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

Hawaiian roll french toast casserole takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and requires just six ingredients. That’s right – this delicious breakfast dish is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make for a morning gathering!

I’ve found that french toast casserole with Hawaiian rolls creates something truly special compared to traditional versions. The King’s Hawaiian brand is actually my favorite for this recipe, as these sweet rolls provide the perfect foundation for a rich cinnamon sugar custard. Additionally, this hawaiian roll french toast bake turns out fluffy and so decadent it tastes like dessert!

What makes this easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole especially appealing is its flexibility. You can prepare it just before baking or cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours (or even overnight). This makes it perfect for busy holiday mornings when you’d rather be enjoying time with family than standing over the stove.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my foolproof method for creating the perfect hawaiian sweet roll french toast casserole, along with tips for customizing it to your taste. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

Preparing a delicious Hawaiian roll french toast casserole starts with gathering quality ingredients. Let me walk you through everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering breakfast dish.

Essential ingredients for the custard base

The custard is what transforms ordinary bread into decadent french toast. For the perfect custard base, you’ll need 6-8 large eggs, milk (any type works, though whole milk creates a richer flavor), and heavy cream or half-and-half. Furthermore, you’ll want to add sweetness with brown sugar (about 1-2 tablespoons) and enhance the flavor with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract[62]. Finally, warm spices like cinnamon (1-1.5 teaspoons) and a pinch of nutmeg bring everything together.

Choosing the right Hawaiian rolls

King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls are ideal for this recipe. Their subtle sweetness and soft texture create the perfect foundation. A standard 12-count package (12 ounces) is typically sufficient for an average casserole[62]. Moreover, while fresh rolls work perfectly fine, slightly stale rolls actually absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.

Optional toppings and mix-ins

Elevate your Hawaiian roll french toast casserole with these delicious additions:

Fresh berries: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
Nuts: pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch
Streusel topping: combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter
Sweet finishes: maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream[73]

Recommended baking dish and utensils

A 9×13-inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe. Consequently, you’ll need cooking spray to prevent sticking[62]. Other essential tools include mixing bowls for custard and streusel preparation, a whisk for beating eggs and milk, and a knife for cutting the rolls. If making a streusel topping, a pastry cutter helps blend cold butter with dry ingredients, though your fingers work just as well.

Before starting, ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F[61] – this temperature consistently produces golden-brown perfection without burning.

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

Creating this delectable Hawaiian roll french toast casserole is surprisingly straightforward once you have all your ingredients ready. Let me walk you through each step to ensure perfect results every time.

Cutting and layering the rolls

The foundation of any great french toast bake with Hawaiian rolls starts with proper bread preparation. Using a serrated knife, cut your Hawaiian rolls into approximately 1-inch cubes. Although some recipes recommend slicing the rolls in half horizontally first, cubing creates more surface area for absorbing the custard. Place the bread cubes evenly in your prepared baking dish. For a more complex flavor profile, consider layering half the bread cubes, then half your mix-ins (like berries), followed by remaining bread and toppings.

Mixing the custard

Now for the magical mixture that transforms ordinary bread into extraordinary french toast casserole. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined. Make sure to break up the eggs completely and incorporate all ingredients thoroughly. The cinnamon may float to the top initially – this is perfectly normal. For extra depth, a pinch of nutmeg makes a subtle yet noticeable difference.

Pouring and soaking the bread

Once your custard is ready, pour it slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces get saturated. Use a spoon to gently press down any dry spots to help absorption without squishing the bread. The key to perfect texture lies in the soaking time – allow at least 15 minutes at room temperature or, even better, cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours. Overnight soaking produces exceptional results as it gives the bread ample time to absorb the custard.

Baking time and temperature tips

Preheat your oven to 350°F. For best results with Hawaiian roll french toast casserole, cover the dish with foil and bake for the first 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes until the center is set. Your casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top with just a slight jiggle in the center – it should not be liquid. The final internal temperature should reach about 175°F for perfectly set custard.

Customize Your Casserole

One of the best qualities of Hawaiian roll french toast casserole is its incredible versatility. Beyond the basic recipe, there are countless ways to personalize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Add-ins: berries, chocolate chips, or nuts

The perfect Hawaiian roll french toast bake welcomes delicious add-ins that elevate its flavor profile. Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries can be scattered between layers or sprinkled on top before baking. For chocolate lovers, dark chocolate chips make an indulgent addition—simply replace berries with 1/2 cup chocolate chunks. Nuts provide wonderful texture contrast; try walnuts for a classic pairing or pecans for subtle sweetness. Furthermore, you can create unique flavor combinations by adding banana slices with walnuts for a banana nut variation.

Toppings: streusel, powdered sugar, or syrup

After baking, your hawaiian sweet roll french toast casserole deserves finishing touches. A streusel topping made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter creates a caramelized, crunchy contrast to the creamy center. Undeniably, maple syrup remains a classic choice—drizzle it generously just before serving. Dusting with powdered sugar adds visual appeal and gentle sweetness. For special occasions, consider whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze (mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk).

Savory twist: bacon or sausage

Apart from sweet variations, french toast bake with Hawaiian rolls can take a savory direction. Crispy bacon crumbled on top adds smoky contrast to the sweet casserole. Sausage introduces hearty protein that transforms this dish from breakfast to brunch centerpiece. Some recipes even feature a combination of sweet and savory elements, such as brown sugar cream cheese filling with candied bacon crust. To maintain vegetarian options, simply omit meat and add a few pads of butter on top.

Make it dairy-free or gluten-free

For dietary restrictions, easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole adapts beautifully. Replace dairy milk with coconut milk for richness—its creaminess mimics traditional dairy wonderfully. Alternatively, use a combination of soy milk and coconut milk for balanced flavor. For gluten-free versions, substitute with gluten-free Hawaiian sweet bread, such as Canyon Bakehouse brand. The gluten-free adaptation works seamlessly—guests typically cannot detect the difference.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

After enjoying your freshly baked Hawaiian roll french toast casserole, proper storage ensures you can savor leftovers for days to come. Let me share essential tips for extending the life of this delicious breakfast treat.

How to store leftovers

Store your french toast bake with Hawaiian rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. First and foremost, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering. Indeed, you can either store it in the original baking dish or portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Freezing and thawing instructions

This hawaiian sweet roll french toast casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. For unbaked casserole, assemble completely, allow to soak for 3 hours, then freeze. Subsequently, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating for best texture

For best results when reheating:

Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30 seconds
Oven: Warm at 350°F covered with foil for approximately 20 minutes if pre-baked

Overnight prep instructions

Easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole shines as a make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. During the morning, remove from the refrigerator about 1 hour before baking. As a result, the rolls absorb the custard perfectly, creating an irresistibly moist texture.

Conclusion

Hawaiian roll french toast casserole truly stands out as a perfect weekend brunch option for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how this simple yet spectacular dish requires minimal ingredients and preparation time while delivering maximum flavor.

Above all, the versatility of this recipe makes it a staple in my breakfast rotation. Whether you prefer a classic approach with cinnamon and maple syrup or want to experiment with berries, chocolate chips, or even savory additions like bacon, the possibilities remain endless. Additionally, dietary restrictions pose no obstacle since the recipe adapts beautifully to dairy-free or gluten-free modifications.

Another key point worth emphasizing is the make-ahead nature of this dish. You can prepare everything the night before, allowing the flavors to meld overnight while you sleep. Therefore, your morning remains stress-free with more time to enjoy with family and friends rather than bustling around the kitchen.

Lastly, don’t forget how leftovers store beautifully for quick weekday breakfasts. The casserole reheats wonderfully, maintaining its delicious texture whether warmed in the microwave or oven.

The next time you host a brunch gathering or simply want to treat your family to something special without the fuss, remember this hawaiian roll french toast casserole. The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in rich custard and baked to golden perfection will undoubtedly become a requested favorite at your table. Now you have all the knowledge needed to create this delightful dish that tastes like you spent hours preparing it, when actually, you’ve barely lifted a finger!

FAQs

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

Q2. What’s the best way to prepare Hawaiian rolls for French toast casserole? Cut the Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a baking dish. This allows for maximum absorption of the custard mixture, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful casserole.

Q3. How long should I soak the Hawaiian rolls in the custard mixture? For best results, allow the Hawaiian rolls to soak in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. For even better texture and flavor, you can cover and refrigerate the casserole for 2-24 hours before baking.

Q4. Can I make Hawaiian roll French toast casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just remove it from the refrigerator about an hour before baking for the best results.

Q5. How can I customize my Hawaiian roll French toast casserole? There are many ways to customize this dish. You can add fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. For toppings, try a streusel mixture, powdered sugar, or maple syrup. You can even give it a savory twist by adding bacon or sausage.