Why Stress Over Easter Cooking When You Can Prep In Advance 29 Recipes

Easter should be fun, not a time to worry about cooking. Start early and choose make-ahead meals for the big day. Prepping dishes before the holiday takes the rush out of cooking. Sit back, relax, and enjoy spending time with friends and family instead.

Coconut Fudge

Who doesn’t love the idea of whipping up something sweet and simple before the guests arrive? Coconut Fudge is the way to go when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines coconut’s natural sweetness with the rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality of fudge. Having it ready beforehand means one less thing to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Fudge

Egg Bites

When you’ve got a morning full of activities, breakfast can be a bit of a scramble. Egg Bites offer a nutritious and delicious start to the day, and the best part? They can be made in advance and simply reheated, offering a hassle-free breakfast option. It’s quick, easy, and will keep everyone happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

No need for last-minute baking stress when you can prepare your dessert ahead of time. With Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you have a show-stopping dessert ready to go. Make it a day or two before, and just serve. It makes Easter entertaining a breeze. Plus, everyone loves a classic cake.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

French Toast Casserole

Waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and bread baking is possibly the best start to any day. With French Toast Casserole, you get all the flavor and comfort of traditional French toast with a fraction of the work. Prepare it the night before and just bake in the morning. It turns breakfast into a special occasion without any morning rush.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Shortbread Cookies

Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially when you can make them in advance. Shortbread Cookies are a classic treat that can be prepared days ahead. They stay delicious and ready to serve. This means less time in the kitchen and more time for Easter egg hunts. A truly simple solution.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Green Bean Casserole

Perfect for making in advance, Green Bean Casserole is a classic side that’s welcome at any family gathering. Creamy, crunchy, and full of greens, it’s a dish that can be conveniently popped into the oven to heat up before serving. Preparing it early means one less dish to juggle on the day of your festivities. Just bake, serve, and listen to the room fill with compliments.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Coffee Cake

Need something cozy and comforting that can be ready before your guests even wake up? Coffee Cake with its crumbly topping and tender cake is a go-to. It’s perfect alongside your morning coffee or as a sweet midday treat. Plus, it’s just as delicious served the next day, making your life easier.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Corn Casserole

For those looking for a side dish that screams comfort and is a crowd-pleaser, look no further. Corn Casserole has a creamy texture and sweet flavor that complements any main dish wonderfully. What’s more, you can whip it up ahead of time, leaving more room to enjoy with your guests. It’s the stress-free solution to holiday cooking.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

German Chocolate Cake

Craving something deeply chocolatey, filled with layers of coconut-pecan filling? German Chocolate Cake is a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly doable. Make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld together perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that allows you to join the festivities instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Easy Banana Pudding

Looking for a dessert that’s blissfully easy to prepare and can be made well in advance? Easy Banana Pudding is not just a treat; it’s a smart way to dessert. Layers of creamy, banana-rich pudding and soft wafers meld together in a harmony of flavors. It’s a guaranteed hit that gives you one less thing to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Dinner Rolls

Freshly baked bread is always a hit, but who has the time to make it from scratch on the day of a big feast? Dinner Rolls can be made ahead, ensuring you have warm, fluffy bread to serve with your meal. Just pop them in the oven to reheat before dinner is served. It’s an easy win for a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Coconut Cream Pie

Thinking about a dessert that’s smooth, creamy, and perfect for making ahead of your holiday celebrations? Coconut Cream Pie stands out as an ideal choice. It’s all about that rich coconut flavor and velvety texture that everyone loves. For a dessert that feels fancy without all the fuss, you can’t go wrong here.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cream Pie

Lemon Bars

Bright, tangy, and sweet, Lemon Bars offer a burst of sunshine in every bite. They’re a stellar choice for a make-ahead dessert that simply needs slicing up when it’s time to indulge. Every smooth, citrusy square is a perfect palate cleanser after a hearty meal. Plus, they look so inviting on the dessert table, don’t they?
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Is there anything more comforting than a dish made from thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce? Dauphinoise Potatoes are exactly that and they’re a fantastic make-ahead side that oozes comfort with every bite. They come out of the oven bubbling and golden brown, perfect for any get-together. Hands down, it’s a worry-free path to impressing your guests.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Waking up the household with the smell of Homemade Cinnamon Rolls baking is like sending out a warm invitation to the breakfast table. They’re a labor of love that you can prepare the night before, letting you relish the morning calm. Popping them in the oven while you prepare other things makes everything run smoother.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Hash Browns

Crispy golden edges with a soft interior make Hash Browns a breakfast favorite that you can prep the night before. Grate your potatoes, soak them to remove excess starch, and have them ready to fry up for a no-wait breakfast. There’s nothing like serving a plate of perfect hash browns that didn’t require you to rise at dawn. They ensure everyone starts the day with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Mississippi Mud Pie

Decadence can be easy, especially when you’ve got Mississippi Mud Pie on your make-ahead menu. Its rich chocolate layers and tempting appearance make it a standout dessert. You’ll love how this show-stopper can be made ahead, taking the pressure off on the day of the feast. When it’s dessert time, just sit back and enjoy the chorus of oohs and aahs.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole is the comfort food that can be assembled ahead, chilled, and cooked when needed. It’s hearty and filling, making it a superb choice for a big family brunch. Just imagine the ease of simply sliding it into the oven while you tend to other tasks. It’s all about enjoying the festivities without being chained to the stove.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Every Easter spread needs a decadent, make-ahead dessert. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie can be your go-to. Prepare it days in advance, chill it, and simply serve when you’re ready. It lets you focus on your guests instead of the kitchen. This pie promises a stress-free, sweet end to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Vegan Nut Roast

Planning an Easter feast should not add to your stress. Why not make a Vegan Nut Roast well ahead of the occasion? It can easily be prepped in advance, then just reheat when needed. Enjoying time with family becomes the main event. No last-minute kitchen scramble necessary with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Nut Roast

Lemon Cookies

Soft, chewy, and full of citrusy goodness, Lemon Cookies are the treats that greet your guests with a zing. They can be whipped up, shaped, and chilled until you’re ready to bake, filling the home with a delicious lemony scent. It’s nice having a batch of these on hand to serve up as a sweet snack. They’re the little bursts of joy that make your gathering even more special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Potato Casserole

Searching for a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prep? Potato Casserole has you covered. Perfect for making ahead of time, it eases your festive workload. Enjoy more moments with your guests instead. With this casserole, you ensure a no-rush, relaxed holiday mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Lemon Pie

Lemon Pie is like a slice of brightness on a plate, perfect for finishing off a hearty holiday meal. It’s as refreshing as it is sweet and can be made beforehand for convenience. Once it’s time to serve, you can proudly present a dessert that took no last-minute effort. Gatherings are all about simplicity, and this dessert fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Peanut Butter Cake

When it’s time for dessert, Peanut Butter Cake brings all the comfort of grandma’s kitchen without any last-minute prep. Make it ahead, and all that’s left to do is serve up the moist, peanut buttery goodness to your eager guests. It’s a fuss-free option that looks impressive and tastes even better. With time on your side, you can look forward to a relaxed gathering.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Every holiday meal deserves a standout dish that doesn’t require day-of dedication. Prepare your Vegetarian Shepherds Pie days before. On Easter, simply bake it, and you’re done. It beautifully combines convenience and flavor. A win-win for the host wanting to minimize kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Combining the nutty, caramel flavors of pecan pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake results in Pecan Pie Cheesecake. This is one dessert that’s meant to be made in advance, allowing its flavors to deepen. It frees your day up, giving you more time to get the house ready for guests. Present it after dinner, and bask in the satisfied smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Pineapple Casserole

Easter cooking should be about simplicity and enjoyment. Preparing a Pineapple Casserole in advance is the solution. It’s a unique blend of sweet and tasty that can be baked and served whenever ready. Stress less and enjoy your holiday more. This dish ensures minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Early preparations can transform your Easter meal from stressed to impressed. Salted Caramel Cheesecake is ideal for making ahead, chilling, and then serving as a luxurious dessert. It’s about enjoying the festivities without the last-minute worries. Dessert that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Egg Casserole

Make your Easter breakfast or brunch a moment of ease with Egg Casserole. Prepare it the night before, bake in the morning, and enjoy. It’s designed for a stress-free start to the day. This way, you can focus on what’s really important: spending time with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole