Make Easter Cooking Effortless 29 Prep-Friendly Dishes

ByMandy

Hosting Easter shouldn’t feel like running a restaurant. With 29 dishes that are easy to prep ahead, you get all the flavor without the last-minute scramble. From hearty mains to light sides, everything comes together smoothly. Less time cooking, more time celebrating—that’s how Easter should be.

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

Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection with a touch of creamy goodness make Dauphinoise Potatoes a must-have. This dish is comforting and simple to prepare the night before, saving you time when cooking for family and friends. You just pop it in the oven and focus on other things while it bakes.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

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.

Everyone loves those popular restaurant biscuits, and now you can make Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits at home. These are super easy to throw together and can be prepped ahead of time for stress-free cooking. Bake them fresh on Easter and enjoy the cheesy goodness that everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

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.

Fresh, warm, homemade Dinner Rolls are classic and always welcome at any meal. You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight, and then bake them Easter morning for the best aroma and taste. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for mopping up sauces or spreading with butter. Everyone will appreciate the homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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.

Loaded Potato Skins are an excellent starter that strikes a balance between crispy and creamy. Prep them ahead of time by baking and stuffing the potatoes, then simply reheat and serve. They’re a crowd-pleaser and provide a fun, hands-on eating experience for all ages at your Easter gathering.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Mac and Cheese

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.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, Mac and Cheese is an easy crowd-pleaser. Make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and hassle. You can’t go wrong with this classic, especially when everyone’s looking for that familiar comfort food touch. It’s ideal for sharing around the table.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

For a fun and easy breakfast dish, look no further than Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Prepare everything the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning for a no-fuss start to the day. It’s hearty and filling, making it perfect for a big Easter brunch with the family. It’s sure to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Lemon Cookies

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

Bright and refreshing, Lemon Cookies add a gratifying twist to your dessert spread. Make the dough ahead of time, then bake them fresh so you get that perfect balance of chewy and crisp. They provide a light finish to a hearty meal and are perfect for sharing. The sweet-tart flavor is a welcome change.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple to assemble and bursting with flavor, Italian Sliders are great for any Easter gathering. Prep them ahead of time, so all you need to do is bake and serve. They’re compact, easy to eat, and ideal for both kids and adults. Everyone enjoys a fun, handheld sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Egg Bites

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

Healthy and protein-packed Egg Bites are quick to make and easy to eat. Mix your ingredients, portion them out, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. These are perfect as a simple snack or part of a more substantial Easter brunch. They can be customized to fit everyone’s tastes.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Peanut Butter Cake

Close-up of frosted square cake pieces with a light brown crust on parchment paper.
Peanut Butter Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rich and indulgent Peanut Butter Cake is an ideal dessert for Easter. Make it a day ahead, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge. This cake is sure to impress with its dense texture and creamy frosting. It’s a sweet finish everyone will talk about.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Mississippi Mud Pie

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

With its layers of chocolate goodness, Mississippi Mud Pie is a standout dessert. Prepare it in advance so it’s ready to go after your Easter meal. It’s messy, rich, and absolutely worth it. This treat will win over the dessert crowd with its endless layers.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Coffee Cake

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

Complete your Easter breakfast with a moist and crumbly Coffee Cake. Easy to make ahead, slice it up and serve it fresh for a delicious morning treat. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for a leisurely morning communal breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

A slice of Reese's pie sits on a cake slice, ready to be served.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining chocolate and peanut butter, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is destined to be a dessert favorite. Make it a day before, so it’s chilled and ready to enjoy. Its creamy, luscious filling and crunchy crust make it irresistible. Share slices with everyone at your Easter celebration.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

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.

Sweet and salty Salted Caramel Cheesecake blends flavors perfectly for a dessert that feels lavish. Make it in advance to take the pressure off on Easter day. Each bite delivers a blend of smooth cheesecake and rich caramel. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Pecan Pie Cobbler

Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes
Pecan Pie Cobbler. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pecan Pie Cobbler is a unique twist on traditional pecan pie, offering a gooey filling with a crispy topping. Prep in advance and bake just in time for dessert. This cobbler brings together familiar flavors in a comforting and sharable package. It’s going to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

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.

Simple yet flavorful, French Onion Soup is an excellent starter for your Easter meal. Prep and cook it ahead, then just reheat and serve. It warms you up and sets the mood for the rest of the meal. The tasty broth and toasty topping are undeniable hits.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Lemon Bars

Close-up of a lemon bar with a crumbly, light yellow top layer and a thicker, moist filling resting on a shortbread crust.
Lemon Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tart and sweet, Lemon Bars are an enjoyable dessert. Make them the night before to let the flavors set nicely. They’re easy to cut and serve, bringing a burst of bright flavor to your dessert table. These are a refreshing end to a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

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.

Spicy and tasty Sausage Balls are a great grab-and-go snack for your Easter brunch. Prep, roll, and bake them before your guests arrive, making serving a breeze. They’re tasty warm or at room temperature. Everyone will keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Easy Banana Pudding

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

Creamy and indulgent Easy Banana Pudding can be prepped the day before Easter. Its layers of cream and banana are always a hit and provide a sweet, nostalgic nod. It’s an uncomplicated treat that requires no last-minute fuss. Serve chilled, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Hashbrown Casserole

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

Simple and filling, Hashbrown Casserole makes for a crowd-pleasing side dish. Prepare it the night before and bake fresh for an easy and tasty addition to your feast. It’s a dish everyone can appreciate, with its crispy, golden top and soft interior. Ideal for potlucks, too.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown 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.

Small Shortbread Cookies offer a buttery finish to any meal. Make the dough a day or two in advance and bake just before your guests arrive. They’re easy to make, beautiful to look at, and endlessly munchable. Perfect for a quick sweet bite.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Waffles

Freshly made waffles on a plate with strawberries.
Waffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start your Easter morning with fresh Waffles. Make the batter ahead so you can cook them up hot and fresh. Pile on your favorite toppings for a customizable breakfast treat. They’re great for both adults and kids.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp Hash Browns are a welcome addition to any Easter brunch table. Prep them the night before to save time in the morning. Fry them up fresh and enjoy them hot. They’re a simple, universally loved comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

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.

Dense and rich, German Chocolate Cake is an indulgent dessert for your Easter lineup. Make it a day ahead so it’s perfectly set. Each slice brings home that chocolaty, nutty flavor. A sweet treat that stands out on any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

French Toast Casserole

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

Make breakfast easy with an French Toast Casserole. Assemble it the night before, then bake fresh in the morning. Its sweet, custardy texture will impress your guests. Everyone loves a good breakfast bake.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm, gooey Homemade Cinnamon Rolls are a breakfast staple. Prepare the dough and roll them out the night before, then bake in the morning. Top with icing for a sweet start. Perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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 bring comforting creaminess to your Easter table. Prepare in advance and bake when needed. They offer a rich texture and flavor that pairs well with many main dishes. Everyone will find these hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic Green Bean Casserole is a must-have side dish. Easy to assemble and bake, it can be prepped ahead of time. Crispy and creamy, it balances out your Easter feast. A reliable go-to that everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean 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.

Bright and tangy Lemon Pie is the perfect finish for your Easter meal. Prepare it the day before and let it chill until serving. Its refreshing flavor brings a lively end to your celebration. A classic everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

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