Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Ultimate Easy Brunch and Dessert Bake

If there is one thing that defines comforting, lazy weekend mornings, it’s the rich, warm aroma of cinnamon rolls baking. But let’s be honest: peeling apart individual rolls, waiting for them to puff, and dealing with potentially dry centers can sometimes be a letdown. Enter the Cinnamon Roll Casserole a baking revelation that takes those humble refrigerated tubes and transforms them into a deep-dish delight. This recipe marries the gooey, sweet flavor of classic cinnamon rolls with the texture of a rich bread pudding, resulting in a dish that is simultaneously custardy, chewy, and irresistibly decadent. Forget trying to roll out dough before your first cup of coffee; this spectacular breakfast bake requires minimal effort for maximum payoff.

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate cheat code for hosting brunch, preparing a holiday morning meal, or simply satisfying that deep craving for warm, gooey dessert bread. We don’t just stop at throwing the rolls in a dish, though. We elevate them. By soaking the cut rolls in a lush custard spiked with brown sugar, vanilla, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, we ensure every nook and cranny is saturated with flavor before baking. The result is a uniformly soft, gooey center and delightfully crispy, golden-brown edges. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is designed for the modern baker who needs impressive results without the hassle. Get ready to ditch the standard flat cinnamon roll in favor of this breathtakingly simple, yet incredibly satisfying, breakfast star.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

The phrase “easy but impressive” was practically invented for the Cinnamon Roll Casserole. This recipe has earned its permanent spot in my rotation for several compelling reasons, extending far beyond its simple assembly. When you’re looking for a dish that delivers serious comfort food vibes with minimum fuss, this is your answer.

Unbeatable Texture and Gooey Factor (The Custard Magic)

The single biggest advantage this casserole has over traditional cinnamon rolls is the texture. Standard rolls, especially those baked from a can, can sometimes dry out around the edges. Our secret weapon here is the rich egg and heavy cream custard. By cutting the rolls into quarters and allowing them to soak for 5-10 minutes (a crucial step!), they absorb the liquid thoroughly. During baking, this custard transforms into a glorious, moist, bread-pudding-like center. The bottom pieces become tender and saturated, while the pieces exposed on top turn perfectly golden and slightly chewy, creating a complexity of textures that is pure bliss. The whole dish is bathed in a sweet, spiced internal sauce the kind of gooey factor you usually only find in highly complicated, scratch-made sticky buns.

Speed, Simplicity, and Stress-Free Hosting

Let’s talk about time management. Using two cans of store-bought cinnamon rolls is the ultimate time-saver. Your total hands-on time for assembling this magnificent Cinnamon Roll Casserole is less than 15 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday mornings (like Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast), or when you decide at 8:30 AM that you desperately need brunch ready by 9:30 AM. There’s no kneading, no proofing, and no waiting for yeast. All you do is cut, whisk, pour, and bake. For the host, this means less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the intoxicating aroma and the company of your guests.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

While most people associate Cinnamon Roll Casserole with breakfast or brunch, its richness and decadence make it perfectly suitable as a dessert. Imagine serving this warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, after dinner. Because the recipe is easily scalable (use a smaller dish for one can, or a deeper dish for triple the recipe), it adapts perfectly whether you’re feeding a hungry family of four or a large holiday crowd. The optional boosted glaze, which incorporates extra powdered sugar for thickness, transforms the standard icing into a truly luxurious finish, cementing its status as a dual-purpose superstar: a breakfast star and a delightful dessert.

Why You Should Try This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Today

If you are still on the fence, let me convince you why dropping everything and making this Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the best decision you can make today. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience of maximized flavor delivery and baking ease. It addresses all the common pain points of baking while ensuring that the final flavor profile is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade

We all have those days where we need food that feels like a hug. This casserole is precisely that. It elevates the standard convenience of canned cinnamon rolls by infusing them with depth and complexity. The addition of brown sugar doesn’t just sweeten the custard; it adds a molasses-rich, deep caramel note that interacts beautifully with the cinnamon swirl already present in the dough. Furthermore, the subtle warmth provided by ground nutmeg elevates the spice profile beyond just cinnamon, creating a truly layered taste experience reminiscent of homemade apple pie or holiday treats. When you pull this out of the oven, puffed and caramelized, you know you’ve created something special with minimal effort.

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

Planning a gathering? The 9×13 inch baking dish is inherently generous, yielding eight substantial servings. This is the perfect dish because it’s inherently self-serving you just scoop it out and it travels well. Unlike individual rolls that require presentation effort, the messy, gooey nature of this Cinnamon Roll Casserole is part of its charm. It’s comforting, rustic, and universally appealing. Whether you are bringing a dish to a potluck brunch or hosting family, this recipe ensures everyone leaves satisfied and impressed by your effortless baking prowess. If you often find yourself making similar cozy bakes, you might also enjoy making our Creamy Corn Pudding Casserole for dinner to pair with this dessert.

Customization and Creativity

This recipe serves as a perfect blank canvas for culinary creativity. While the base recipe is phenomenal on its own, it’s easily customizable. Feeling seasonal? Throw in some diced apples or a handful of pumpkin spice chips. Craving nuttiness? Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. This flexibility allows you to make the Cinnamon Roll Casserole your own signature dish, tailored to whatever ingredients you have on hand or the dietary needs of your guests. We will dive deeper into variations later, but the simple structure of cutting the rolls and pouring the custard means adding extra flavors is incredibly easy and foolproof, ensuring that you can adapt this bake time and time again without losing the core comfort experience.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils: Mastering the Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Achieving perfection with this Cinnamon Roll Casserole begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Although this recipe relies on convenience items (the canned rolls), the custard is what elevates it to gourmet status. Using high-quality dairy and fresh spices will make a noticeable difference in the final product’s richness and aroma.

For the Casserole Base: The Heart of the Comfort

This section details the necessary components and explains why certain choices are recommended for optimal flavor and texture. Precision in measuring the custard ingredients is key to preventing the final bake from being too runny or too dry.

• 2 cans (12.4 oz each) Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls (Focus Keyword variation: Easy Cinnamon Roll Bake): This is the foundation. Any reputable brand (Pillsbury Grand, Annie’s, etc.) will work. Crucial Tip: Make sure to select the standard-sized rolls, not the giant ones, as the quartering step works best for the regular size.
• 4 large eggs: Eggs are the binder and structure of our bread pudding-like custard. They provide richness and help the casserole set during baking. Ensure your eggs are large and at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk: This is where the richness comes from. Heavy cream provides a truly decadent texture, ensuring the final product is moist and lush. Whole milk is a good substitute if you want a slightly lighter result, but avoid skim milk, as the lack of fat will make the custard watery.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides fundamental sweetness to balance the richness of the eggs and cream.
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: This ingredient is essential for flavor depth. Brown sugar contains molasses, which imparts a warm, caramel-like note that complements the cinnamon perfectly and helps create that signature sticky, gooey bottom layer.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract, if possible. Vanilla boosts all the other flavors and adds a roundness to the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Even though the rolls already contain cinnamon, adding extra to the custard ensures every piece of dough is thoroughly seasoned and aromatic.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is the secret weapon of many great baked goods. It provides a subtle, warm spiciness that elevates the cinnamon without overpowering it.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the baking dish): Using melted butter instead of non-stick spray is highly recommended. Butter prevents sticking, but more importantly, it adds flavor and helps caramelize the edges of the casserole for a wonderful crust.

For the Optional Boosted Glaze: Next-Level Icing

While the rolls come with icing, boosting it ensures you have enough coverage for the whole casserole, and gives it a thicker, more professional consistency.

• The reserved icing from both cinnamon roll cans: Do not discard these! They are the base of our quick glaze.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Adding extra powdered sugar thickens the glaze considerably, preventing it from just melting into the casserole upon contact and ensuring those beautiful white drizzles remain visible.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream: Used to adjust the consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon and add the second only if necessary, a few drops at a time, until a smooth, thick drizzle is achieved.

Essential Tools for Baking This Cinnamon Roll Casserole

You don’t need fancy equipment to master this recipe, but having the right tools on hand streamlines the process and ensures an even bake. These items are readily available and make the preparation of your Cinnamon Roll Casserole quick and efficient:

Utensils Checklist:

1. 9×13 Inch Baking Dish (or Casserole Dish): This is the ideal size for two cans of rolls, ensuring the pieces are layered nicely without being overly crowded, which guarantees proper heat circulation and even cooking. A glass or ceramic dish works best.
2. Large Mixing Bowl: Necessary for preparing the generous volume of custard mixture without spills.
3. Whisk: Essential for thoroughly incorporating the eggs, cream, and sugars until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved. This prevents graininess in the final texture.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially for the eggs and cream, to ensure the perfect custard consistency.
5. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For safely and uniformly cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters. Uniform pieces ensure even baking.
6. Small Bowl (for Glaze): Used exclusively for mixing the reserved icing with the powdered sugar and extra liquid.
7. Pastry Brush (Optional but Recommended): Useful for thoroughly and evenly greasing the 9×13 dish with melted butter.

If you’re looking for more comforting dessert recipes that use pantry staples, you might want to check out our recipe for Gooey Butter Cookies they share that incredible rich, dense texture that makes this Cinnamon Roll Casserole so popular.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole

The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Casserole lies in the simplicity of its assembly. Follow these detailed steps to guarantee a golden, gooey, and perfect result every time.

Preparation and Assembly: The Custard Soak

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and use a pastry brush or paper towel to generously grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the sides are coated thoroughly this is vital to prevent the sweet, sticky cinnamon roll pieces from adhering to the dish as they expand and caramelize.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Immediately remove the included icing packets and set them aside; these will be used later for our boosted glaze. Place the rolls on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters (four pieces per roll). Tip for Uniformity: Try to cut them as uniformly as possible to ensure they bake evenly. Gently place the cut pieces directly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. They should be scattered evenly in a single layer, or slightly overlapping, across the bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are lightly beaten and slightly frothy. Whisking air into the eggs helps create a lighter, fluffier custard texture once baked.

Step 4: Add Wet and Dry Ingredients to Custard

Pour the 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or whole milk) into the egg mixture. Next, add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Crucial Mixing Technique: Whisk this entire mixture thoroughly for at least 60 seconds. You need to ensure the sugars, particularly the brown sugar, are completely dissolved into the liquid. If the sugar settles at the bottom, the casserole will have grainy pockets. Keep whisking until the mixture is uniform and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Soak

Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. You might need to gently tilt the dish to help the liquid flow into the gaps between the pieces. Gently toss or stir the rolls a spatula works well to ensure all the dough pieces are coated and submerged in the custard. Do not skip the soak: Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This soaking time allows the dough to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring that gorgeous, moist, and custardy interior once baked. This step is what distinguishes a truly great Cinnamon Roll Casserole from a mediocre one.

Baking and Finishing: The Perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Around the 25-minute mark, check the casserole. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining time. The casserole is done when it is golden brown on top, visibly puffed up, and the center is set. To test doneness, insert a toothpick or thin skewer near the center; it should come out clean or with only moist crumbs attached, not liquid custard. If it is still liquid, return it to the oven for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the Cinnamon Roll Casserole is in its final minutes of baking, prepare the boosted glaze. Open the reserved icing packets and scrape the contents into a small mixing bowl. Add the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Whisk the mixture until it is perfectly smooth and has a thick, luxurious drizzle consistency. If the glaze seems too stiff, add the second tablespoon of milk, but only a few drops at a time, until you reach the desired flowing consistency.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Remove the magnificent Cinnamon Roll Casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the casserole hold its shape slightly and prevents the glaze from immediately disappearing into the hot interior. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm casserole. The heat will melt the glaze just enough to seep into the top layer. Serve immediately while the casserole is still warm and the custard is at its softest. Enjoy this perfect breakfast or dessert!

Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Once you master the base recipe, the world of Cinnamon Roll Casserole customization opens up. These tips help troubleshoot common issues and offer delicious ways to change up the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting and Pro-Tips

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

The soaking time (Step 5) is important, but over-soaking can lead to a dense, soggy result rather than a custardy one. Stick strictly to the 5-10 minute window. Also, ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 375°F. If the temperature is too low, the custard won’t set properly, leaving you with a liquid center.

Achieving Perfect Browning

Because of the sugar content in the custard, the casserole can brown quickly. If you notice the top is already a deep golden color around the 20-minute mark but the center is still liquid, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. This traps the heat inside to cook the center without burning the surface. For more tips on achieving perfect browning on your baked goods, check out our comfort baking board on Pinterest.

The Day-Ahead Prep

If you need a truly hands-off morning, you can prepare the Cinnamon Roll Casserole the night before. Assemble the casserole completely through Step 5 (cutting the rolls and pouring the custard). Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the dish sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats to remove some of the chill. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the total baking time since you are starting from a cold state.

Delicious Flavor Variations

Seasonal Add-Ins

• Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Dice one medium apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) very finely. Toss the apple pieces with an extra teaspoon of cinnamon before adding them to the baking dish alongside the cut cinnamon rolls.
• Pecan Sticky Bun Style: Before pouring the custard, sprinkle the bottom of the greased pan with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 2 tablespoons of extra brown sugar. When serving, you’ll flip the casserole out (like a pineapple upside-down cake) to reveal a sticky, nutty bottom layer.
• Pumpkin Spice Casserole: If you love fall flavors, whisk 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the custard mixture. This creates an incredibly dense and rich autumn treat. We highly recommend pairing this variation with our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls recipe if you want to experiment with scratch-made rolls later!

Dairy and Ingredient Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Version: Many major brands now offer refrigerated gluten-free cinnamon rolls. Use those exactly as directed. Ensure your powdered sugar and extracts are certified GF, if necessary. Note that the texture may be slightly denser, but the casserole structure holds up well.
• Dairy-Free Custard: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for richness. Ensure the milk/cream alternative is high-fat to maintain the luxurious texture.
• Extra Cream Cheese Boost: For an unbelievably rich and tangy flavor, whisk 2 ounces of softened cream cheese into the custard mixture (Step 4). This adds a cheesecake-like depth to the final product.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Casserole

When indulging in a comfort classic like Cinnamon Roll Casserole, it’s important to approach the nutritional profile with the understanding that this is a rich, satisfying treat, not a health food staple. However, understanding the components can help inform mindful consumption and appreciation for the energy this delicious dish provides. Please note: nutritional data will vary widely based on the specific brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls used, and whether you use heavy cream or whole milk. The following is an estimation per serving (8 servings per recipe).

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Based on two cans of standard refrigerated cinnamon rolls (roughly 8 rolls per can, 16 total pieces, yielding 8 generous servings):

• Estimated Calories: 400 – 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g – 24g (varies based on cream vs. milk choice)
• Saturated Fat: 9g – 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g – 60g
• Sugars: 30g – 40g (high due to rolls, added sugars, and glaze)
• Protein: 6g – 8g

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is undeniably a high-carbohydrate and high-sugar dish, making it an excellent source of quick energy perfect for those early morning holiday rushes or as a satisfying dessert after a light meal.

The Benefits of Key Ingredients

While we are embracing indulgence, the ingredients used do offer some nutritional benefits:

Eggs: Essential Protein and Nutrients

The eggs used in the custard mixture are a powerhouse of nutrition. They contribute high-quality protein, which aids in satiety and muscle repair. Eggs also contain essential vitamins, including Vitamin D, and choline, which is important for brain health. Including four eggs ensures a substantial protein boost compared to eating a plain refrigerated cinnamon roll.

