Cook Now and Relax Later With 17 Easter Meal Prep Recipes

ByMandy

Holiday cooking shouldn’t mean spending the whole day stuck in the kitchen. These 17 prep-ahead recipes let you get things done early so you can actually enjoy the day. Less last-minute stress, more time to eat and relax. Because no one wants to be stuck cooking while everyone else is having fun.

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

Thinking about your favorite restaurant biscuits? These Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits bring those amazing flavors right into your kitchen. Perfectly cheesy and buttery, they’re a great start for any Easter feast. Prepare them ahead to ensure a stress-free holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests

Chocolate cookies topped with colorful candy eggs and chocolate sprinkles on a wooden surface.
Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone enjoys a sweet treat during this festive time, and these Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests are the perfect choice. Blending crisp and velvety textures, they create a wonderfully enjoyable contrast in every bite. Prepare them ahead of time for a fun holiday snack, and watch them add a festive touch to your dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Oreo Easter Nests

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.

Setting a vibrant scene at your appetizer table, these Loaded Potato Skins feature a tantalizing mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for a shareable starter, they combine a pleasing combination of crispy and creamy. Perfect for making ahead, they help simplify your Easter preparations. Everyone will enjoy their familiar, comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those who enjoy baking, Focaccia Bread adds a classic touch to your holiday meal. Aromatic and soft, it complements any main dish beautifully. Make it early to complete your Easter spread with ease. Baking ahead also lets you focus on the day’s events.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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.

Moving beyond the typical Easter options, Leek and Potato Soup brings warmth and comfort to the table. This rich, velvety soup pairs beautifully with any dinner roll. Prep it in advance, so you have one less task on the big day. Just heat, serve, and enjoy a hearty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

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.

Celebrating Easter with a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cake offers a wonderful treat for dessert lovers. This classic cake brings tangy sweetness with a touch of caramel. Make it ahead of time for convenience on the holiday. Guests will appreciate the mix of flavors and the nostalgic vibe.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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.

Kicking off your Easter morning right, Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole provides a hearty start to the day. Layers of comfort, it’s both practical and filled with familiar breakfast flavors. Achieve a relaxed holiday morning by prepping it in advance. Now you can focus on celebrating rather than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Close-up of cheesy garlic bread rolls topped with chopped green onions on a white plate, reminiscent of Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Amp up the appetizer game with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. Perfectly spiced and cheesy, these rolls serve as a great party starter. Prepare them early for effortless hosting on Easter. Their bold flavor will impress any guest.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

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.

Bringing a fresh take to a beloved classic, Sausage Balls provide a wonderfully enjoyable snacking experience for gatherings. Packed with bold flavor and a hearty, gratifying texture, they’re sure to be a hit. Preparing them in advance makes hosting a breeze, and their easy-to-hold size makes them perfect for casual mingling.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

Chicken Tempura

Plate of batter-fried fritters with a bowl of red dipping sauce on a white plate, viewed from above.
Chicken Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Serving Chicken Tempura for Easter adds a fresh and utterly pleasing twist. This crispy, delicate dish complements other selections without overshadowing them. Prepping it ahead keeps the kitchen stress-free, making it a great way to balance flavors while bringing a hint of surprise to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tempura

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.

Enhance your Easter meal with French Onion Soup. Deeply rich and full of flavor, it makes for an elegant starter or side. Preparing it in advance allows for a stress-free celebration while still serving a dish that brings warmth and depth to the table. This comforting classic perfectly complements the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

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.

A guaranteed crowd favorite, Smoky Bacon Pig Shots offer bold, unforgettable flavor. Blending rich, seasoned depth with a touch of heat, they make for a standout appetizer. Their make-ahead convenience ensures a smoother hosting experience, and once served, they’re sure to vanish in no time.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Sourdough Bagels

A plate with a bagel seasoned with seeds sits next to a baking tray holding more bagels, also topped with seeds.
Sourdough Bagels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Getting a head start with Sourdough Bagels adds a homemade touch to Easter brunch. Their chewy texture and tangy flavor shine when prepared in advance. Serve with various spreads or toppings for a customized treat. Everyone enjoys the effort and finesse behind homemade bread.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

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.

Capturing the bright flavors of the season, Lemon Bars make for a refreshing dessert to complete your Easter meal. These tangy treats contrast nicely with other, richer dishes. Prepare them beforehand for stress-free hosting. Set them out and watch as guests indulge happily.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

Waffles

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

Easter brunch feels complete with a stack of Waffles. Light, fluffy, and easy to make ahead, they promise a pleasant start to the day. Perfect for pairing with syrups and fruits, they’re a crowd favorite. Everyone enjoys creating their version of a breakfast classic.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Hash Browns

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

Shredded to perfection, Hash Browns are a familiar favorite for Easter brunch. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they pair well with many dishes. Cook them in advance to ease holiday pressure. Serve warm and watch plates empty quickly.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Chicken Pot Pie

A slice of chicken pot pie being lifted, showing its creamy filling with chunks of chicken and vegetables, garnished with thyme.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enriching the holiday table, Chicken Pot Pie brings comfort and nourishment wrapped in flaky pastry. Ideal for make-ahead preparation, it ensures stress-free service. The hearty filling satisfies, offering a comforting feast. Share it with your loved ones for a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

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