Hawaiian Roll French Toast: 5 Steps to a Delicious Casserole

Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast — A Sweet Roll Breakfast Casserole Worth Waking Up For
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pack Sweet Hawaiian rolls (torn into 1.5″ chunks); 6 large eggs (room temperature); 1½ cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¾ cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup melted butter (salted); Powdered sugar (for garnish); Maple syrup (for drizzling)

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Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is the Star of Any Holiday Breakfast

You ever wake up on a holiday morning, foggy-eyed, and the first thing that hits you is cinnamon, butter, and toasted sugar? That was me last Christmas. My daughter was unwrapping presents, my son was chasing the dog, and in the oven was this golden, bubbling tray of Hawaiian Roll French Toast like French toast, but better. Softer, sweeter, and frankly, a whole lot easier.

This French toast casserole is the kind of dish that makes you look like you know what you’re doing—even if you’re still in your pajamas. It’s custard-soaked bread baked into warm, spiced perfection. A slam-dunk for holiday breakfasts, Christmas brunch, or a slow Sunday when you’re feeling fancy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

Here’s what you need to pull it off—and why each part matters.

Ingredient	Purpose	Tips
Sweet Hawaiian rolls	The base—soft, sweet, and squishy	Slightly stale? Even better—it soaks better.
6 large eggs	The backbone of the custard	Room temp eggs mix smoother.
1½ cups whole milk	Moisture and flavor	Don’t go low-fat here. You’ll taste the difference.
½ cup heavy cream	Adds rich texture	This is key. Skip it, and you’ll know.
2 tsp vanilla extract	Sweet aromatics	Pure vanilla. Always. No imitation stuff.
1 tsp cinnamon	Warm spice note	Boosts the holiday vibe.
¼ tsp nutmeg	Adds complexity	A little goes a long way.
¾ cup brown sugar	Sweet, sticky topping	Light or dark—dealer’s choice.
⅓ cup melted butter	Helps crisp the top	Salted adds a nice balance.
Powdered sugar	For garnish	Sift it like a snowfall.
Maple syrup	Finishing drizzle	Use real maple, not pancake syrup.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast in 5 Easy Steps

This isn’t just dump-and-bake. Here’s how to make it perfect, with every move explained like I’m standing next to you in the kitchen.

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Grease a 9×13 baking dish—generously. Butter’s best, but nonstick spray or even olive oil in a pinch will work. If you’ve got foil, line the dish first. Trust me, cleanup is way easier and you won’t be stuck scraping sticky custard off the corners.

Step 2: Cube and Soak

Tear or cut your sweet Hawaiian rolls into 1.5″ chunks. Toss them into the dish. Rustic is what we want—uneven edges soak up custard better.

In a big bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Go hard—smooth custard is key. Let it sit for 5 minutes (let those spices bloom). Then pour it evenly over the bread. Press down lightly so every chunk soaks it up.

Got time? Let it sit 10–15 minutes. Got more time? Cover and refrigerate overnight—classic overnight French toast idea. Just bake longer tomorrow.

Step 3: Add the Sugar Magic

Melt your butter. Stir in brown sugar until you’ve got a gooey, grainy paste. Spoon it over the top and gently press it in. This is your crispy, sticky topping—basically dessert for breakfast. It’s what pushes this dish from “nice” to “legendary.”

Baked Hawaiian Roll French Toast casserole with golden tops and creamy custard

Step 4: Bake It Right

Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that springs back when you tap it. If it starts to brown too fast, tent with foil. Oh—and don’t crowd the oven. You want dry heat, not steam. Steam kills browning.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, Devour

Let it rest 5–10 minutes. The custard sets. The topping firms up. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle maple syrup, and serve warm. That crispy corner piece? Claim it first. This is sweet roll breakfast casserole perfection.

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best)
Large mixing bowl
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil (optional for lining)
Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)

Make-Ahead Options

This dish was built for lazy mornings:

Assemble the whole thing the night before: bread, custard, topping.
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, uncover and bake. Add 10 extra minutes if it’s still cold.

No stress, all flavor.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas. Try these spins:

Fresh berries: Add blueberries or sliced strawberries before baking.
Chocolate chips: ½ cup scattered through the bread = instant crowd pleaser.
Pecans: Chop and sprinkle into the topping for crunch.
Diced apples: Toss with cinnamon and layer in with the bread for a fall version.

Whatever you add, don’t overload. Keep the bread-to-custard balance intact.

Serving Suggestions

Round it out like a pro:

Serve with savory sides: bacon, sausage, or ham cut the sweetness perfectly.
Top with fruit compote or whipped cream.
Brunch drink? Coffee for comfort, mimosas for sparkle.

This isn’t just breakfast—it’s a Christmas brunch centerpiece.

If this Hawaiian Roll French Toast has you craving more breakfast brilliance, here are a few other reader-favorite recipes to explore:

Looking for a savory variation of French toast with sausage? Try these Sausage French Toast Roll-Ups—they’re handheld, protein-packed, and perfect for a grab-and-go brunch.
For more baked breakfast ideas like this applesauce coffee cake, don’t miss this soft, spiced Breakfast Applesauce Coffee Cake. Great with a hot cup of coffee.
Craving fruit-filled breakfast desserts like strawberry shortcake? This Strawberry Shortcake is light, sweet, and just the right kind of indulgent.
Want something more filling? My Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich delivers big flavor and protein—perfect if you’re leaning into savory breakfast sandwiches for a balanced brunch.
Planning a festive spread? Check out these Easy No-Bake Patriotic Desserts—they’re festive no-bake desserts perfect for holiday breakfasts like Christmas, Easter, or the 4th of July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare it ahead?

Absolutely. Make it up to 24 hours ahead and bake the next day. Just remember the extra 10 minutes in the oven if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use other breads?

You can use brioche or challah, but they won’t soak or taste quite like sweet Hawaiian rolls. That signature sweetness? Can’t fake it.

What’s a good topping alternative?

Streusel works. Add berries or chocolate if you want to dress it up. Just keep the topping moist or it’ll dry out.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Use extra whole milk and a dash of cornstarch (½ tsp) for body. It won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll do.

How do I stop the top from over-browning?

If it’s getting too dark too fast, tent it loosely with foil after the 20-minute mark.

Conclusion + Call to Action

So there it is: a Hawaiian roll French toast casserole recipe that hits all the right notes—soft and creamy inside, crisp and sugary on top. It’s a no-fuss way to make any morning feel like a celebration.

Try it once, and it’s going into your permanent rotation. And when your guests ask for the recipe (they will), just smile and say, “It’s a secret… but I might share.”

Want more ideas like this? Follow me on Pinterest for more cozy brunch inspiration, sweet roll recipes, and holiday-ready dishes that make you look like a kitchen pro.

Now get in the kitchen and make something unforgettable.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast — A Sweet Roll Breakfast Casserole Worth Waking Up For

Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is the Star of Any Holiday Breakfast

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole