Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites – Easy Holiday Breakfast Casserole

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Easy Holiday Breakfast Casserole | Sweet Brunch Treat | Instant Digital Download

If you’re looking for a festive, make-ahead holiday breakfast that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to throw together, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are the answer. Warm, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar flavor, this recipe combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls and French toast—baked into one crowd-pleasing casserole.

Perfect for brunch tables, Christmas morning, Easter, or lazy Sunday breakfasts, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Best of all, it’s made with just a few ingredients and takes under 10 minutes to prep. Whether you’re hosting family or just want to make your morning sweeter, this is your new go-to.

Ingredients Overview: Sweet, Simple, and Satisfying

This recipe uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls as the base—making it incredibly quick and easy to assemble. Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients:

1. Refrigerated Cinnamon Roll Dough

  • This shortcut saves time and adds that signature cinnamon roll flavor.

  • Pillsbury Grands or store-brand rolls both work great.

  • The icing packet included will be used after baking.

2. Eggs

  • Eggs help set the casserole and mimic classic French toast custard.

  • They add protein and bind everything together.

3. Milk or Half-and-Half

  • Combines with the eggs to soak the cinnamon roll pieces, creating that soft, baked-French-toast texture.

  • Use whole milk, 2%, or even oat milk for a dairy-free option.

4. Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar

  • Adds a deeper, rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon.

  • Brown sugar gives more of a caramel-like finish; maple syrup adds classic brunch vibes.

5. Ground Cinnamon & Vanilla Extract

  • Boosts the warm spice flavor and adds that irresistible baked-good aroma.

6. Optional Add-Ins

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

  • Fresh or dried fruit (like apples or raisins)

  • Cream cheese cubes for a cheesecake-style variation

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

1. Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use a slightly smaller one for thicker bites.

2. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

  • Open 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls.

  • Cut each roll into 6–8 bite-sized pieces and place evenly in your baking dish.

  • Reserve the icing packets for later.

3. Make the Custard

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

    • 4 large eggs

    • ¾ cup milk or half-and-half

    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

4. Pour Over the Rolls

  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.

  • Gently press the rolls down with a spatula so they soak up some of the custard.

5. Bake Until Golden

  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set.

  • Check for doneness by inserting a knife—it should come out clean.

6. Drizzle with Icing

  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.

  • Drizzle the included icing packets over the warm casserole. For easier spreading, microwave the icing for 10 seconds.

7. Serve Warm

  • Slice into squares or scoop out individual portions.

  • Top with powdered sugar, extra syrup, or whipped cream if desired.

Variations, Substitutions, and Tips

Make It Overnight

  • Assemble everything the night before and cover with plastic wrap.

  • Refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning (add 5 extra minutes to baking time).

Dairy-Free

  • Use almond milk or oat milk in the custard.

  • Skip the icing or use a dairy-free glaze.

Add Fruit

  • Scatter in diced apples, blueberries, or banana slices before baking.

Nutty Crunch

  • Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Extra Sweet Topping

  • Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Perfect for Holidays, Brunch, and Special Mornings

These French Toast Bites are tailor-made for:

  • Christmas morning

  • Easter brunch

  • Birthday breakfast surprises

  • Baby showers or bridal brunches

  • Lazy Sunday breakfasts

Because the casserole is baked in one dish and can be prepped the night before, it’s stress-free and oven-ready when you wake up.

Nutrition Notes

While this is more of an indulgent treat, you can still make it a little lighter:

  • Use low-fat milk

  • Skip the icing drizzle

  • Add fruit for fiber and balance

Each serving (1/10 of the pan) contains roughly:

  • 250–300 calories

  • 4–5g protein

  • 35–40g carbs

  • 10–12g sugar

Perfect when served with:

  • Scrambled eggs or turkey sausage

  • Fresh fruit salad

  • Black coffee or spiced chai

FAQ: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

1. Can I prep this the night before?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as directed (you may need to add 5 minutes to the baking time if chilled).

2. What type of cinnamon rolls work best?

Refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury Grands or regular 8-count rolls) work perfectly. Avoid pre-baked or frosted rolls.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

You can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze. Reheat individual slices in the microwave.

4. Is it overly sweet?

It’s sweet, but balanced by the egg custard. You can reduce sweetness by using less syrup and skipping the icing.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cinnamon roll dough (available at specialty stores) and ensure all other ingredients are certified GF.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans. You may need to increase bake time slightly.

7. Can I serve this cold?

It’s best warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed at room temp. For best texture, reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tasty Recipes Card (Plain Text Format)

Description:
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites are a sweet, baked breakfast casserole that combines cinnamon rolls with classic French toast. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or weekend mornings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)

  • 4 large eggs

  • ¾ cup milk or half-and-half

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • Optional: chopped nuts, fruit, or cream cheese cubes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

  2. Cut cinnamon rolls into 6–8 pieces each and spread in dish.

  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.

  4. Pour mixture over rolls. Press gently to soak.

  5. Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until golden and set.

  6. Cool 5 minutes. Warm icing packet slightly and drizzle on top.

  7. Slice and serve warm.

Notes:

  • Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.

  • Add diced apples, nuts, or cream cheese before baking.

  • Serve with scrambled eggs and fruit for a balanced brunch.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Yield: 8–10 servings

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