Dairy (Heavy Cream/Milk): Calcium and Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Whether you choose heavy cream or whole milk, dairy provides significant amounts of calcium, vital for bone health, and phosphorus. The fat content, while contributing to the calorie count, is essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Furthermore, the fat is crucial for creating that luxurious, tender texture that defines a great Cinnamon Roll Casserole.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Spice Benefits

Beyond their amazing flavor profile, cinnamon and nutmeg are known for having beneficial properties. Cinnamon is a potent antioxidant and has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, which, while not negating the sugar in the recipe, adds a nice counterpoint. Nutmeg contains compounds that have been traditionally used to aid digestion and promote relaxation. These spices turn the casserole from a simple sweet bread into an aromatic, warming dish, enhancing the overall comfort experience.

To enjoy this rich casserole mindfully, consider pairing a smaller portion with a protein-rich side, like eggs or Greek yogurt, especially if serving it for breakfast. This helps balance the glycemic impact and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Casserole

If you’re making a Cinnamon Roll Casserole for the first time, you might have a few questions about storage, preparation, and serving. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.

Conclusion: The Cinnamon Roll Casserole A New Tradition

The Cinnamon Roll Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a commitment to effortless indulgence. We’ve taken the familiar flavors of a classic treat and magnified them into a comforting, textural masterpiece that requires minimal effort making it the ultimate stress-free centerpiece for any weekend brunch or holiday gathering. From the moment the cut rolls soak up that rich, spiced custard, you are guaranteed a moist, gooey center and golden, caramelized edges.

By using the reserved icing packets and boosting them with powdered sugar and milk, we ensure that the finish is just as decadent as the interior. This recipe is a testament to the fact that convenience baking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or flavor. It’s an easy, reliable way to create warmth and coziness in your kitchen.

Whether you choose to stick to the classic preparation or venture into exciting variations like adding pumpkin puree or chopped apples this Cinnamon Roll Casserole base provides the foundation for success. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and simple enough for a quiet solo morning. Don’t let another weekend go by without trying this transformative bake. Go grab those cans of rolls, whisk up that custard, and prepare to establish a delicious new tradition in your home!

If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family who appreciate a good, comforting casserole. Let us know in the comments below how you customized your Cinnamon Roll Casserole!

Cinnamon Roll Casserole (Cinnamon French Toast Bake)

This incredibly easy and indulgent casserole transforms refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a delicious, pull-apart breakfast bake soaked in a rich, spiced custard and topped with a boosted homemade glaze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole Base

• 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls Reserve the icing packets for the glaze.
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted For greasing the baking dish.

For the Optional Boosted Glaze

• reserved icing From both cinnamon roll cans.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Preparation and Assembly

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use the 2 tablespoons of melted butter to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, ensuring the sides are well coated to prevent sticking.
2. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the cans and set the included icing packets aside. On a clean cutting board, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters (four pieces per roll). Place the cut pieces directly into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs until they are lightly beaten. Pour the heavy cream (or whole milk) into the eggs. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk this mixture thoroughly until the sugars are completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined into a smooth custard.
4. Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Gently toss or stir the rolls to ensure all pieces are coated and submerged in the custard. Allow the casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bread pieces to absorb the liquid fully.

Baking and Finishing

1. Place the baking dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top, puffed up, and the center is set (a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean).
2. While the casserole is baking, prepare the boosted glaze. Open the reserved icing packets and scrape the contents into a small mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Whisk until smooth and drizzle consistency is reached. If the glaze is too thick, add the second tablespoon of milk, a few drops at a time.
3. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the warm casserole. Serve immediately while the casserole is still warm.

Notes

For make-ahead preparation, complete steps 1-4 the night before. Cover the dish and refrigerate. Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed (you may need an extra 5 minutes of cook time if the casserole is very cold). For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking.