Big Easter Gathering No Problem With 29 Meal Prep Recipes

Planning for a big Easter crowd doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job. With 29 meal prep recipes lined up, it’s more about stacking containers than stressing out. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is hunting eggs and hogging the deviled eggs. Knock it all out early, then casually act like it was no big deal.

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

Focaccia Bread

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

If you’re looking for something to soak up savory sauces or just stand on its own, consider adding it to your menu. With its crispy exterior and soft, airy inside, Focaccia Bread becomes an instant hit at any gathering. Not only does it smell amazing while it bakes, but it also offers endless possibilities for customization.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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 hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, you can’t go wrong with it. Chicken Pot Pie combines tender chunks of chicken with vegetables in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky crust. It’s a comfort food that can easily feed a crowd, making it perfect for Easter gatherings. Plus, its make-ahead nature saves you time on the day of the event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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.

No large meal is complete without a basket of warm, fluffy bread. Dinner Rolls are a versatile choice that pairs well with everything, from spreads to the main dish. They’re easy to make in big batches and are sure to disappear quickly from the table. Their soft, buttery texture makes them a universal favorite.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this dish has you covered. Antipasto Salad combines a variety of textures and tastes in one easy-to-make yet visually appealing dish. It’s perfect for guests looking for healthier, yet flavorful options. Plus, it adds a colorful pop to your Easter table.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking to add a crispy, golden side to your brunch or dinner menu? Hash Browns are a universally loved option that adds a fulfilling crunch to any meal. They’re incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in numerous ways to match your meal’s theme. Plus, who doesn’t love a good crispy potato dish?
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Rhubarb Crisp

A baked dessert with a crumbly brown topping and red filling sits in a dish, with a portion served in a separate bowl. Spoons are present in both the dish and the bowl.
Rhubarb Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

As a dessert that’s both tangy and sweet, it strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Rhubarb Crisp with its crumbly topping and tender fruit filling, becomes the star dessert at spring gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to love, serving as a wonderful end to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Crisp

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish is all about comfort. Potato Casserole, with its layers of creamy potatoes, cheese, and sometimes a crunchy topping, offers a side that’s hard to resist. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared beforehand, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities. Perfect for feeding a large group without stressing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

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.

It’s a classic favorite that appeals to guests of all ages. Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting. It can serve as a side dish or a main event, depending on your needs. Prepared in advance, it easily adapts to being reheated, ensuring creamy goodness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Broccoli Casserole

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

For a dish that sneaks in some greens in the most delicious way possible, look no further. Broccoli Casserole combines tender broccoli florets with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. It’s a side that might just outshine the main course, offering both nutrition and decadence.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re aiming for handheld delights that pack a punch of flavor, they are your go-to. Italian Sliders are easy to assemble and offer a mouthwatering combination of meats, cheese, and seasonings all tucked between mini buns. Perfect for guests to grab and mingle, these little sandwiches are a big hit.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a dessert that brings a burst of brightness to your feast, you can count on them. Lemon Bars feature a tangy lemon filling on top of a buttery crust, all dusted with powdered sugar. They provide a refreshing break from the richness of the main meal, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking to start your Easter morning with something both delicious and convenient? Egg Casserole is a savory, fulfilling breakfast that can be prepped the night before. It combines eggs, cheese, and often some vegetables or meat, baking into a fluffy, hearty dish. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without waking up at dawn.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those with a sweet tooth, this pie is a dream come true. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie combines creamy peanut butter filling with chunks of Reese’s cups, all nestled in a crunchy cookie crust. It’s a decadent dessert that’s sure to please anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy.
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you want an appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, go for these. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are a unique blend of savory flavors, creating bite-sized treats that are unforgettable. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a little smokiness and a lot of flavors. Great for mingling around before the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

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.

Combine the best parts of breakfast into one dish, and you get this. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a comforting, hearty start to any day, layering tater tots, eggs, cheese, and meat into a delicious bake. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without the hassle of making individual servings.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s nothing like a stack of fresh, hot waffles to make a meal feel special. Waffles can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile choice for your Easter brunch. Top them with syrup, fruit, or even whipped cream for a customizable treat that’s sure to please. Plus, they’re fun for guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

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.

For an appetizer that adds an elegant touch to your gathering, consider this iconic soup. French Onion Soup, with its rich broth and melted cheese topping, offers a warm welcome to your guests. It sets the stage for a memorable meal, combining coziness with a hint of sophistication.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Easy Banana Pudding

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

When you need a no-fuss dessert that’ll still wow your guests, turn to this sweet treat. Easy Banana Pudding layers bananas, pudding, and cookies to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a comforting end to any meal, and its simplicity means you can enjoy the party, too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

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.

For a dish that brings a bit of crunch to your table, don’t overlook this one. Chicken Tempura is lightly battered and fried to perfection, offering a wonderfully crispy texture. It’s a good choice for guests who appreciate a little bit of indulgence served up in a flavorful way. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

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.

If you’re in the mood for a snackable side that’s sure to be a hit, look no further. Loaded Potato Skins are crispy, stuffed with cheese, and often topped with bacon or sour cream. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat for nibbling between conversations, offering both taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Apple Crisp

Close-up of apple crumble with oats and brown sugar topping. A spoon is partially visible on the left.
Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ending your meal on a high note is easy with this wonderful dessert. Apple Crisp brings together tender baked apples with a crumbly, sweet topping. It’s a classic favorite that feels both homey and special, perfect for warming hearts at your Easter gathering. Serve it warm for an extra touch of coziness.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a side dish that’s beloved by many, you can’t go wrong with it. Green Bean Casserole is a staple at many gatherings, known for its creamy sauce and crunchy onion topping. It’s a simple yet fulfilling addition to your feast, and its familiar flavor makes it a comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Coconut Fudge

A stack of white, square-shaped fudge pieces with a creamy texture are arranged on a plate, some with coconut flakes on top.
Coconut Fudge. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Introduce a bit of tropical flair with a dessert that’s both rich and wonderful. Coconut Fudge offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with its creamy texture and coconut flavor. It’s a small bite with big impact, perfect for finishing a meal on a sweet note. Plus, it’s easy to make in large quantities.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge

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.

If you’re after a dish that’s both spicy and fulfilling, these are a fantastic option. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls bring the heat with a spicy chicken filling wrapped in soft, doughy bread. They’re a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves a bit of spice, making a great addition to your Easter spread.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Sourdough Bagels

A plate with a bagel seasoned with seeds sits next to a baking tray holding more bagels, also topped with seeds.
Sourdough Bagels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Start your morning gathering with something a little different. Sourdough Bagels offer a tangy twist on the traditional bagel, featuring a chewy texture and a slightly sour taste. They’re great for an Easter brunch, providing a sturdy base for all kinds of toppings. Plus, making them can be a fun activity.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a dish that combines nutrition with irresistible flavor, give this a try. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole brings cauliflower to life with a creamy, cheesy sauce, transforming it into a dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. It’s a great way to add veggies to your spread without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Why choose between cake and pie when you can have both? Pecan Pie Cheesecake marries the richness of cheesecake with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to draw compliments from your guests, offering a decadent end to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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 with a bit of kick, these cheese balls are sure to impress. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls combine creamy cheese with the smokiness of bacon and a hit of jalapeño. They’re great for snacking and offer a bold start to your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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

Combine two classic desserts into one extraordinary creation. Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie uses cinnamon rolls as the crust, filled with spiced apple pie filling. This inventive dessert is not only delicious but also a visual treat, guaranteeing it a spot in the heart of your Easter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *