The toe of every Christmas stocking in our house always held a navel orange β a tradition I once assumed was simply a nod to my Florida-born mother’s roots. I later learned this custom stretched back centuries, from European St. Nicholas celebrations to Victorian Christmas mornings, when oranges were precious winter luxuries. Our other Christmas rituals were equally distinctive: Chinese food on Christmas Eve, opening one carefully chosen gift before bed, and, without fail, Pillsbury orange rolls on Christmas morning.
Those warm, citrus-scented rolls were more than just breakfast β they were the constant thread through every Christmas morning, sharing space on our plates with whatever else we happened to serve that year. Like many who grew up with them, I can still conjure the sweet-tart aroma that filled our kitchen as they baked.
While those classic Pillsbury rolls (still beloved in grocery stores today) hold a special place in my heart, this elevated orange roll casserole transforms that nostalgic flavor into something even more spectacular.
Orange Roll Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 (12.4-ounce) cans refrigerated orange rolls (with icing)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ΒΌ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Pre-made orange icing from the rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Melt the butter and spread it evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Cut the orange rolls into bite-sized pieces and layer them evenly over the melted butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and orange zest.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the orange roll pieces, coating them thoroughly. You may need to use your hands to make sure everything is well-coated.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top (if using, but I highly suggest!).
- Bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes, checking for doneness. The casserole is ready when the top is golden, and the egg mixture is fully set in the center.
- Remove from the oven.
- Place the orange icing in a microwavable bowl and heat for 10-15 seconds and drizzle the orange icing over the top while the casserole is still warm.
- Serve out of the casserole dish or cool, slice lengthwise into two halves, and then slice like bread.
Nutrition
We continue to add to our Christmas morning casseroles, and we hope you enjoy them! Merry Merry!
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