How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole: A Foolproof Breakfast Guide

Did you know that Hawaiian roll french toast casserole comes together in less than 10 minutes of prep time?

With just six ingredients and no overnight wait required, this breakfast dish is actually one of the most hassle-free recipes for any morning gathering! I’ve found that this french toast casserole with hawaiian rolls strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Baked in a rich cinnamon sugar custard, this hawaiian roll breakfast casserole has such a fluffy texture that it tastes like dessert!

Best of all, you have options. You can make this hawaiian roll french toast bake right away after a quick 15-minute rest, or prepare it the night before and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours or overnight. The french toast bake with hawaiian rolls is not only easy to customize with fresh berries, cream cheese filling, or even candied bacon, but also perfect for busy holiday mornings when you want something special without all the fuss. [-5]

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to create this crowd-pleasing breakfast from start to finish, along with all my favorite variations and make-ahead tips.

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To create the perfect hawaiian roll french toast casserole, gathering quality ingredients makes all the difference. Let me show you exactly what you’ll need for this delicious breakfast treat.

Essential ingredients for the custard base

The custard is what transforms ordinary bread into a mouthwatering french toast bake with hawaiian rolls. Start with 5-8 large eggs as your foundation. For the liquid component, you’ll need a combination of milk and something richer—half-and-half works wonderfully, though some recipes suggest whole milk mixed with heavy cream for extra richness. Furthermore, avoid using just milk alone as the custard won’t be thick and luscious enough.

For sweetness and flavor, you’ll need:

Granulated sugar or brown sugar (about ¼-½ cup)
Vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons)
Ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg

Choosing the right Hawaiian rolls

The star of your easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole is, of course, the rolls themselves. Kings Hawaiian brand original rolls are specifically recommended for this recipe. A standard 12-ounce package containing 12 rolls is perfect. What makes these rolls ideal is their subtle sweetness and soft texture that absorbs the custard beautifully.

Optional toppings and mix-ins

Elevate your hawaiian roll breakfast casserole with delicious additions:

Fresh fruit options: Blueberries are particularly popular, though raspberries, mixed berries, or sliced bananas work wonderfully too.

Streusel topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter for a crispy, caramelized finish. Baking uncovered helps this topping get perfectly crunchy.

Sweet finishes: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Recommended baking dish and utensils

Selecting the right baking dish is crucial for your french toast casserole with hawaiian rolls. Use one of these options:

Deep oval dish (approximately 12.5×9 inches)
11×7 inch baking dish
12×8 inch baking dish

Keep in mind that different dish sizes will affect baking time. In addition to your baking dish, you’ll need basic mixing bowls for preparing the custard and a whisk to ensure everything blends smoothly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Let’s dive into the fun part—making this delicious hawaiian roll french toast casserole step by step. The process is surprisingly simple, even for kitchen beginners.

Cut and layer the Hawaiian rolls

I find that using a serrated knife works best for cutting Hawaiian rolls into approximately 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about making perfect cubes—slightly irregular pieces actually create more surface area for soaking up the custard. Initially, spread half of your cubed rolls in the prepared baking dish, then add a layer of blueberries if desired, followed by the remaining bread and another layer of berries.

Whisk the custard mixture

Next, prepare the custard that will transform your bread into something magical. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined with no streaks of egg white remaining. Some recipes suggest adding brown sugar instead of regular sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.

Pour and soak the bread evenly

Subsequently, pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets covered. Since Hawaiian rolls are sweeter than most breads, they absorb the custard beautifully. Use a spoon to gently press down any dry pieces into the liquid, while being careful not to squish the bread too much.

Add toppings like berries or streusel

While many recipes include berries within the layers, you can alternatively sprinkle them on top. For a truly outstanding finish, prepare a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates that irresistible caramelized texture on top.

Bake covered and then uncovered for best texture

Finally, cover your casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle but shouldn’t be liquid. This two-stage baking process prevents over-browning while ensuring the inside cooks properly.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

One major advantage of hawaiian roll french toast casserole is its flexibility for advance preparation. This breakfast dish works perfectly whether made ahead or enjoyed right away.

How to prep the casserole the night before

Making your french toast bake with hawaiian rolls the night before saves valuable morning time. After assembling the casserole, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. This extended soaking period actually improves the dish as the bread fully absorbs the egg mixture.

For streusel-topped versions, you have two options: either prepare the topping separately and refrigerate it overnight, or add it right before baking in the morning. Additionally, remember that when baking directly from the refrigerator, you’ll need to allow for slightly longer cooking time.

Storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer

Properly stored leftovers mean you can enjoy your hawaiian roll breakfast casserole for days. For refrigeration, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers and store for 2-3 days. For longer preservation, freezing works remarkably well.

For freezing, you have two approaches:

Freeze before baking: Assemble completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, label, and freeze for up to 6 months
Freeze after baking: Cool completely, wrap thoroughly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months

Most experts recommend freezing unbaked casserole for best texture, as pre-baked versions may become slightly drier when reheated.

Best ways to reheat without drying it out

To maintain the moist, tender texture of your easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole when reheating:

Oven method (whole casserole): Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for approximately 20 minutes if previously baked. Place a small bowl of water alongside the dish to add moisture.

Microwave method (individual portions): Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Other effective methods include stovetop reheating (2-3 minutes per side in a buttered skillet), toaster oven (10 minutes at 350°F), or air fryer (5 minutes at 350°F, checking frequently).

Remember, avoid reheating more than once, as each reheating diminishes flavor and texture.

Flavor Variations and Custom Add-Ins

The versatility of hawaiian roll french toast casserole truly shines through customizations. Beyond the basic recipe, endless flavor possibilities await.

Fruit options: berries, apples, or bananas

Fresh berries elevate this breakfast treat marvelously. Consider:

Raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries instead of traditional blueberries
Swirling fruit purees like strawberry or cherry into the custard before pouring
Creating a tropical variation with shredded coconut, mango chunks, and pineapple for a vacation-like experience

Savory twist: bacon or sausage

Transform your hawaiian roll breakfast casserole into a hearty meal by incorporating savory elements. Crispy bacon crumbled on top creates a delicious sweet-savory contrast. Moreover, cooked sausage mixed throughout adds substantial protein and flavor. Even diced ham works wonderfully for a complete breakfast in one dish.

Dessert-style: chocolate chips or caramel drizzle

Certainly, this french toast bake with hawaiian rolls can double as dessert! Replace berries with dark chocolate chips or chunks, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions transform your breakfast into an indulgent treat.

Dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives

Making this easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole accessible to everyone is simple. Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk for richness, or use oat milk as an alternative. Similarly, gluten-free bread works perfectly for those with sensitivities.

Conclusion

Hawaiian roll french toast casserole truly stands out as one of the most versatile breakfast dishes you can add to your cooking repertoire. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how this delightful dish comes together with minimal effort – just six simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time.

After all, what makes this recipe particularly special is its flexibility. You can prepare it 15 minutes before baking or assemble it the night before for a stress-free morning. Additionally, the customization options are practically endless – from fresh berries and chocolate chips to savory additions like bacon or sausage.

The perfect balance of sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in rich custard creates something that feels indulgent yet remains surprisingly simple to make. Most importantly, this dish adapts to your schedule rather than the other way around, making it ideal for both casual family breakfasts and special holiday gatherings.

Whether you follow the basic recipe or experiment with the numerous variations we’ve discussed, this french toast casserole promises to deliver that perfect combination of crispy tops and soft, custardy centers. Consequently, your family and guests will surely ask for seconds – and perhaps even your recipe!

Remember that proper storage techniques allow you to enjoy leftovers for days, while freezing options extend that enjoyment even further. This recipe certainly proves that impressive breakfast dishes don’t require professional culinary skills or hours in the kitchen.

Give this hawaiian roll french toast casserole a try for your next morning gathering. The delightful combination of simplicity, flavor, and versatility might just make it your new go-to breakfast favorite!

FAQs

Q1. Can Hawaiian rolls be used for French toast casserole? Yes, Hawaiian rolls are excellent for French toast casserole. Their sweet flavor and soft texture make them perfect for absorbing the custard mixture, resulting in a deliciously fluffy and flavorful dish.

Q2. What’s the best way to prevent a soggy French toast casserole? To avoid a soggy casserole, ensure you don’t oversoak the bread. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes and gently press them down to absorb the liquid. Also, bake the casserole covered first, then uncovered to achieve the right texture.

Q3. Can I prepare Hawaiian roll French toast casserole in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours or overnight. This actually improves the dish as it allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.

Q4. What are some tasty variations for French toast casserole? You can customize your casserole with various add-ins. Try fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples for a fruity twist. For a dessert-like version, add chocolate chips or a caramel drizzle. Savory options include crispy bacon or cooked sausage.

Q5. How long can I store leftover French toast casserole? Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when properly covered. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months if already baked, or up to 6 months if unbaked. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.