Thanksgiving leftovers transformed into a savory breakfast casserole with Hawaiian rolls, turkey, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
As the holiday week approaches, it’s helpful to plan not only the big Thanksgiving meal but also what comes after. Leftovers are a delicious gift, and this simple, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole turns turkey, roasted vegetables, and soft Hawaiian rolls into a comforting morning dish. It’s ideal for the day after Thanksgiving when you want something easy to assemble that still feels special—perfect for a weekend morning of football, holiday decorating, or relaxing with family.
Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Casserole
This casserole combines cubed Hawaiian rolls, diced turkey, leftover vegetables, and a seasoned egg-milk custard. The rolls soak up the custard while the turkey and veggies add heartiness and flavor. Serve it warm with cranberry relish or gravy on the side for a sweet or savory contrast.
Ingredients
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls, cubed
- 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, diced
- 2 cups leftover vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or green beans)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons mixed Thanksgiving herbs (sage, thyme, parsley and/or rosemary)
- 1/2 cup leftover cranberry relish or gravy, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cubed Hawaiian rolls, diced turkey, and chopped leftover vegetables. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the milk, salt, black pepper, and the mixed herbs. Whisk again until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the egg-and-milk mixture evenly over the rolls, turkey, and vegetables. Gently toss or press the ingredients so the rolls absorb the custard.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm with leftover cranberry relish or gravy on the side.
Tips and Variations
- If your leftovers are cold from the refrigerator, you can warm the turkey and vegetables briefly before assembling so they don’t cool the custard too much.
- Substitute different bread if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls—challah, brioche, or a soft dinner roll will work nicely.
- Add shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss) to the mixture for extra richness; stir in 1 to 1 1/2 cups before baking or sprinkle on top for a golden finish.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and plain Greek yogurt (thin the yogurt with a little milk) to maintain creaminess with less liquid.
- Stir in a handful of chopped green onions or a small diced onion sautéed until soft for extra savory depth.
Serving and Storage
This casserole serves about 8 people as part of a brunch spread. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For a bright contrast, serve with a spoonful of cranberry relish on top, or drizzle a little warmed gravy if you prefer a savory finish. If you love a bit of heat, a jalapeño-infused relish or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the custard can add a pleasant kick.
Recipe Notes
Author: Whitney Bond
Servings: 8 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 161 mg
- Sodium: 535 mg
- Potassium: 293 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Vitamin A: 5010 IU (approx.)
- Vitamin C: 0.8 mg (approx.)
- Calcium: 103 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Keep an extra bag of Hawaiian rolls on hand around the holidays—those little sweet rolls tend to disappear from the table quickly, but they make an especially tasty base for this leftover casserole.