If you’re craving a breakfast dish that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors into one irresistible bite, then this Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful dish where soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls meet hearty breakfast sausage and melty cheddar cheese, all brought together by a creamy, spiced egg custard. Perfect for weekend brunches or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss, this casserole brings comfort and a touch of tropical sweetness in every slice. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your all-time favorite breakfast traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls to the savory depth of breakfast sausage and the richness of the custard, making the final dish a harmonious delight both in flavor and texture.
- Hawaiian rolls (12 oz): Their natural sweetness and softness create the perfect base and contrast to the savory sausage.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor and meaty texture that complements the tender bread.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, adding gooey richness and sharpness.
- Large eggs (8): The binding surprise that holds the casserole together with creamy custard texture.
- Milk (1¼ cups): Keeps the egg mixture smooth and avoids toughness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Elevates the custard’s creaminess for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle savory undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to the custard.
- Dry mustard (½ tsp): A hint of tangy spice that brightens the overall flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (½ tsp): Provides a savory umami boost, rounding out the savory notes.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Chop the Hawaiian rolls into one-inch cubes — this size allows them to soak up the egg mixture without turning mushy. Spread these cubes evenly in the prepared pan, creating a soft, sweet foundation for the casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Draining any excess grease is important to avoid a soggy casserole while keeping the sausage flavorful and hearty. Once cooked, spread the sausage crumbles evenly over the bed of bread cubes, distributing that savory goodness.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Layer
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage evenly. The cheese will melt and create those irresistible pockets of gooey richness that everyone loves in a breakfast casserole.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This flavorful custard mixture is the glue that binds the bread, sausage, and cheese into one cohesive, luscious casserole. Pour it evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden. After baking, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to cut into neat slices with a sharp knife.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh parsley on top after baking adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. Feel free to add chopped green onions or a light dusting of paprika for a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad to balance the richness, or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete brunch spread, consider serving it with crispy bacon or a light yogurt parfait.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Alternatively, layer it with sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach before baking to add more color and nutrients. You can even top slices with sliced avocado or a dollop of salsa for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday breakfasts.
Freezing
You can freeze the Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or place the whole casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken sausage will work well, or even diced ham for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to fully cook the meat before layering it into the casserole.
Do I have to use Hawaiian rolls specifically?
Hawaiian rolls provide a sweet contrast that makes this casserole special, but if you don’t have them, use any soft dinner roll or slightly sweet bread for a similar effect.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and you can pop it into the oven fresh the next morning.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, once baked and cooled, wrap the casserole tightly and freeze. When reheating, it’s best to thaw it first for even warming.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can be layered with the bread and sausage before pouring the egg mixture. Just make sure the veggies aren’t too watery to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe is truly a keeper—sweet, savory, cheesy, and just downright comforting. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover why it’s a top pick for breakfast and brunch. Give it a go, and you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and savory Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Casserole featuring cubed sweet rolls, savory breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and a rich egg custard baked to golden perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for brunch or a satisfying breakfast with friends and family.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (12-oz) package Hawaiian rolls
Meat
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the dish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bread Base: Chop the Hawaiian rolls into one-inch cubes. Evenly spread these bread cubes into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then evenly spread the cooked sausage crumbles over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer to add richness and flavor.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread, sausage, and cheese. Ensure the egg custard covers the ingredients thoroughly for even baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then cut into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, consider adding chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives.
