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.

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
