29 Easter Meal Prep Recipes That Give You More Free Time

Planning meals ahead during the Easter season can help take a lot of pressure off your day. These recipes work well when you want to enjoy the weekend without spending too much time in the kitchen. They’re built for planning ahead, which is helpful when there’s a full house or extra errands.

Baked Oatmeal

Start your Easter morning with a warm and inviting Baked Oatmeal. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time and easy to reheat for your family’s breakfast. Enjoy a leisurely morning as this dish takes care of itself in the oven. Serve up some extra free time along with a delicious breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Whip up Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits and watch them disappear quickly. They’re a cinch to bake and even easier to serve. This recipe frees you from the kitchen, so you can savor the company of loved ones. Your family will delight in the familiar comfort without you being tied to the oven.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Kickstart your Easter feast with Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. These can be made in advance and are perfect for sharing. They’re a flavorful starter that invites everyone to come together and enjoy. Set these out to keep your guests content as the meal is finalized.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Potato Casserole

This casserole is your side dish ally for a laid-back Easter feast. Prepare it in advance and slide it into the oven when you’re ready, letting you mingle instead of monitor. The result is a heartwarming dish that complements any main course. Potato Casserole allows for more time cherishing those special holiday moments.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For a sweet twist at the end of your meal, Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the answer. It’s a breeze to prepare, and with no decoration required, it’s ready to be enjoyed in no time. Pop it out of the oven and let it cool while you eat—no fuss, no stress. This classic cake ensures a relaxed end to your Easter dining.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

French Toast Casserole

Ease into the holiday with a French Toast Casserole that can be assembled the night before. This allows for a more serene morning without skimping on a hearty brunch. When you’re ready, bake it to perfection and let the inviting aroma fill your home. Your brunch spread will be enriched, and your schedule relaxed.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of Leek and Potato Soup brims with comfort and can be made in advance. Reheat gently for a soothing starter without any last-minute preparation. This soup promises a smooth transition into the Easter meal, giving you a calm start. Your guests can relish the warmth while you relish the unhurried pace.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Combine two classics with an Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake prepped ahead of time for your convenience. This dessert doubles the fun without doubling your effort. A day ahead, let this dessert set in the fridge, releasing you from added kitchen duty during the festivities. Everyone can enjoy this fusion without you rushing around.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pack all the flavors without the fuss with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Assemble it earlier, and just bake when it’s showtime, freeing you to focus on celebration, not timing. This dish brings the essence of a gourmet meal to the family table with minimal effort. Enjoy the smiles around the table as they enjoy this hearty fare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb Pie can be prepped and baked early, leaving more time for Easter egg hunts and laughter. Once out of the oven, this pie needs no extra attention; just serve when ready. Its straightforward process ensures you won’t be stuck in the kitchen. Dessert is sorted, leaving you all the time to create lasting holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Egg Casserole

Enjoy a hassle-free brunch centerpiece with its make-ahead magic with Egg Casserole. Bake it in the morning for a hands-off approach to a fulfilling start of the day. This dish will hold beautifully until you’re ready to gather everyone at the table. Enjoy your holiday morning with ease, knowing brunch is under control.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

For those who dream of a balance between sweet and savory, Salted Caramel Cheesecake is the answer. Making this cheesecake in advance not only saves time but also enhances its flavors. It’s smooth, it’s creamy, and it’s utterly irresistible. This cheesecake ensures your Easter celebration has a standout moment everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are perfect for a casual Easter affair. Prepare these bites in advance and simply reheat when it’s time to serve. This leaves you free to enjoy the festivities instead of frying and filling. It’s the ideal way to provide a satisfying snack without missing a moment of the fun.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Key Lime Pie

You’re sure to please the crowd without spending the entire day in the kitchen with a Key Lime Pie. Prepare this tangy dessert beforehand and let it chill until you’re ready to slice and serve. This easy-to-make pie captures the essence of spring, encouraging relaxation and enjoyment for both you and your guests.
Get the Recipe: Key Lime Pie

Focaccia Bread

Homemade Focaccia Bread yields a comforting aroma and a taste that’s worth the wait. Once it’s baking, there’s nothing left to do but await the golden, crispy result. This gives you a break to freshen up or greet arriving guests. This Italian classic will gracefully accompany any Easter meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Broccoli Casserole

Proves that a satisfying side dish doesn’t require extensive kitchen time with Broccoli Casserole. Assembled in advance, this casserole is ready to bake at your convenience. It’s the kind of dish that looks after itself, letting you step out of the kitchen. Welcome a bit of green to your table while keeping your schedule open.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Apple Crisp

Prepare an Apple Crisp in the morning and let it fill your home with its enticing scent. This dessert is straightforward to assemble, and when it’s time for sweets, just grab a spoon and dive in. It’s a dessert that’s served straight from the oven to the table, allowing you to wrap up the meal on a high note with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Antipasto Salad

A vibrant and refreshing start to any meal, especially Easter is Antipasto Salad. Toss it together quickly, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your company. This salad comes together without any cooking, which is perfect for a sunny spring day. Serve up this traditional Italian beginning with zero stress.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Chewy Chocolate Brownies are a foolproof treat that gives you an edge on Easter prep. Mix and bake these the day before, then slice and serve when you’re ready. It’s the ultimate convenience — a sumptuous dessert that’s there when you need it. These brownies allow you to share quality time instead of missing out.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

This dish provides a comforting side that’s ready whenever you are. Prepare Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole the day before and simply warm it up when it’s time to eat. This allows you more time to relax with guests instead of rushing through preparation. Everyone will appreciate this cozy addition to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Italian Sliders

If you’re aiming for minimal kitchen time this Easter, Italian Sliders are a smart pick. They can be assembled quickly and are always popular at gatherings. These small sandwiches pack a lot of flavor and can be served either hot or at room temperature. Enjoy the holiday more with less time cooking and more time celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Spicing up your Easter gathering can be fun with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. These rolls are a convenient choice since they can be prepared ahead and easily served warm or at room temperature. They free up your time to enjoy the celebrations rather than being tied down to the kitchen. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that’s sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Chocolate Pie

Indulging in Chocolate Pie is a surefire way to bring smiles all around this Easter. Prepare it beforehand, and you’ll have a hassle-free dessert that’s ready to wow. Its rich flavor is a hit across all ages, ensuring a memorable end to your meal. Having this pie ready in your fridge means one less thing to worry about during your busy day.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

Funeral Potatoes

For a comforting addition to your Easter menu, consider Funeral Potatoes. This dish is ideal for making in large batches, which can help minimize last-minute preparations. It’s a crowd-pleaser that goes well with any main dish, providing more relaxation time during the holiday. Plus, they reheat beautifully for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

French Onion Soup

Starting your meal with French Onion Soup sets a cozy and comforting mood. It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the company without rushing to the kitchen. Its rich, savory aroma invites everyone to the table, ready for the feast to come. Serving this soup shows that a thoughtful, warming touch can make all the difference.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Peanut Butter Cake

Peanut Butter Cake brings a beloved flavor to your Easter dessert table, combining ease with indulgence. This cake’s make-ahead flexibility means less time baking and more time celebrating. Its rich taste is a crowd-pleaser, promising to be a highlight of your holiday meal. There’s something special about ending your celebration with a slice of this cake.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Sausage Balls

Experience a savory bite that’s perfect for Easter gatherings with Sausage Balls. They can be made in advance and are ideal for serving as an appetizer or snack throughout the day. Easy to grab and eat, they keep the atmosphere light and casual. These small bites are a big hit, making mingling and snacking an all-day affair.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Hash Browns

Hash Browns are not just for breakfast; they make a terrific side dish for your Easter brunch. Easy to prepare in bulk, they can be kept warm until served, ensuring you have plenty of time to mingle with guests. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they complement any main course splendidly.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Combining two favorites, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie is a creative twist that’s bound to become a tradition. Make it before the big day, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as easy as pie. It hits all the right notes for a festive gathering—comforting, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Serving this pie ensures your meal ends on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie