For the Casserole:
1 (16 oz) package frozen dinner rolls (like Rhodes or Bridgford) – about 12-15 rolls
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup dried cranberries – scattered between rolls
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – for crunch
½ teaspoon cinnamon – added to the sugar mixture
A pinch of cardamom – for warm, aromatic depth
The Method: 5 Minutes Tonight, Hot Breakfast Tomorrow
Step 1: Prepare the Dish (Evening)
Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. This isn't just about preventing sticking—it adds flavor to the bottom crust.
Step 2: Arrange the Rolls
Place the frozen dinner rolls in the prepared dish, spacing them evenly. They'll expand as they rise, so don't crowd them too tightly—about ½ inch apart is perfect.
Step 3: Make the Orange Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugars are mostly dissolved.
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Pour the orange butter mixture evenly over the rolls. Use a spoon or brush to ensure each roll gets some of that liquid gold. If using dried cranberries or nuts, scatter them between the rolls now.
Step 5: Cover and Refrigerate
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in the refrigerator overnight (8-12 hours). The rolls will slowly thaw and begin their first rise in the cold environment.
Step 6: Morning Rise (Morning)
In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes while you preheat the oven. The rolls should be puffy and have risen noticeably.
Pro tip: If your kitchen is cold, give them the full hour. If it's warm, 30 minutes may be enough.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through. The center should feel set, not doughy.
If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the casserole bakes, prepare the glaze:
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla.
Beat until completely smooth and pourable. Add more juice if needed for desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes (hot rolls will absorb the glaze rather than letting it sit on top). Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
Serve warm, watching them disappear.
Pro-Tips for Orange Roll Perfection
1. Don't Skip the Overnight Rest
The slow, cold rise develops flavor that a quick warm rise can't match. This is where the magic happens.
2. Check Your Rise
If your rolls haven't doubled by morning, let them sit at room temperature longer before baking. Patience pays.
3. Fresh Orange Zest is Non-Negotiable
Bottled orange juice won't give you the bright, aromatic flavor that fresh zest provides. This is where the "orange" in orange rolls comes from.
4. Tent if Needed
If the top is browning too fast but the center isn't done, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of baking.
5. Serve Warm
This casserole is at its absolute best within 20 minutes of leaving the oven. The glaze is still soft, the rolls are pillowy, and the orange fragrance is intoxicating.
Variations to Explore
Cranberry Orange Roll Casserole:
Add ½ cup dried cranberries scattered between rolls. Perfect for Thanksgiving morning or Christmas brunch.
Lemon Blueberry Roll Casserole:
Substitute lemon zest and juice for orange. Add 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, don't thaw first).
Pecan Sticky Bun Style:
Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the bottom of the dish before adding rolls. After baking, invert onto a serving platter for a sticky bun effect.
Cinnamon Roll Orange Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the sugar mixture. Swirl an extra tablespoon of cinnamon sugar between rolls before the overnight rest.
Chocolate Orange Roll Casserole:
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips scattered between rolls. Chocolate and orange are a classic pairing for good reason.
Make-Ahead and Storage Wisdom
Refrigerator:
Assembled unbaked casserole can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, the rolls may over-proof.
Baked Casserole:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer:
Baked and cooled casserole can be frozen, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The glaze is best added fresh after reheating.
Your Orange Roll Questions, Answered
Can I use homemade rolls instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Use your favorite dinner roll recipe. Arrange shaped but unbaked rolls in the dish, pour the orange butter over, and proceed with the overnight rest.
What if I forget to take them out in the morning?
If they go straight from fridge to oven without the room-temperature rest, they'll be denser but still delicious. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use frozen gluten-free dinner rolls if available. The texture will be slightly different, but the concept works beautifully.
My rolls didn't rise much overnight. What happened?
Possible causes: old yeast in the frozen rolls, refrigerator too cold, or not enough time. Let them sit at room temperature longer before baking—they may still rise.
Can I use orange rolls instead of plain dinner rolls?
Yes! If you can find frozen orange rolls, they'll give you an extra layer of orange flavor. Reduce the orange zest slightly to avoid overwhelming.
The glaze is too thick/thin. Help?
Too thick? Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Why This Recipe Works for Every Occasion
Christmas Morning:
Prepare on Christmas Eve, bake while presents are being opened. The house smells like a holiday dream.
Easter Brunch:
Bright, citrusy, and perfect alongside ham or quiche.
Birthday Breakfast:
Add candles. Watch the birthday person's face light up.
Sleepovers and Houseguests:
Make the night before, bake in the morning, and look like a breakfast hero with almost no effort.
Just Because:
Sometimes Tuesday needs to feel special. This is how.
This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is proof that the best breakfasts aren't complicated—they're just planned ahead. A few minutes of work before bed, and you wake up to the promise of something warm, sweet, and utterly wonderful.
Make it for the people you love. They'll remember it.
