29 Easter Meal Prep Recipes To Avoid Last-Minute Panic

When the goal is a smooth Easter day without the usual stress, a good meal plan makes all the difference. These 29 options are made for getting ahead and cutting back on the back-and-forth that usually happens. They’re quick to put together and even easier to pull out when it’s time to eat.

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Planning an Easter brunch just got easier with these biscuits that everyone craves. With Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits, you bring the restaurant experience home, ensuring your meal has a memorable start. They are simple to make, allowing you more time to focus on the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Easter dinner wouldn’t be complete without a side dish that complements any main course with ease. Corn Casserole provides a comforting texture and taste that pairs perfectly with both meat and vegetable dishes. This recipe allows for preparation in advance, helping to ease the Easter day cooking rush.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Baked Oatmeal

Baked berry oatmeal in an oval dish, topped with dollops of cream and sprinkled cinnamon, with a serving spoon lifting a portion.
Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Start the holiday morning with Baked Oatmeal, offering a wholesome and hearty beginning to Easter celebrations. This dish can be prepared the night before, making your morning hassle-free. Its warm, inviting aroma filled the house, setting a cozy atmosphere. What better way to gather family around the table than with a dish that feels like a hug?
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For an Easter brunch that requires minimal morning prep, French Toast Casserole is your go-to recipe. Assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you wake up for a stress-free start to the day. Its effortless preparation doesn’t sacrifice flavor, promising to be a hit among guests.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nothing says spring like a light and creamy Leek and Potato Soup, ideal for kicking off your Easter meal. This soup creates a comforting and flavor-filled introduction to the feast. It can be made in advance, freeing up your time to mingle with guests. A bowl of this soup sets the tone for an inviting and warm gathering.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

An Easy Meatloaf Recipe brings the promise of a hearty and fulfilling main course without spending all day in the kitchen. Its straightforward preparation cuts down on the Easter meal prep anxiety. Serve this and watch it disappear quickly, accompanied by nods of approval. It guarantees satisfaction at the table with minimal fuss in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Close-up of a tater tot breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped herbs.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easter morning is made even more special with a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole that is both fun and filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser that allows for enjoying more time with family instead of being stuck preparing breakfast. Assembling it the night before makes your morning routine smoother. This dish provides a delicious reason to gather around the breakfast table.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie with a slice removed on a white plate. Topped with lime wedge and zest, the crust is golden brown. A hand touches the plate edge, and a small bowl with cream is nearby.
Key Lime Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No Easter feast is truly complete without a dessert that refreshes the palate, like Key Lime Pie. This pie offers a sweet and tart finish to your meal, promising to cleanse the palate. It can be prepared ahead, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without a last-minute dessert rush. The smooth, creamy filling with a crunchy crust ensures it will be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Loaded Potato Skins are the perfect starter to keep hunger at bay while the main course is prepared. They’re easy to whip up and even easier to customize to guest preferences. Prepping in advance means you just need to reheat and serve on the day. This dish guarantees your Easter meal starts with a burst of flavor and excitement.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Carrot Cake

Close-up of sliced carrot cake loaf with visible nuts and raisins on a parchment paper, topped with a light icing drizzle.
Carrot Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The epitome of Easter desserts, bringing a classic favorite to your holiday table is Carrot Cake. Its moist texture and rich flavor make for a wonderful finale to your meal. Preparing this cake in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. It’s a comforting end to your Easter celebration that leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake

Rhubarb Pie

Slice of strawberry pie on a plate with two black spoons beside it.
Rhubarb Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A slice of Rhubarb Pie offers a unique and tangy taste that perfectly complements the spring season. Its vibrant filling is eye-catching on any dessert table, making it a festive choice for Easter. You can prepare it ahead of time, relieving the pressure of last-minute baking. This pie promises a memorable end to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Broccoli Casserole is a must-have side that pairs beautifully with any Easter dinner, adding a touch of greenery to your table. It’s not only nutritious but also packed with flavor that complements the seasonal spirit. Making it ahead ensures you have more time to enjoy the day. This casserole is a guaranteed way to get everyone to eat their vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Impress your guests with homemade Focaccia Bread that adds an artisan touch to your Easter meal. This bread is surprisingly easy to make and fills your home with an inviting aroma. Prepare it a day ahead to cross one more thing off your busy Easter prep list. Serving this bread fresh and warm makes for an unforgettable start or side to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dauphinoise Potatoes bring a touch of French cuisine to your Easter table with their creamy and tender layers. Preparing this dish in advance allows the flavors to develop more deeply, enhancing the overall taste. It serves as a luxurious side that complements any main dish beautifully. This recipe promises an elegant addition to your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Spice up your Easter meal with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls, offering a flavorful twist to traditional rolls. They are perfect for guests who appreciate a little heat with their meal. You can prepare them ahead of time, which is ideal for a busy holiday schedule. These rolls guarantee to add an exciting kick to your Easter spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Easy Banana Pudding

Banana pudding in a bowl with whipped cream and bananas.
Easy Banana Pudding. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Easy Banana Pudding is a no-fuss dessert that delivers on both simplicity and comfort. It’s a make-ahead marvel that gets better with time, making it perfect for Easter. This pudding creates a cheerful ending to your spring meal, leaving everyone feeling content. Light, creamy, and ready to serve, it takes the stress out of dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a heartwarming main dish, Chicken Pot Pie encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food. Its golden, flaky crust hides a creamy filling sure to please your guests. You can prepare it earlier and just heat it up before serving, making your Easter dinner manageable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A slice of Coffee Cake makes for a delicious addition to your Easter brunch, offering a sweet and crumbly treat. It’s ideal for those who like to prepare in advance, as it tastes even better the next day. Its cinnamon-infused aroma tempts guests, promising a cozy and inviting brunch experience.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft, warm Dinner Rolls are essential for any Easter meal, perfect for soaking up sauces and gravies. Baking them in advance frees up your oven for the main course. These rolls promise to bring comfort and warmth to your table, enhancing every dish they accompany. They’re a simple yet meaningful addition to your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above.
Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Offering a lighter alternative to traditional Easter dishes, Chicken Tempura impresses with its crispy texture and delicate flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, needing only to be quickly fried before serving. This dish serves as an intriguing starter or side that promises to captivate your guests.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Merging two classic desserts into one, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a standout choice for your Easter celebration. Its unique blend of flavors provides a memorable dessert experience. Prepare this pie ahead of time to let the cinnamon-infused apple filling thoroughly meld with the crust.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

An all-time favorite, Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that pleases guests of all ages. It can be made in advance, ensuring a creamy and hearty side dish is ready to go on Easter. This beloved classic adds a touch of nostalgia to your meal, warming hearts and stomachs alike. It’s a foolproof way to bring joy to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Start your meal with the rich and savory flavors of French Onion Soup. This option provides a sophisticated yet comforting beginning to your Easter feast. By preparing it in advance, you free up valuable time on the day to focus on entertaining your guests. The warm and inviting aroma sets the perfect tone for an enjoyable meal ahead.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Potato Salad is a versatile side that complements any Easter meal with its creamy texture and flavorful bite. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better when made a day ahead, making meal prep a breeze. This side dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser, ensuring there’s something on the table for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Strawberry Cake

Close-up of a slice of strawberry cake dusted with powdered sugar, showing a fluffy texture and pieces of strawberries inside.
Strawberry Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ending your Easter meal on a sweet and fruity note, Strawberry Cake offers a fresh and light dessert option. Its vibrant flavor and color brighten up the dessert table, promising a feast for the eyes and the palate. Making it ahead allows the flavors to intensify, resulting in a more delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cake

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A Hashbrown Casserole brings a comforting and savory side to the Easter breakfast or dinner table. It’s easy to assemble in advance, allowing for a worry-free morning or evening. This casserole’s golden crust and creamy interior make it an irresistible addition to any meal. It ensures a satisfying start or complement to your Easter gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Mississippi Mud Pie, a dessert that promises to be the talk of your Easter meal. This pie combines a crunchy crust with a creamy filling, topped with a luscious chocolate layer. Preparing this dessert ahead of time not only saves effort on the day but also enhances its flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For an appetizer that packs a punch, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are a must. They blend the right amount of spicy and savory, perfect for kickstarting your Easter celebration. Easy to make ahead, these cheese balls are convenient for hosts seeking a balance between flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Transform a classic breakfast treat into a dish that can feed a crowd with Cinnamon Roll Casserole. This fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls makes for an effortless yet impressive brunch addition. Assemble it the night before for a no-fuss Easter morning that smells as sweet as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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