Spend More Time Celebrating And Less Time Cooking With 29 Easter Meal Prep Recipes

Holiday meals shouldn’t feel like a second job with an apron instead of a paycheck. These 29 prep-friendly Easter recipes cut down the chaos so the actual day doesn’t feel like a cooking marathon. There’s a lot to juggle already—food shouldn’t be the thing that breaks you. Let the oven work smarter so you don’t have to.

Dauphinoise Potatoes

If you’re aiming to impress your guests but want to spend more time with them than in the kitchen, this classic French side dish is your friend. With just a bit of prep, you can slide Dauphinoise Potatoes into the oven to bake to creamy perfection. While you’re hunting for Easter eggs or chatting with loved ones, the potatoes are transforming into a golden dish.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Combine the irresistible crunch of pecans with the creamy delight of cheesecake, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to be a conversation starter. Picture setting down a Pecan Pie Cheesecake in the center of the table as the grand finale to your Easter meal. This dessert allows you to prepare ahead, so you can enjoy the festivities without a rush.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Green Bean Casserole

Ease and comfort come together in a dish that has become a staple at holiday gatherings. Pop a Green Bean Casserole in the oven and let the flavors meld together as you focus on hiding those Easter eggs. It’s a straightforward recipe that promises a delicious payout with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Easy Banana Pudding

After the egg hunt, guests will be looking for something sweet, and what better way to satisfy than with a chilled, creamy dessert. Prep your Easy Banana Pudding in advance, and by the time dessert rolls around, it’ll be set and ready to serve. This no-fuss recipe lets you enjoy the celebration without worrying about the final course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Broccoli Casserole

Looking for a green and lean option to balance out the holiday indulgences? A Broccoli Casserole is your go-to, combining health with flavor in a way that doesn’t compromise on enjoyment. It’s all done ahead of time, so when it’s mealtime, you’ll have a deliciously bubbly casserole to offer. You’ll find that it’s a hit, even with the kids who claim to dislike broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Egg Casserole

Why not bring a bit of the Easter egg excitement onto the dinner table? With an Egg Casserole, you’re serving a fulfilling dish rich with flavor that simplifies your holiday cooking. It can be assembled the night before, leaving more time on Easter day for laughter and fun. It’s a versatile option that can be adapted to please various taste preferences in your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Imagine a pie that combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a dessert that’s a total crowd-pleaser. That’s what you get with Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, which you can conveniently make ahead to keep your Easter day stress-free. This no-bake wonder brings together sweet and salty in a velvety texture.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Egg Bites

For a morning treat that’s as wonderful to look at as it is to eat, consider whipping up some bite-sized breakfast options. Egg Bites are not only packed with protein but also incredibly versatile, making your morning prep simple and quick. They’re a convenient grab-and-go option for guests who’d rather chat than sit down to a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Pineapple Casserole

Easter is the perfect time for bright, cheerful dishes that bring a sense of warmth and festivity to the table. A Pineapple Casserole is unanticipated and sweet, providing a wonderful contrast to the more savory elements of your meal. It’s another set-and-forget dish that frees you up to join in the celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Lemon Bars

With spring in the air, a citrus dessert can be the refreshing end to your Easter meal. Whip up a batch of Lemon Bars ahead of time for a tart and sweet treat that cuts through the richness of the main course. They’re easy to serve and even easier to enjoy, allowing you to bask in the joyous atmosphere.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Vegan Nut Roast

Cater to all your guests, including those who prefer plant-based options, without any extra hassle. Your Vegan Nut Roast can be prepped and ready to pop in the oven, making it a hero dish for inclusivity. It’s packed with flavor and offers a fulfilling alternative to traditional meat dishes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Wake up your Easter brunch with a twist on a beloved breakfast classic. You can assemble a Cinnamon Roll Casserole the night before, so come morning, all you have to do is bake and serve. This dish fills the room with an irresistible aroma and provides a sweet start to the day’s festivities. It’s sure to attract attention and compliments from the brunch crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Give your vegetarian guests a reason to rejoice with a dish that stands tall next to any meat counterpart. Vegetarian Shepherds Pie merges wholesome ingredients into a comfort food classic suited for anyone looking for something hearty yet meat-free. Prep it in advance, cook when needed, and enjoy the extra time mingling instead of manning the stove.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Pecan Pie Cobbler

If you’re torn between pie and cobbler, why not enjoy the best of both worlds? Pecan Pie Cobbler takes all the magic of a traditional pecan pie and gives it a comforting cobbler twist. Prepare it earlier in the day, so by dessert time, all you need to do is serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Peanut Butter Cake

Who doesn’t love the timeless combo of peanut butter and cake? With a few simple steps, you can bake a Peanut Butter Cake that will have guests reminiscing about their favorite childhood flavors. Its rich taste is a nostalgia trip that frees you from the kitchen to take part in the egg hunts and stories.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Potato Casserole

Make room on your table for a dish that blends simplicity with a touch of elegance. A Potato Casserole can be your make-ahead marvel, ready to bake while you enjoy the company of your guests. Perfect as a side dish, it complements most main courses with ease and can be customized to suit various palate.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Cherry Cheesecake

Spring holidays call for desserts that are as bright and cheerful as the season. Choose to serve a Cherry Cheesecake prepared beforehand, and you can savor the look of delight on your guests’ faces when it’s time for dessert. Its creamy base topped with cherries is both visually appealing and palate-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake

Dinner Rolls

Fresh bread always has a way of gathering people together, and that’s exactly what you want on a celebratory day. Have your Dinner Rolls ready to go in the oven, filling the house with an enticing fragrance that draws everyone to the table. They’re the ideal accompaniment to any holiday meal, and by preparing them in advance, they won’t eat into your gathering time.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

For a twist of tropical flair without spending hours in the kitchen, a beautifully arranged dessert can be the crown jewel of your celebration. Bake a Pineapple Upside Down Cake in advance, and unveil it to oohs and ahhs from your guests. Its caramelized fruit topping is a wonderful contrast to the moist cake beneath.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Coconut Fudge

Everyone appreciates a little sweet indulgence, especially when it comes handcrafted from the heart. Your Coconut Fudge is just the trick, allowing for bite-sized treats ready long before the guests arrive. It’s a no-bake recipe that spreads joy with its creamy texture and sweet coconut flavor. Whether offered at the end of the meal or as a take-home, it’s sure to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Think beyond the traditional Easter dishes with a side that’s as nourishing as it is comforting. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole masters the art of comfort food with a healthier twist. It’s a great make-ahead dish that only needs to be heated up before serving. Expect it to catch everyone’s eye – and palate – with its golden, cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

German Chocolate Cake

For something deeply indulgent and deliciously germane to a day of celebration, bring out a classic favorite. When it’s time for dessert, a slice of German Chocolate Cake won’t disappoint with its rich layers and coconut-pecan frosting. By preparing it earlier, you’ll ensure that your Easter is as stress-free as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Waffles

Start Easter morning with something that can be dressed up or down to each guest’s desire. Pre-make the batter for your Waffles, and come morning, you’ll only need a hot iron to deliver golden deliciousness. They’re a foundation for all kinds of toppings, inviting guests to be creative while fueling up for the day’s festivities.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Coconut Cream Pie

There’s nothing quite like a dessert that looks as divine as it tastes, and that’s where a classic comes into play. Your Coconut Cream Pie can be made ahead, allowing for a show-stopping dessert without last-minute hassle. The creamy, coconut-filled center and light whipped topping make for a perfectly balanced sweet treat.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Lemon Cookies

Bite into spring with a snack that mirrors the lightness of the season. These Lemon Cookies are just the ones you need to add a bright note to your Easter table. They’re simple to make, even easier to serve, and can be ready for munching throughout your day of celebration. Expect lively chatter as friends and family reach for seconds (and thirds).
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Infuse your home with the smell of freshly baked bread that hints at sweet spices. Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are the perfect excuse to use that sourdough starter, and you’ll love how they can be prepared beforehand. On Easter morning, all it takes is baking them to golden perfection for a warm, welcoming wake-up.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie

There’s a reason why some classics never go out of style, and that shines through in a well-made dessert. Apple Pie, with its flaky crust and spiced filling, is the perfect make-ahead delight for an Easter meal. It’s a humble yet quintessential sweet finale that complements any spread. Watch as it becomes a focal point of memories and merriment at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

French Toast Casserole

Turn your Easter breakfast into an effortless feast with a homey and sophisticated dish. French Toast Casserole soaks overnight to become a custardy, rich treat by the time it’s baked. It allows you to present an elegant dish with fluffy, sweet bread that everyone can dig into. Best of all, it frees you up to enjoy the early moments of the day without being tied to the stove.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Hash Browns

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these are not just any breakfast side. Hash Browns can be prepped the night before and cooked to golden perfection while you set up the Easter egg hunt. They’re a comforting addition to any brunch or dinner and have a way of rounding out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns