Hosting Easter dinner doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day cooking—these 29 make-ahead recipes let you prep in advance and enjoy the celebration. From crowd-pleasers to family traditions, every dish is ready when you are. Less rushing, more time for what matters. Because a relaxed host makes for the best gatherings.
Pecan Pie Cobbler
Merging two Southern favorites into one just makes sense. Pecan Pie Cobbler is the best of both worlds, worthwhile and sweet. It’s a dessert that can be prepared beforehand, making it a fuss-free option. Give in to this dish for a taste of the South.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler
Hash Browns
Imagine starting your Easter feast with something crispy. Now, think about a dish that’s both easy to make ahead and a universal favorite. Hash Browns offer that exact crispiness and convenience. They can be prepared in advance, ensuring that your morning starts off without a hitch.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
For those who enjoy a twist on the traditional, there’s something special. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls add a tangy depth to the usual sweet treat. Making them in advance means you can indulge the anticipation. They offer an enjoyable complexity to your dessert options.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls
Pineapple Casserole
When you want to surprise your guests with something out of the ordinary, this is a go-to. Pineapple Casserole mixes sweet and tasty in an unexpected way. Preparing it ahead of time ensures a stress-free surprise. It’s a dish that sparks conversation.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
Baked Oatmeal
Picture your family waking up to the aroma of something sweet and hearty. Baked Oatmeal isn’t just nutritious; it’s a canvas for your favorite fruits and nuts. Making it ahead means you’ve got a stress-free, wholesome breakfast ready. It’s a simple way to fuel up before the day’s festivities.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake
Combining two classic desserts can create something extraordinary. Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake marries the creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting taste of apple pie. It’s a showstopper that can be made ahead, saving you from last-minute prep stress. This dessert promises a sweet end to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Everyone loves a dish that’s both playful and worthwhile. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole takes the beloved potato morsels and turns them into a hearty, all-in-one meal. Assembling it ahead makes your morning smoother. It’s a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Lemon Cookies
If you’re looking for something simple yet irresistibly good, then baking a batch of these might be the answer. Lemon Cookies have just the right amount of tang to stand out. They’re easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Perfect for a light touch of sweetness amidst the feast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies
Funeral Potatoes
There’s always that one dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Funeral Potatoes blend creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. Making them ahead ensures they’re ready to warm hearts and stomachs. It’s a dish that’s all about bringing people together.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Lemon Bars
For a touch of brightness after a hearty meal, consider something tangy. Lemon Bars offer that refreshing taste, balancing sweet and tart perfectly. Preparing them in advance means you’ve got a light, yet indulgent, treat waiting. They’re like little squares of sunshine on your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars
Italian Sliders
Sometimes, the best dishes are the ones you can grab and go. Italian Sliders pack a flavorful punch in a small package. Preparing them beforehand means you have more time to mingle. They’re a tasty snack that everyone can’t help but reach for.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Broccoli Casserole
Vegetables can be the star of the show with a dish like Broccoli Casserole. It brings together health and comfort in a cheesy, creamy bake. Make it ahead and relax, knowing you have a delicious veggie dish that’s ready to win over friends and family. It’s proof that what’s good for you can also be irresistibly good.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Apple Crisp
For a dessert that feels like a warm embrace, you can’t go wrong here. Apple Crisp is all about that comforting crunch and tender fruit beneath. Doing the prep work in advance means a hassle-free sweet treat. It’s the epitome of cozy, rustic charm.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp
Green Bean Casserole
A classic side that never goes out of style is something to rely on. Green Bean Casserole is beloved for its creamy texture and crispy onions on top. Making it ahead of time ensures that you have a reliable, crowd-pleasing side. It’s a staple that complements any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Leek and Potato Soup
There’s something about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug. Leek and Potato Soup is comforting, creamy, and can easily be a hit with everyone. Preparing it ahead means less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. It’s a soothing start to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
French Toast Casserole
Breakfast doesn’t have to be mundane, especially on a festive day. French Toast Casserole improves the regular French toast to something you can share. Making it the night before lets the bread soak up all the flavors. It’s a sweet start to any day, no syrup required.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole
German Chocolate Cake
When it’s time for dessert, why not go all out? German Chocolate Cake is decadently rich and deeply rewarding. Being able to prepare it ahead means one less thing to worry about on the day. This cake promises to be a memorable part of your Easter feast.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
For those who like a little kick in their food, here’s something special. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls bring spice and flavor in a handheld form. Preparing them in advance means you have a lip-smacking appetizer ready. They’re a spicy twist that’s bound to get attention.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Combining two beloved desserts can only lead to something spectacular. Pecan Pie Cheesecake is rich, decadent, and a total crowd-pleaser. The fact that it can be made ahead makes it even better. A slice of this is the perfect way to end your Easter feast on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake
French Onion Soup
Starting the meal with something warm and flavorful sets the right tone. French Onion Soup is rich, tasty, and has that melt-in-your-mouth cheese. It can be prepared in advance, providing a hassle-free start to your meal. This soup is a cozy beginning to the festivities.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Hashbrown Casserole
A dish that’s effortlessly versatile and comforting is a must-have at any gathering. Hashbrown Casserole combines simple ingredients into something magical. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld perfectly. It’s a side that effortlessly steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
For a unique snack that’s bound to be a conversation starter, look no further. Smoky Bacon Pig Shots are as fun to make as they are to eat. Getting them ready beforehand means you’ve got an intriguing appetizer. It’s a creative way to serve up bacon with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Nothing says warm and inviting like the smell of cinnamon in the air. Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are the epitome of comfort food. Preparing them ahead of time means waking up to a ready-to-bake treat. A bite of these is like a hug from the inside.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
For a bold start to the festivities, something spicy and flavorful is in order. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls pack a wallop of flavor. Making them in advance frees you up for more important things, like enjoying the party. They’re a fiery, cheesy delight.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Waffles
Sometimes, the simplest things are the most rewarding. Waffles made ahead can be quickly toasted to bring back their crisp edge. They offer a blank canvas for all sorts of toppings. A breakfast classic that everyone can personalize.
Get the Recipe: Waffles
Lemon Pie
Ending the meal with a burst of brightness can be utterly refreshing. Lemon Pie combines a creamy filling with a zingy punch. Having it ready in advance means there’s always room for a slice. It’s a dessert that cleanses the palate with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie
Sourdough Bagels
Why not kick off the feast with something a bit different for breakfast? Sourdough Bagels bring a lovely tanginess to your morning. Preparing the dough ahead of time means fresh, warm bagels ready to be enjoyed. They’re a chewy, rewarding start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels
Apple Pie
Nothing evokes a sense of tradition and home like this dessert. Apple Pie stands as a testament to classic flavors done right. Having it ready before the big day means one less task to worry about. It’s an all-American favorite that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie
Loaded Potato Skins
For a side that nearly steals the show, these are a must. Loaded Potato Skins are all about that crispy skin loaded with toppings. Making them ahead of time means you’re all set for a tasty treat. They’re a hit for anyone looking for a hearty bite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins
