Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole: The Foolproof Recipe You Need to Try

Hawaiian roll french toast casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary with just six ingredients and under 10 minutes of prep time. I’ve discovered that this delicious twist on traditional french toast offers all the flavor without the hassle of standing at the stove flipping individual slices.

What makes this french toast bake with hawaiian rolls particularly special is the unique custard base, which differs from typical french toast recipes. The King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls give this french toast casserole a distinctively soft texture and subtle sweetness that regular bread simply can’t match. Additionally, the entire process is wonderfully hands-off after preparation, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings or any time you’re hosting breakfast guests.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating this foolproof breakfast dish. From the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, variations to try, and even make-ahead tips – whether you choose to bake it immediately or refrigerate overnight[-5]. This easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole might just become your new favorite weekend tradition.

What You Need to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Creating the perfect hawaiian roll french toast casserole starts with gathering the right ingredients. Let me show you exactly what you’ll need for this delicious breakfast treat.

Hawaiian rolls and why they work best

The foundation of this recipe is a package of King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count). These rolls aren’t just convenient—they’re actually ideal for french toast casserole because they’re pillowy soft, tender, and inherently sweet. The signature sweetness of these rolls eliminates the need for excessive sugar in your custard mixture. Furthermore, their soft texture allows them to soak up the custard beautifully without becoming overly soggy. While brioche, challah, or soft Italian bread can work as substitutes, the unique sweetness and texture of Hawaiian rolls create that distinctive flavor profile that makes this dish special.

Custard base: eggs, milk, and flavorings

For the perfect custard, you’ll need:

Eggs: 3 large eggs provide structure and richness
Milk: 1½ cups of whole milk creates a creamy base
Sweeteners: ⅓ cup brown sugar adds caramel notes
Flavorings: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt

The ideal ratio for a rich custard is 2:1 eggs to dairy. Consequently, the custard soaks into the torn rolls, creating that perfect balance between crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior when baked. For an even richer result, you can substitute half-and-half for milk or use a combination of milk and heavy cream.

Optional add-ins: berries, chocolate, nuts

Elevate your french toast bake with hawaiian rolls by incorporating mix-ins:

Fresh berries: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries
Chocolate: dark chocolate chips or chunks (½ cup)
Nuts: sliced almonds provide delicate crunch

These add-ins not only enhance flavor but also create wonderful texture contrasts throughout the casserole. Essentially, they transform a simple breakfast into something truly special.

Toppings and syrups to consider

The finishing touches make all the difference for your hawaiian rolls french toast casserole:

Traditional maple syrup
Dusting of powdered sugar
Caramel sauce (especially good with chocolate chips)
Berry syrup or fresh fruit
Streusel topping: combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and cold butter

A crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custardy interior. In fact, many consider this optional element actually essential to achieving the perfect balance of textures in your finished casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Casserole

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious hawaiian roll french toast casserole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—even beginners can create a breakfast masterpiece.

1. Preheat and prep your baking dish

First of all, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s properly heated when you’re ready to bake. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (make sure it’s at least 3 inches deep) and thoroughly grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the finished casserole.

2. Cube or tear the Hawaiian rolls

Take your package of Hawaiian rolls and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes using a serrated knife. You can also tear them into irregular pieces by hand—this actually creates more surface area for soaking up the custard. Spread the pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re distributed in a single layer.

3. Mix the custard and pour evenly

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined with no streaks of egg white remaining. For the perfect custard consistency, use 8 eggs to 4 cups of dairy. Subsequently, pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the bread pieces, lifting pieces as needed to ensure complete coverage. Gently press the bread down into the liquid to help absorption.

4. Add toppings or mix-ins

Prior to baking, you can add optional mix-ins like blueberries, layering half the bread, half the berries, then remaining bread and berries. For a streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter pieces until the mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store this topping in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

5. Bake covered and then uncovered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Throughout this initial baking period, the casserole will begin to set. Once completed, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown. The center should still have a slight jiggle but shouldn’t be liquid. The internal temperature of properly cooked custard should reach at least 160°F.

Your hawaiian rolls french toast casserole is now ready to enjoy! The perfect balance of crispy top and soft, custardy interior makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

Easy Variations to Try

One of the best things about this breakfast dish is how versatile it can be. Once you’ve mastered the basic hawaiian roll french toast casserole, try these delicious variations to keep breakfast exciting.

Make it fruity: berries, apples, or bananas

Beyond the classic recipe, fresh fruits add natural sweetness and beautiful color. Simply scatter 1 cup of fresh berries over the bread cubes before pouring the custard mixture. Blueberries work wonderfully, plus raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries create equally delicious results. For a tropical twist, consider adding mango chunks and pineapple instead of berries – you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. For fall flavors, thinly sliced apples with extra cinnamon create a comforting seasonal version.

Go dessert-style with chocolate or caramel

Transform your hawaiian roll french toast bake into something truly decadent. Replace berries with ½ cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks for a chocolate lover’s dream. Accordingly, you might want to serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce rather than maple syrup. Moreover, for an over-the-top dessert version, top each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. Swirling fruit purees like strawberry or cherry into the custard before pouring over the rolls creates beautiful marbling and flavor throughout.

Add crunch with streusel or nuts

For a delightful textural contrast, consider adding a streusel topping. Simply combine flour, sugar, and ground cinnamon, then cut in butter until crumbly. As an alternative, make it nut-free by mixing ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, and spices together with 4 tablespoons butter until crumbly. Chopped pecans scattered throughout add wonderful texture. During baking, the streusel creates a buttery, sweet crunch that perfectly complements the soft, creamy texture of the french toast casserole.

Make it dairy-free or gluten-free

Fortunately, dietary restrictions don’t mean missing out. To make your hawaiian rolls french toast casserole dairy-free, substitute the milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk in a 1:1 ratio. Notably, canned light coconut milk (well shaken) provides the rich creaminess that regular milk would. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free french bread or Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-free Hawaiian Sweet Bread as your base. Overall, these modifications ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious breakfast treat regardless of dietary needs.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

After enjoying your freshly baked breakfast treat, proper storage ensures you can savor the leftovers for days to come. Let me share my best tips for keeping your hawaiian roll french toast casserole fresh and delicious.

How to store leftovers properly

Leftover french toast bake with hawaiian rolls keeps beautifully when stored correctly. First, allow your casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Next, either cover the original baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. When properly stored in the refrigerator, your casserole remains fresh for up to 5 days. For convenience, consider cutting leftover portions into individual servings before storing—this makes grab-and-go breakfasts much simpler throughout the week.

Reheating for best texture

The way you reheat your hawaiian rolls french toast casserole makes all the difference in maintaining its delightful texture. For individual portions, simply microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. For larger portions or the entire casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warm throughout. Covering with foil while reheating prevents the top from burning yet maintains that wonderful contrast between the crispy top and custardy interior.

Freezing instructions

This easy hawaiian roll french toast casserole freezes beautifully both before and after baking. To freeze after baking, allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. For unbaked casserole, assemble everything except the topping, allow it to soak for at least 3 hours, then freeze. Always thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking. Upon thawing, baked casseroles can be reheated at 350°F for about 20 minutes, while unbaked ones should be baked according to the original recipe instructions.

Overnight prep instructions

French toast casserole with hawaiian rolls is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Assemble the entire casserole (except for any streusel topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This soaking period allows the rolls to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in that perfect custardy texture we all love. Just remember that when baking directly from the refrigerator, your casserole may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Add any streusel topping right before baking for the best results.

Conclusion

Hawaiian roll french toast casserole certainly transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary with minimal effort. Throughout this guide, we’ve seen how this dish combines simplicity with impressive results. The pillowy texture of King’s Hawaiian rolls paired with the rich custard creates a breakfast experience that’s both comforting and special.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize it countless ways – adding fresh berries for brightness, incorporating chocolate for decadence, or creating a crunchy streusel topping for textural contrast. Additionally, the make-ahead nature of this dish makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want something delicious without standing over the stove.

Storage solutions further enhance the practicality of this dish. Leftovers keep beautifully for up to five days when properly stored, while freezing options extend enjoyment even longer. Therefore, you can prepare this casserole once and enjoy stress-free breakfasts throughout the week.

Whether you choose to serve this at a holiday brunch, weekend family breakfast, or prepare it for meal prep, this Hawaiian roll french toast casserole delivers consistent results every time. The foolproof nature of the recipe means even kitchen novices can create something impressive with minimal effort.

My family now requests this dish regularly, and guests always ask for the recipe. Give it a try – this might just become your new breakfast tradition too. The combination of ease, flavor, and versatility makes this casserole a true breakfast game-changer that deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.

FAQs

Q1. What makes Hawaiian rolls ideal for French toast casserole? Hawaiian rolls are perfect for French toast casserole due to their soft texture and subtle sweetness. They absorb the custard beautifully without becoming soggy and provide a unique flavor profile that enhances the overall dish.

Q2. Can I prepare Hawaiian roll French toast casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Assemble the dish (excluding any streusel topping), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the rolls to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a perfect custardy texture.

Q3. How long can I store leftover French toast casserole? When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover French toast casserole can stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q4. What are some easy variations I can try with this recipe? You can easily customize this recipe by adding fresh fruits like berries or apples, incorporating chocolate chips for a dessert-style version, or adding a streusel topping for extra crunch. You can also make it dairy-free or gluten-free with simple substitutions.

Q5. What’s the best way to reheat French toast casserole? For individual portions, microwave for 30-45 seconds. For larger portions, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warm throughout. This method helps maintain the delightful contrast between the crispy top and custardy interior.