The Secret To A Stress-Free Easter Meal 29 Make-Ahead Recipes To Use

Easter dinner always sounds fun until the kitchen turns into a war zone. Planning ahead with 29 ready-to-go dishes means no more running between the stove and the doorbell. Guests get food on time, nothing burns (hopefully), and the only meltdown is from too much chocolate, not kitchen stress.

Rhubarb Pie

If you’re after something sweet yet tangy, make this classic dessert ahead of time. It pairs a creamy, unique tartness with a crumbly crust. Rhubarb Pie can make a memorable end to your Easter meal, even for those trying it for the first time. Serve it cold or warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast that pops.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Get ready for a side dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and certain to please a crowd. Layered thinly and baked to perfection, Dauphinoise Potatoes become meltingly soft. They’re a rich addition to the table that can effortlessly complement your main dishes. Plus, they’re just as good reheated, saving you time on the day of your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Chicken Pot Pie

Nothing says comfort like a warm, flaky crust filled with hearty ingredients. Chicken Pot Pie is a homestyle classic that you can put together in advance. It’s substantial enough to stand alone as a main course, where every slice is packed with a savory filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Corn Casserole

For a touch of down-home goodness, consider a side dish that’s both sweet and creamy. Corn Casserole blends a buttery taste with a slightly crunchy texture. It’s a versatile dish that can easily feed a large group with minimal effort. You can whip it up ahead of time and warm it through – it may even taste better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

Some dishes have a way of becoming the unexpected hit of the meal, and this is one of them. Creamy and cheesy, Funeral Potatoes are a comforting casserole that often outshines more elaborate dishes. It’s a conversation starter, traditionally shared and loved across communities.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

When chocolate and peanut butter come together, magic happens. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is a dessert that’s simple to make and impossible for guests to resist. It combines the smoothness of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate in a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Potato Salad

A classic picnic favorite can also be the star of your Easter spread. Potato Salad is refreshing, with a mix of flavors that can range from tangy to creamy. You can make it the day before, and it often tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight. It’s a versatile dish that complements almost anything you serve it with.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Dinner Rolls

Freshly baked bread has a way of bringing warmth to any meal. Tender, fluffy Dinner Rolls can be prepared ahead of time and quickly reheated for that just-baked aroma. Their soft texture is perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces, making them an indispensable part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Baked Oatmeal

Start your Easter morning with a wholesome twist on traditional oatmeal. Baked Oatmeal is a comforting, custard-like dish you can customize with your favorite add-ins. It’s a hassle-free breakfast option that you can prepare the night before and reheat the next day.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

Hash Browns

Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, a plate of these can’t go wrong. Hash Browns are an easy-to-make breakfast item that pairs well with eggs or as part of a larger brunch spread. Make them ahead of time, and a quick reheat will restore their crispy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

For an appetizer with a kick, these bite-sized wonders are a game changer. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls combine spicy chicken and melty cheese within a soft dough. They’re a great make-ahead option that can be heated up right before serving to keep the party going.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Two dessert titans merge into one show-stopping Easter centerpiece. Combining comforting flavors and a creamy texture, Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake upgrades your dessert game. It’s a conversation piece that makes a grand statement on any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty start to the day. Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is a mix of everyone’s breakfast favorites baked into one convenient dish. It’s simple enough for even the busiest of mornings, and the leftovers can be easily reheated.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A green veggie side dish can also be a creamy, cheesy indulgence. Broccoli Casserole is the perfect way to sneak in your vegetables with a rich, savory twist. Its comforting blend often wins over even those who aren’t huge veggie fans. Preparing it beforehand allows the flavors to deepen for a more delicious experience.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

When you’re aiming for something savory with a slight edge, this appetizer sets the bar. Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls deliver a hit of smoky spice that’s bound to awaken the senses. They’re a handy finger food that can be made in advance and served chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Easy Banana Pudding

Sometimes, simple desserts bring the most comfort. Easy Banana Pudding is a creamy, dreamy end to any meal with layers of flavor. It’s an effortless dessert that gets even better when made the day before—a guaranteed way to wrap up your feast on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A mainstay of family dinners, this dish offers a reassuring slice of tradition. Easy Meatloaf Recipe results in a tender and juicy centerpiece without much fuss. Prepare it ahead of time and simply heat it up when ready to serve. It’s a no-brainer choice for Easter, especially if you’re aiming for satisfied smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

French Toast Casserole

Transform a breakfast staple into something you can share with everyone. French Toast Casserole translates the much-loved classic into a big-batch meal ideal for a leisurely morning. It’s simple to assemble the night before, and with a stint in the oven, it comes out puffy and golden.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

German Chocolate Cake

Delight your guests with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent. German Chocolate Cake features layers of rich cake with a nutty coconut filling. It’s a dessert that can stand as the centerpiece of your Easter sweets selection. Make it ahead and store it to ensure the flavors meld into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Green Bean Casserole

A classic side dish can often bring back memories of family gatherings. Green Bean Casserole is a creamy mix of green beans and crunchy toppings. Make it the day before and pop it in the oven to reheat while retaining its signature texture. It’s a nostalgic side that fits seamlessly into your Easter menu.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Sourdough Bagels

Imagine a morning with freshly baked, chewy bagels without leaving your home. Sourdough Bagels offer a tangy twist to the breakfast classic and can be made in advance. Boil and bake them a day ahead, then toast them to bring back that freshly-baked warmth on Easter morning.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

If you’re in search of a dessert that’s both sweet and salty, here’s an exquisite balance in a cheesecake. Salted Caramel Cheesecake entices with its silky smooth texture and contrasting flavor profile. Prepare this sumptuous treat ahead of time and watch it become the talking point of your Easter desserts.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Taking a classic dish and turning it into a simple-to-serve casserole can be a lifesaver. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole gives you all the familiar flavors without the intricacy of traditional preparation. It’s warm, cheesy, and has bits of ham that mix perfectly with chicken.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Everyone loves a good brownie, especially when it’s dense, rich, and chewy. Chewy Chocolate Brownies can be made days in advance and still taste like you just whipped them up. Cut them into squares and watch as they disappear; a brownie stack never seems to last long.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Waffles

Waffles don’t just have to be for breakfast; they can be part of your Easter celebration, too. Make Waffles ahead of time, freeze them, and toast them to order for a crisp, warm treat. Serve them up with a range of toppings to choose from and let everyone customize their own.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Rhubarb Crisp

Bring a dessert to the table that offers a contrast of textures, from its crumbly topping to its gooey center. Rhubarb Crisp is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. It’s a great make-ahead option that you can just pop in the oven to warm through when you’re ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Crisp

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls add a layer of tanginess to the sweet spiral of happiness. They can easily be prepped the night before and then baked to perfection on Easter morning. The aroma of cinnamon and the taste of sourdough make for an unforgettable combination.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie

An American classic, it can be a showpiece dessert for any occasion. Homemade Apple Pie, with its flaky crust and sweet filling, can be made in advance and reheated. It’s a solid choice for rounding out your Easter meal. Serve it with ice cream or whipped cream to cater to all preferences.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Sausage Balls

For a small bite with big flavor, look no further than these savory, meaty morsels. Sausage Balls are a mix of spice, cheese, and meaty goodness that you can easily bake ahead of time. They’re perfect for an appetizer or as part of a brunch spread. Guests will love these for their grab-and-go simplicity and robust flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls