If you are craving a brunch dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and comforting flavors, the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaking up a luscious cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with a crispy brown sugar streusel and crunchy pecans providing the ideal contrast. This casserole delivers all the warmth and coziness of traditional French toast but takes it to the next level with a sweet, tender crumb and a delightful crisp topping. It’s everything you want on a weekend morning or special occasion breakfast packed into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe means gathering a few simple but wonderful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the wonderful textures and rich flavors that make this dish so memorable.
- Hawaiian rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls build the fluffy base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind the custard together and add that rich, creamy texture.
- Milk: Milk helps create the custard and keeps the bread tender while baking.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the custard and streusel topping.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the custard just right without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla infuses the custard with a lovely fragrant note.
- All-purpose flour: Flour gives structure to the streusel topping.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar deepens the flavor and caramelizes to add a beautiful golden crunch.
- Cold butter: Cold butter cut into pieces is essential to making the streusel crumbly and flaky.
- Chopped pecans: Pecans add a nutty crunch that elevates the texture perfectly.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This sets the stage for your casserole to bake evenly and lift out perfectly once cooked.
Step 2: Cube the Hawaiian Rolls
Take your sweet Hawaiian rolls and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. This size ensures the custard soaks into every nook and cranny without becoming mushy. Spread these bread cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish for a sturdy, flavorful base.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard will soak into the rolls, infusing every bite with a rich cinnamon-vanilla flavor that’s hard to resist. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated. Then, sprinkle the first half of your chopped pecans on top to add an initial layer of nutty texture.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold diced butter. Using a pastry blender or fork, mix until the ingredients resemble coarse crumbs. This dry, crumbly topping is key to the perfect crunch. Spread this streusel mixture evenly over the custard-soaked bread, then finish by sprinkling the remaining chopped pecans on top for an appealing, textured finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the heated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the streusel topping turns golden brown and crisp. A slight jiggle in the center is okay, but it should mostly be firm. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing to preserve its lovely shape and layers.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe shines with simple yet charming garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, while a drizzle of maple syrup or honey enhances the sweetness just right. Fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries can provide a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the warm custard flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait can add refreshing brightness to your meal. Even a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee makes a perfect companion to this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming presentation at brunch gatherings. You can also add a swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving for a dessert-like treat. Layering the casserole with extra tropical ingredients like diced pineapple can bring an extra burst of island flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy sweet breakfasts throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. For crispier edges, reheat in a 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps restore that wonderful streusel crunch and bring back the fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a signature sweetness and softness, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even thick-cut sandwich bread for different textures and flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk and swap the butter in the streusel with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole completely and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning. This makes it a fantastic, stress-free option for holiday or weekend breakfasts.
What nuts work best if I don’t like pecans?
Walnuts are a wonderful substitute and provide the same crunch and nuttiness. Toasted almonds or even chopped macadamia nuts would also pair nicely with the flavors in the casserole.
Can I add fruit into the casserole itself?
Yes! Adding fresh or frozen berries, diced apples, or pineapple chunks inside the casserole before baking adds delicious bursts of flavor and a bit of freshness to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its blend of soft, custardy bread with cinnamon-spiced sweetness and a buttery, crunchy topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend morning, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor all the layers of flavor and texture that make it so special. You won’t regret adding this one to your breakfast rotation!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch option featuring soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, topped with crunchy pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it combines the comforting flavors of French toast with a rich, crumbly topping for a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for serving 8 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12-oz) package Hawaiian rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch pieces and spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating the base for your casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Then sprinkle half of the finely chopped pecans over the top.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and cold butter pieces. Use a pastry blender or fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Ensure the butter in the streusel topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
