Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

\You sure can! While the sweet rolls give this dish its signature flavor and pillowy texture, any soft, slightly stale bread will work in a pinch. Brioche, challah, or even croissants are good alternatives. Just note: swapping the rolls means you'll lose a bit of that sweet, buttery flair that makes a true Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Bake stand out.

Can I make French toast bake ahead of time?

Absolutely—this bake is a make-ahead marvel. Assemble it the night before, cover it, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold when it goes in the oven.

Should French toast casserole be covered when baking?

It depends on your desired texture. If you like a softer top, cover it loosely with foil for the first 20–25 minutes, then uncover for the rest of the baking time to let the top crisp up. Want a golden, crunchy finish? Bake it uncovered from start to finish.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or pop slices into a 300°F oven until warmed through. Either way, it’ll taste just as delicious—maybe even better the next day!

Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Description

This Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Bake is a warm and comforting breakfast casserole made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich vanilla custard and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for brunch, holidays, or a make-ahead morning treat, it’s easy to customize with fruits, streusel topping, or cream cheese for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls, torn into pieces
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups milk (or almond milk)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp white sugar
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp salt
Optional: ½ cup blueberries or strawberries
Optional: ¼ cup cream cheese, diced
Streusel Topping (optional):
¼ cup flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Tear the Hawaiian rolls into chunks and spread them evenly in the dish.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour the custard over the rolls and press gently to soak.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Optional: Add berries or cream cheese between the roll layers.
Optional: Mix flour, brown sugar, and melted butter to make streusel and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with toppings like syrup or whipped cream.

Notes

Stale rolls work better than fresh for soaking up the custard.
Use almond milk and coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Microwave or reheat in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 285
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 260mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Bake, sweet roll breakfast casserole, make-ahead brunch recipe, overnight French toast, Hawaiian roll recipe, baked French toast