The Less You Cook On Easter, The Better 29 Make-Ahead Recipes

Easter should be about enjoying time with family, not spending all day in the kitchen. These 29 make-ahead recipes let you get the cooking out of the way early. With dishes prepped in advance, you can focus on creating memories instead of juggling pots and pans. Less last-minute stress means more time to relax, eat, and maybe even win the egg hunt for once.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Get everyone excited with a breakfast casserole that lets you hit snooze a few more times on Easter morning. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike, blending crispy potatoes with all your favorite breakfast flavors in one dish. Prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Hash Browns

Want something classic for Easter brunch? Hash Browns are a must-have that you can prep ahead, ready to reheat and serve. They bring coziness to your holiday table with their golden, crispy edges. With the prep done, you can relax and join in on the Easter egg hunt instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For a sweet retro twist at the dessert table, have a Pineapple Upside Down Cake ready to go. It’s a real conversation starter with its caramelized pineapple topping that shines without any last-minute fuss. Bake it ahead and let it sit; this cake’s flavor gets better with a little time. That means you can focus on hiding those Easter eggs instead of baking.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Upgrade your Easter spread with Dauphinoise Potatoes, a creamy and indulgent side. It’s a luxurious dish that’s designed to impress, yet it doesn’t demand your attention on the day. Prepare it in advance, and on Easter, you simply reheat and serve. This way, you have more time to spend with loved ones instead of peeling potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

German Chocolate Cake

Indulge in some chocolate decadence without the last-minute baking chaos. A German Chocolate Cake is rich and luscious and can be made ahead, freeing you from baking duties on the day. Let guests marvel at the layers of flavor as you casually mention it was made in advance. This is how you pull off a relaxed yet indulgent Easter dessert.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Dinner Rolls

Everybody expects warm rolls on the table, so have your Dinner Rolls sorted out before the festivities begin. The smell of freshly baked bread can still fill your home, as you reheat them right before serving. Soft, buttery, and absolutely comforting, they’re the perfect companion to your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests

Channel the Easter bunny vibe with Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests, a sweet treat that’s fun and festive. These adorable nests are not only eye-catching but can also be made well in advance of your Easter celebrations. There’s no need for last-minute dessert prep when you’ve got these ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests

Egg Bites

If you’re aiming for a protein-packed brunch item without the morning hassle, opt for Egg Bites. Make them ahead, then just warm up for a quick and nutritious start to Easter Sunday. These bite-sized delights are perfect for a no-mess brunch spread. You can sit back and relax while everyone enjoys a healthy and delicious bite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Antipasto Salad

Bring Italian flair to your Easter table with a colorful Antipasto Salad. It’s perfect for making ahead as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Serving this dish is as easy as taking it out of the fridge. No dressing salads at the last minute means more time for Easter egg puns and laughter.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Pineapple Casserole

Add a surprising twist to your Easter meal with Pineapple Casserole, a dish that combines sweet and tasty in every bite. This casserole can be assembled ahead, ready to bake when needed. Your guests will be intrigued by the unexpected combination. Plus, it frees you to join in the celebration, not tied to the oven.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

Despite their somber name, Funeral Potatoes are a comforting addition to any Easter feast. This creamy, cheesy potato dish can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day. As they bake, mingle with your guests instead of minding the stove. They’re a crowd-pleaser that ensures you’re part of the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Combine two classic desserts into one with Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. It’s a showstopper that can be made ahead, so you have time to hunt for Easter eggs with the kids. The layers of apple pie filling and creamy cheesecake promise to wow your guests. Just slice and serve on Easter for a hassle-free dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Chicken Pot Pie

Bring comfort to the table with a hearty Chicken Pot Pie. This one-dish wonder is perfect for making ahead, ensuring a warm and flavorful meal with no day-of stress. It’s like a hug in a pie crust that you can offer without spending the entire holiday in the kitchen. Share more moments with family, with dinner already taken care of.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Potato Salad

No Easter meal is complete without a side of Potato Salad. It’s actually better when the flavors have a chance to blend overnight. Scoop and serve this staple without the need to boil or mix on Easter day. This gives you time to actually sit down and enjoy the outdoor sunshine with everyone else.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Easy Banana Pudding

