Ever find yourself staring at a can of cinnamon rolls on a sleepy Sunday morning, wondering if you can make that cozy, sweet flavor stretch just a little bit further for everyone around the table? Well, my friend, you absolutely can. This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the answer to your prayers for a simple, crowd-pleasing breakfast. It takes those beloved store-bought cinnamon rolls and transforms them into a decadent, pull-apart bake. We’re talking fluffy pieces of dough soaked in a sweet, custardy egg mixture, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and finished with that iconic cream cheese glaze. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug and solves the “what to feed a crowd” problem in one fell swoop. Honestly, it’s so much easier than baking cinnamon rolls from scratch, but you’d never know it from the happy silence that falls over the table.
Perfect for Brunch With Family and Friends
If you’ve ever hosted a holiday brunch or had family in town, you know the pressure of serving something impressive that doesn’t chain you to the stove. This casserole is your secret weapon. It’s the ultimate brunch food for large groups because you can assemble it the night before. Just pop it in the fridge and bake it off in the morning while the coffee brews. The result is a bubbling, fragrant dish that feeds a crowd with minimal morning-of effort. It turns a hectic morning into a relaxed gathering where you actually get to sit down and enjoy your guests. And the best part? That incredible aroma of baking cinnamon and sugar that wafts through the house. It’s the universal signal for “something good is happening in the kitchen.”
Creative Breakfast Casserole Ideas
While this recipe is perfect as-is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for getting creative. Think of it as your base camp for all sorts of sweet breakfast bake adventures. You could easily swap the canned cinnamon rolls for a tube of buttermilk biscuits to make a cinnamon biscuit casserole. Just cut the biscuits into quarters and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before adding the wet ingredients. For a fruity twist, fold in a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or diced apples into the custard. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a wonderful crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, a handful of chocolate chips never hurt anybody. The possibilities are truly endless, making it a go-to recipe you’ll never get bored with.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes With Cinnamon Rolls?
A warm slice of this casserole is glorious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full, well-rounded feast. For a brunch spread, you’ll want to balance the sweetness with some savory, salty, and fresh elements. Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside this cinnamon bun breakfast bake:
- Crispy bacon or turkey sausage links: The salty, savory contrast is a must.
- A fluffy scramble or a plate of soft scrambled eggs: They complement the sweetness perfectly.
- Fresh fruit salad or a simple berry medley: The bright, juicy freshness cuts through the richness.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette: It might sound unusual, but it’s a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Extra cream cheese glaze for drizzling: Because more is more.
Variations & Substitutions for Your Casserole
Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe work for you and your family’s tastes. This casserole is wonderfully adaptable. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze. If you’d like to cut back on the sugar a bit, you can reduce the brown sugar in the custard mixture by a quarter cup—the rolls themselves are plenty sweet. Not a fan of raisins? Leave ’em out! Add in dried cranberries or even chopped dates instead. If you only have a different type of milk on hand, like almond or oat milk, it will work just fine in the custard. The goal is to create a dish that makes you happy.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also portion it out into individual airtight containers. To reheat, the microwave is your fastest bet for a single serving—just microwave on high for 45-60 seconds until warm. For larger portions, pop it back in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled casserole after baking, as the custardy texture can become a bit grainy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cinnamon roll casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! This is one of its best features. Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going in cold.
- I don’t have a tube of cinnamon rolls. Can I use biscuit dough? You sure can. Using a can of flaky buttermilk biscuits is a great shortcut for a cinnamon biscuit casserole. Just cut the raw biscuits into quarters and toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture before placing them in the dish and adding the custard.
- What’s the best way to know when the casserole is done? The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the center should be set. You can test it by gently jiggling the dish—if the center moves in a wobbly wave, it needs more time. If it’s firm with just a slight jiggle, it’s perfect. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Is this a good breakfast casserole idea for a holiday? It’s a fantastic choice! It’s a sweet, easy breakfast casserole that feels special and indulgent, making it perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Mother’s Day. Plus, the make-ahead aspect is a total game-changer on busy holidays.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Easiest Sweet Breakfast Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a warm, gooey, and sweet breakfast treat that’s perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends. It’s made with canned cinnamon rolls, a simple egg custard, and finished with the iconic icing drizzle.
Ingredients
â–¢ 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
â–¢ 4 large eggs
▢ ½ cup milk (or heavy cream for richer texture)
â–¢ 2 tsp vanilla extract
â–¢ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
▢ ¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
â–¢ Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing pan)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Open the cinnamon roll cans. Set aside the icing. Cut each roll into quarters and scatter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup (if using).
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing them down so they soak in the custard.
5. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden on top and the center is set.
6. Warm the reserved icing slightly (in the microwave for 10–15 seconds) and drizzle over the warm casserole.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy that sweet cinnamon comfort!
Notes
You can prep this casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning!
Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for extra crunch.
Delicious with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
