you create a cylinder that can be browned on all sides, giving you significantly more crunch per bite. The rolling process also locks the filling inside, creating a molten center that stays warm longer than toppings sitting on a flat slice.

Furthermore, this method allows for endless customization. Whether you are gluten-free or looking for a dairy-free option, the roll-up structure works with almost any soft sandwich bread. You can swap the traditional cinnamon sugar coating for a protein-packed nut dusting or use low-sugar fruit preserves. To understand the best bread characteristics for absorbing custard without disintegrating, read about choosing the right bread. This structural integrity is key to a roll-up that holds its shape.

Frying Perfection

I have made thousands of these for catering, and here are my actionable tips to help you achieve the best results with your French Toast Roll-Ups:

1. Flatten Firmly: Use a rolling pin to flatten the bread as thin as possible. This densifies the crumb, making it pliable and less likely to soak up too much egg, which prevents sogginess.
2. Clarified Butter is Best: If you can, use ghee or clarified butter for frying. The milk solids in regular butter burn quickly at the heat needed to crisp the bread. If you use regular butter, wipe the pan between batches.
3. Seam Side Down: Always place the roll-ups in the pan seam-side down first. The heat seals the egg wash, locking the roll together so it doesn’t unravel during flipping.
4. Don’t Over-Soak: Unlike a thick slice of brioche, these thin rolls only need a quick dunk. If you leave them in the egg mixture too long, they will fall apart.

For more on the science of browning and flavor, check out this guide on the Maillard reaction.

Customizing Your Roll

The Strawberry Cheesecake

This is a fresh, fruity take on the French Toast Roll-Ups. Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on the flattened bread. Top with finely diced fresh strawberries (make sure they are small so the bread rolls smoothly). After frying, the warm cream cheese mimics a rich cheesecake filling. The tartness of the berries cuts through the rich egg batter perfectly.

The Chocolate Hazelnut Indulgence

For the chocolate lovers, this variant is a must. Spread a thin layer of Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread on the bread. You can add half a teaspoon of chopped roasted hazelnuts inside for crunch. When these come out of the pan, the chocolate is molten and gooey. Skip the cinnamon in the coating sugar and use cocoa powder instead for a “truffle” effect.

The Apple Pie Pocket

To channel autumn vibes, spread apple butter or finely chopped sautéed apples inside the bread. Roll tight and fry. The result tastes exactly like a fried apple pie but with a softer, custardy interior. Serve these with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping.

If you love sweet breakfasts, you must try my Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes which pair beautifully with the same toppings.

The Roll-Up Q&A

Roll Into a Better Breakfast

I hope this French Toast Roll-Ups recipe brings a spark of joy to your morning routine. There is a reason this dish has gone viral so many times—it is just plain fun to eat. The combination of the crunchy sugar coating and the warm, melting filling is pure comfort food.

Grab a loaf of bread and get rolling. Your family will thank you. If you enjoyed this playful recipe, you might also like my Croissant French Toast or my Classic Crispy Waffles. Happy cooking!