Prep Now, Relax Later 29 Easter Recipes That Save the Day
No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is hunting eggs and pretending they like Aunt Linda’s stories. With 29 make-ahead Easter recipes, the food takes care of itself, so there’s more time for everything else. Prep it early, heat it when needed, and let the compliments roll in like you spent hours cooking.

French Onion Soup

When you’re aiming for a cozy and comforting meal, this option does not disappoint. Imagine setting your table with a dish that warms you from the inside out. French Onion Soup is a classic choice that combines simplicity with a rich flavor profile. It’s perfect for those who want to prep ahead and enjoy more time with family on Easter.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
German Chocolate Cake

Easter is not just about the savory dishes; it’s a perfect time for a sweet celebration too. This dessert brings a wow factor to your Easter spread without spending all day in the kitchen. German Chocolate Cake offers a wonderful treat that makes any gathering a bit more special. Whip it up the day before, and you’re all set for your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

For an appetizer that truly stands out, this playful dish has you covered. Not only does it bring a burst of flavors, but Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are also great for making ahead. They free up your time on the big day, so you can focus on enjoying the moments. Plus, they are a surefire hit with guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Leek and Potato Soup

Looking for a starter that feels both elegant and comforting? Look no further. Leek and Potato Soup is a timeless choice that’s easy to prepare in advance. Its smooth texture and subtle flavors set a welcoming tone for the meal to come. Perfect for Easter, it’s ready to warm up your celebration whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
Potato Salad

No Easter meal is truly complete without a side that satisfies everyone. Potato Salad is that versatile dish you can tweak to perfection and prepare ahead of time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements any main dish you’re serving. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Baked Oatmeal

Start Easter morning with a dish that makes breakfast exciting and stress-free. Baked Oatmeal can be prepped the night before, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults. Its hearty texture and customizable toppings make it a breakfast standout. This is how you make mornings memorable with minimal morning effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

If you’re in search of a dish that combines comfort with a bit of spice, here it is. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls are not only delicious, but they also bring a fun twist to your Easter table. Prepare them ahead so that you can relax and enjoy the festivities. They’re sure to spark conversation and make your Easter feast unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Easter morning can be hectic, but your breakfast doesn’t have to be. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a make-ahead wonder that lets you join in the Easter egg hunt instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It’s hearty, delicious, and loved by guests of all ages. Start your Easter with a dish that’s as easy as it is fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Coconut Fudge

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Coconut Fudge is the perfect make-ahead treat for your Easter celebration. It’s simple, yet indulgent, and it adds a touch of sweetness to any holiday spread. You can prepare it well in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the day.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge
Loaded Potato Skins

When you’re looking for a side that’s sure to please, why not go with a proven crowd-pleaser? Loaded Potato Skins are not only delicious but can be prepared ahead of time. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ve got a side dish that complements any main event at your Easter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins
Coffee Cake

Easter morning coffee or tea is so much better with the right accompaniment. Coffee Cake is that perfect, make-ahead sweet treat that waits patiently to be enjoyed. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right start to a day of celebration. This is how you take your Easter morning from good to great.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake
Antipasto Salad

Bring a bit of Italian flair to your Easter table with a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Antipasto Salad can be made ahead, allowing you to adjust flavors to perfection. It’s a hearty, vibrant addition to any Easter meal, ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Chicken Tempura

For a dish that adds a crunch to your Easter feast, look no further. Chicken Tempura is surprisingly simple to prepare ahead, ensuring a crispy delight that’s ready when you are. It’s a fun way to diversify your Easter menu, offering something lighter yet utterly fulfilling. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura
Lemon Pie

No Easter celebration is complete without a tart and sweet note to finish the meal. Lemon Pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to your table. It’s refreshing, creamy, and just the right balance to a hearty meal. This pie promises smiles all around and a perfect end to your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Upgrade your Easter meal with a side dish that speaks of elegance and comfort. Dauphinoise Potatoes are a sumptuous choice that you can prepare in advance, freeing up your day to focus on what truly matters. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly pleasing dish, ready to enhance your Easter dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Chicken Pot Pie

For a heartwarming centerpiece that brings everyone to the table, Chicken Pot Pie fits the bill. This dish is all about comfort and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your Easter celebration. You can prep it ahead of time, ensuring a delicious meal that’s ready with minimal effort on your part. It embodies the spirit of a family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie
Egg Casserole

Kick off your Easter with a breakfast that’s both easy and fulfilling. Egg Casserole can be assembled the night before, so all you have to do is bake it in the morning. It’s a versatile dish that caters to any taste, ensuring a delicious start to a day full of celebrations. This casserole is a true morning hero.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Why choose between two desserts when you can combine them into an unforgettable Easter treat? Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake upgrades your dessert game with the best of both worlds. Prep it ahead to save time and unveil a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s a creative twist that’s as delicious as it is ingenious.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake
Dinner Rolls

No Easter meal is truly complete without fluffy, homemade Dinner Rolls on the table. They can easily be made ahead of time, ensuring soft, warm bread that’s ready to complement your meal. It’s a simple touch that adds so much to your dining experience. These rolls promise to be a hit, disappearing before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Apple Crisp

For a dessert that brings the comforting flavors of home, Apple Crisp is unbeatable. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that fills your home with a wonderful aroma. Perfect for any Easter celebration, it offers a sweet, crunchy topping over tender apples, ensuring smiles and satisfied sighs from your guests.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Bring a dish to the table that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a crowd-pleaser you can prepare in advance, making your Easter meal both stress-free and delicious. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that pairs well with any main dish, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Italian Sliders

When you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that’s big on flavor, Italian Sliders are the answer. Make them ahead of time for an easy, delicious start to your Easter celebration. They offer a savory, fulfilling bite that’s perfect for mingling and snacking as the festivities unfold. A true crowd-pleaser, these sliders make sure no one goes hungry.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Easy Banana Pudding

End your Easter meal on a sweet, comforting note with a classic dessert. Easy Banana Pudding is not only wonderful but also simple to make ahead of time. It’s a creamy, dreamy addition to your Easter spread that offers a taste of nostalgia. This pudding is sure to end your celebration on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding
Green Bean Casserole

A staple at many celebrations, Green Bean Casserole is loved for its simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish you can easily prepare ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free Easter day. This casserole adds a touch of tradition to your meal, making it a comforting choice that complements any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Hash Browns

Make your Easter breakfast or brunch stand out with a side that’s always a hit. Hash Browns can be prepped ahead to save you time in the morning. They bring a crispy and golden touch to your table, acting as the perfect companion to any egg dish or casserole. Start your day with a crispy, delicious boost.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the creamy texture of cheesecake for an Easter dessert that’s sure to please. Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a wonderful fusion you can make in advance, blending two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. It’s a unique addition that promises to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Mac and Cheese

Bring comfort to your Easter table with a classic side that’s universally loved. Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that you can prep ahead, freeing up your time to enjoy the festivities. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right accompaniment to any main dish, ensuring no plate goes back to the kitchen full.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls on Easter morning. Prep them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning for a sweet start to the day. They’re soft, fluffy, and covered in delicious glaze, making them a morning treat that everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Broccoli Casserole

For a side dish that adds a touch of green to your table, Broccoli Casserole is a go-to. You can prepare it ahead of time for a convenient, nutritious addition to your Easter feast. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, offering a comforting side that pairs beautifully with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 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.
