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Orange Roll Casserole That Rises Overnight

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Introduction

Orange Roll Casserole That Rises Overnight is a make-ahead breakfast bake made with soft rolls soaked in a rich orange-vanilla custard. While it rests overnight, the dough rises and absorbs flavor, baking up fluffy, tender, and irresistibly fragrant in the morning.

Origin

Overnight breakfast casseroles became popular for holidays and family gatherings, allowing hosts to prep ahead and bake fresh in the morning. This citrus-infused version is inspired by classic orange sweet rolls and Southern breakfast bakes.

Cultural Significance

This dish is a favorite for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, and lazy weekends. It represents comfort, hospitality, and the joy of waking up to something already halfway done.

Ingredients & Quantity

(Serves 8–10)

Roll Base

  • 24 frozen Rhodes dinner rolls (unbaked)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange Glaze

  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon orange zest

Optional Additions

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Cinnamon swirl
  • Cream cheese glaze instead of powdered sugar glaze
  • A splash of almond extract

Tips for Success

  • Use frozen, unbaked rolls only
  • Grease the dish well to prevent sticking
  • Cover tightly overnight
  • Let casserole come to room temp 20 minutes before baking

Instructions

Night Before

  1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Place frozen rolls evenly in the dish.
  3. Drizzle melted butter over rolls.
  4. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
  5. Pour mixture evenly over rolls.
  6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

Morning Of

  1. Remove casserole from fridge and rest 20 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Bake uncovered 35–40 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Glaze

  1. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm casserole.

Description

The casserole bakes up tall and fluffy, with soft, pull-apart rolls infused with bright orange flavor and finished with a sweet citrus glaze.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Protein: 8 g

Conclusion

Orange Roll Casserole That Rises Overnight is the ultimate stress-free breakfast treat—easy to prepare, impressive to serve, and loved by everyone.

Recommendation

Serve warm with coffee, fresh fruit, or crispy bacon for balance.

Embracing Make-Ahead Comfort

Prep tonight, wake up to citrus-scented perfection 🍊✨

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