For an effortless and beloved dessert, whip up some Easy Banana Pudding ahead of time. It’s a creamy, comforting finish to your Easter meal that actually gets better as it sits. No last-minute dessert prep here—just a chilled, ready-to-eat treat. This leaves more time for you to relax and listen to the kids’ excited discoveries of hidden Easter treats.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Apple Crisp

A warm Apple Crisp is like a welcoming embrace, and it can wait patiently in your fridge or on your counter. Made before the festivities, it only needs a quick reheat to serve. It’s simple, homestyle baking at its best, meant to be enjoyed without the fuss. Get out there and join the egg hunt instead of peeling apples on Easter Sunday.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Chocolate Pie

For a slice of nostalgia, prepare a Chocolate Pie in advance. Its rich, smooth filling and flaky crust are a hit with all ages, and it chills well overnight, simplifying your dessert duties. Easter day becomes less hectic and more about sharing stories around the table. Grab a slice and unwind; after all, the hard part’s already done.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Ignite conversation with Smoky Bacon Pig Shots, a tasty appetizer with a playful twist. Assembling them ahead means you only need to cook them before serving. They’re a quirky addition to your Easter spread, sure to provoke smiles and chatter. Enjoy the festivities without the panic of prepping starters at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s hard to beat the universal appeal of Chocolate Chip Cookies. Bake a batch in advance and watch them disappear on Easter Sunday. Crispy, chewy, and heartwarming, they’re an easy win with minimal effort. With the cookies ready, you’re free to indulge in the joy of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A classic Easy Meatloaf Recipe provides comforting familiarity without the need for same-day preparation. Bake it ahead, and reheat for a no-fuss main dish that still tastes like home. With the meatloaf handled, indulge the holiday atmosphere and catch up with family stories. It’s simple home cooking that gives you the gift of time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

French Toast Casserole

Imagine waking up to a French Toast Casserole that’s ready to pop into the oven. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free breakfast that feels indulgent. The sweet aroma fills your home, setting a festive mood, while you kick back and maybe even join in on the kids’ Easter crafts. It’s as much about the memories as it is about the food.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Chicken Tempura

For a slightly unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable twist, try Chicken Tempura. This dish can be prepped in advance, needing only to be fried quickly before serving, offering a crispy delight. It adds a bit of variety to your usual Easter menu, and it’s sure to prompt questions and compliments.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

Potato Casserole

Everyone loves a creamy Potato Casserole with its comforting layers. It’s a side that complements any main and can be made the day before. Easter morning arrives, and your casserole simply needs reheating, freeing you up to enjoy the egg-hiding fun. Less time in the kitchen means more time making memories with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Sourdough Bagels

Who doesn’t love a bagel spread for brunch? Prep your own Sourdough Bagels ahead, and you’ve got a breakfast that everyone can personalize. They bring a touch of artisan charm to your table, and the best part is, there’s no baking required on Easter. Sit back, sip your coffee, and indulge the smiles.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Green Bean Casserole

An Easter meal seems incomplete without Green Bean Casserole by its side. This trusty dish can be prepped in advance and popped in the oven when you’re ready. It’s that touch of green that balances everything else, ready without any last-minute green bean snapping. You get to truly be present at the gathering, not preoccupied in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Pecan Pie Cobbler

Merge the gooey richness of pecan pie with the comforting feel of cobbler in Pecan Pie Cobbler. Make it ahead for a dessert that’s a conversation starter. When it’s dessert time, simply serve it up and bask in the compliments. This lets you focus on the joy of the occasion, not on the precision of pie making.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Apple Pie

Tradition calls for an Apple Pie, and making it ahead is as American as, well, apple pie. Easter is more relaxing when this classic dessert is waiting in the wings, ready to impress. The familiar aroma and taste are like an old friend at your Easter celebration. Pass the pie, share the stories, and cherish the time together—it’s all done.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

For a twist on a beloved breakfast treat, prep some Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls ahead of Easter. Let them rise overnight, then bake for a gooey, heartwarming start to the day. Their unique sourdough tang is an enjoyable surprise that requires no morning effort. It’s an irresistible pull-apart pleasure that gives you more time for mimosas and mingling.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Give a nod to plant-based guests with a comforting Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be assembled days ahead, needing only a final bake on Easter. This dish ensures that everyone at the table has something special, without any last-minute cooking stress.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie