Easter Cooking Just Got Smarter 29 Recipes You Can Prep Ahead

Easter cooking just got easier with these 29 prep-ahead recipes. No more scrambling in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun. Get everything ready ahead of time, so you can actually enjoy the holiday. Less stress, more time to eat, and a fridge full of food that just needs heating—sounds like a solid plan.

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.

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of Leek and Potato Soup. It can be made in advance, ensuring a stress-free warm-up for your Easter meal. It’s the ideal smooth and hearty complement to any dish. It’s a cozy starter that’ll get everyone ready for the main event.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Sausage Balls

Plate of crispy fried dumplings with chopped herbs, served with a bowl of brown dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Get the party rolling with make-ahead Sausage Balls. These little gems are a cinch to bake right before your guests arrive. The perfect grab-and-go snack, they’re a hit with all ages and suffice to say, they won’t last long. Serve them up and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easter meals become unforgettable with treats like German Chocolate Cake. Prep the day before and enjoy the festivity without a rush. This dessert combines decadent layers with a nutty filling that’s always a crowd favorite. Witness it become an elegant centerpiece at your table.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

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.

Have some French Onion Soup bubbling away for a traditional touch. Let it sit overnight and be amazed at how the flavors intensify. Offering a rich and cheesy experience, it’s a first-course hero that satisfies. Your guests’ reaction when it’s served? Complete contentment.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Egg Bites are your Easter morning stress-buster. Prepare them ahead, pop them in the oven, and voilà, breakfast is served. Packed with taste and ready in a snap, they’re ideal for a relaxed start to the day. A tasty little number that’s all about convenience.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No Easter feast is complete without Potato Salad. Get it ready in advance, and those creamy flavors will have time to become friends. It’s an expected staple that complements any main course with ease. Trust me, there’s never too much potato salad!
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Egg Casserole

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

Simplify your brunch game with an Egg Casserole. Tackle it the night before and simply bake when you’re ready. This dish is generously filled with all the breakfast favorites. Just wait for the compliments as it’s served!
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

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.

Impress your guests with Smoky Bacon Pig Shots at your Easter gathering. Set these up ahead of time for effortless enjoyment. Each bite is filled with a smoky and bacon-filled joy. They’re the snack everyone can’t stop talking about – and eating!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every Easter meal needs a dose of heartwarming Hashbrown Casserole. Getting it ready the day before equals less hassle on the day of. This dish hits all the marks for cheesy and creamy goodness. It’s the side that’s bound to cause a stir.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Slice of cheesecake topped with caramel, pretzel, pecan, and sea salt on a plate, with a spoon beside it.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweeten your Easter with a slice of Salted Caramel Cheesecake. It’s best to prepare early to let it achieve that ideal chill. What awaits is a creamy cheesecake with a tempting salty-sweet contrast. Ready yourself for a dessert that’ll linger in memories.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Upgrade your sides with Dauphinoise Potatoes done the day before. These are slices of creamy and garlicky bliss. They’re a sophisticated side that will receive endless compliments. Expect them to be a new favorite request.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Lemon Cookies

A stack of lemon cookies on a cooling rack.
Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring zest to your dessert table with Lemon Cookies prepared in advance. These cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy delight. Light, tangy, and ideal for a post-feast nibble. There’s a good chance you’ll need a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a spoonful of comfort with Corn Casserole, ready to be baked and served. Its sweet creaminess is a perfect companion to any main course. As a simply made side, it has a reputation for second helpings. And just like that, it’s sure to become an Easter tradition.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Lemon Pie

A slice of lemon pie sits on a plate next to a pie with a slice removed.
Lemon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

End your meal on a bright note with Lemon Pie. Make it a day before and enjoy the easy serving at meal’s end. With its creamy tanginess, it’s a refreshing finale to any hearty spread. A slice of this, and guests will be singing your praises.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Potato Casserole

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

Potato Casserole, the ultimate comfort side, is effortlessly prepared ahead. Once it hits the table, watch as guests dig into its creamy, cheesy allure. This fulfilling dish is often first to be emptied. It’s the kind of casserole stories are made of.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Mississippi Mud Pie

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This pie will have chocolate lovers lining up for seconds. You can prep Mississippi Mud Pie in advance and let it chill until Easter. It’s a dreamy, indulgent treat that doesn’t need any flashy add-ons to be a hit. Just slice it up and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Close-up of fluffy cheddar biscuits topped with herbs on a metal tray, with leafy greens in the background.
Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits will steal the spotlight at your meal. Bake them ahead, give them a quick warm-up before serving, and your place will smell unreal. Guests will rave about the garlicky, cheesy kick in each bite. It’s comfort in biscuit form, really.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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.

If you’re into sweets, whip up this Coconut Fudge ahead of time. Letting it sit for a day or two before Easter only makes it better. Expect a creamy texture and a satisfying bite each time. This little treat is bound to be a big hit.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Add a twist to your Easter with a Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Despite looking like you spent hours in the kitchen, it’s actually pretty straightforward to make. With its caramelized pineapple topping, you’re in for a real treat. Get it ready ahead, and voilà – dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Kick off Easter with the warm allure of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. They’ve got that unique sourdough zing balanced with sweet cinnamon. Prep them the day before, then just bake and serve for an enticing morning aroma. Your breakfast game just leveled up.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

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.

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a hearty start to Easter. It’s a hearty mix you can prepare the night before and just bake in the morning. With tater tots included, it’s a dish that promises to be a crowd-favorite. Who can resist a cheesy, comforting start to the day?
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Shortbread Cookies

Close-up view of a pile of Shortbread Cookies with visible small holes on the surface.
Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple yet delicious, Shortbread Cookies are an Easter must-have. Buttery, crumbly, and just the right amount of sweet to pair with your post-meal coffee. Make them in advance, and perhaps even gift them to guests as a sweet farewell. They’re versatile, and a joy to munch on.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

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.

Packed with flavors, Loaded Potato Skins are the appetizer everyone waits for. Prepare them in advance, then give them a quick crisp-up in the oven and serve. Stuffed with cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of green onion, they’ll be gobbled up in no time. They’re real crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pair your Easter morning brew with a slice of the classic Coffee Cake. Its sweet, crumbly topping is perfect for a light breakfast or a snack. Bake it the day before, and wake up to a stress-free, delicious treat. It’s just the right mix of simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Meatloaf Recipe is a crowd-pleasing classic that simplifies your Easter dinner. Prepare it in advance, and it’ll be ready to enjoy with minimal effort. It’s hearty, packed with deliciousness, and perfect for accompanying your favorite sides. Plus, leftovers make for killer sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This casserole is a brunch game-changer for Easter. Assemble it the night before and just bake when ready. Sweet, custardy, with a slight crisp on top – French Toast Casserole is the kind of dish that gets everyone excited. A guaranteed vanishing act once served.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Funeral Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy side dish with a loyal following. Pre-make these for Easter and simply reheat them for service. They’re creamy, cheesy, and have a satisfying crunch on top. Seconds are pretty much a given with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Easy Banana Pudding

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

Light and creamy, Easy Banana Pudding is the perfect finale to your Easter feast. Prepare it beforehand, and the flavors will blend into an even more delicious experience. It’s one of those desserts that guests always seem to find room for. Expect high praise all around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

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.

Soft and fluffy Dinner Rolls are practically essential for any proper Easter dinner. Bake them in advance and warm them up when it’s time to eat. They’re perfect for mopping up those last bits of gravy. Be prepared to pass the basket around more than once.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

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