Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of something baking in the oven. I remember one Saturday morning when my kids tumbled out of bed, drawn by the sweet scent wafting from the kitchen. What greeted them was a golden, fluffy French toast casserole that looked fancy but took less than 20 minutes to throw together. The star? Hawaiian rolls—those pillowy-soft, slightly sweet gems that turn an everyday breakfast into a weekend-worthy treat.

This easy sheet pan dinner—or rather, sheet pan breakfast—is not only delicious but perfect for beginners. It’s quick to prepare, requires only a handful of ingredients, and doesn’t need to rest overnight. You’ll get the indulgence of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole. Best of all, it’s a quick and healthy meal when paired with fresh fruit or yogurt.

Why This Recipe is Special

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole stands out for its simplicity and flair. While many breakfast casseroles require overnight chilling or a long list of ingredients, this one keeps things refreshingly easy. The sweetness of the rolls complements the creamy custard, while juicy bursts of blueberries add a touch of tartness and visual appeal.

What makes this dish especially wonderful is its versatility. You can serve it at a casual family breakfast, bring it to a brunch potluck, or even dress it up for a holiday morning. It’s also a great recipe for kids to help make—cutting rolls, whisking eggs, layering fruit—every step is fun and foolproof.

Ingredients and Preparation

Hawaiian Rolls
These slightly sweet, ultra-soft rolls are the heart of the dish. They soak up the custard beautifully while maintaining a light, tender bite. If unavailable, brioche buns or challah bread are good substitutes.

Blueberries
Fresh or frozen blueberries add a pop of color and tangy contrast. You can also try raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even diced apples depending on what’s in season.

Eggs
Eggs form the base of the custard, binding the ingredients and providing structure. They add richness and protein, making the casserole satisfying and hearty.

Half and Half
This mixture of milk and cream makes the custard smooth and creamy. If you don’t have it on hand, a combination of whole milk and a splash of heavy cream works well.

White Sugar
A bit of sugar sweetens the custard. You can adjust the amount or use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for different flavor profiles.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Almond extract or a dash of cinnamon can be added for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish, around 11×7 inches. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 2
Cut the Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized cubes, about one inch in size. A serrated knife works best to avoid squishing them. Don’t worry about being perfect—rustic is good!

Step 3
Layer half of the cubed rolls into the baking dish, then sprinkle on half of the blueberries. Repeat the process with the remaining bread and blueberries.

Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and berries, making sure to coat all pieces. If needed, gently press the top layer down so everything soaks properly.

Step 5
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This prevents the top from browning too quickly.

Step 6
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly but set.

Step 7
Let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm, ideally with maple syrup or your favorite fruit preserves.

Beginner Tips and Notes

If your casserole browns too fast, check your oven rack height or lower the temperature slightly. A foil tent over the top can help prevent burning without interrupting the bake.

Overcooked casserole can become dry. For perfect texture, pull it from the oven when the center still has a slight wobble—it will continue cooking as it rests.

Want to save time? Cube the bread and prep the custard the night before. In the morning, simply combine and bake.

No whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. And if you lack a proper casserole dish, a deep cake pan can work just fine.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon herb chicken recipe might be a savory dinner option, but for your breakfast, consider serving the French toast casserole alongside crispy bacon, sausage links, or a bowl of fresh berries.

For an extra special presentation, top each portion with whipped cream, a few fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel or berry syrup.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes surprisingly well—just wrap tightly and reheat directly from frozen for a no-fuss future breakfast.

Conclusion

If you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a reliable breakfast dish to keep in your back pocket, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole is your new best friend. It’s approachable, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting brunch for friends, this recipe is sure to become a crowd favorite.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your own twist on the dish—I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

FAQ About Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole

More Relevant Recipes

• Crusty Chewy French Bread Rolls
• Copycat Texas Road House Rolls
• Easy No Knead German Crusty Rolls

Print