Easter Hosting Is Easy When You Have 29 Meal Prep Recipes Ready to Go

No one wants to be stuck peeling, stirring, or panicking when the doorbell rings. That’s where prepping 29 meals in advance comes in, like a secret handshake for stress-free hosting. Everything’s already waiting, so all that’s left is acting casual while secretly high-fiving yourself.

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

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.

When you have guests over for Easter, impress them with a warm bowl that’s both simple and comforting. Leek and Potato Soup embodies coziness in a dish, perfect for a breezy spring day. It’s a hassle-free starter that you can prepare in advance, leaving you with more time to decorate your Easter eggs.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

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.

Balance your feast with a dessert that adds a splash of brightness to the palate – a tangy Lemon Pie. It’s the sweet conclusion to your Easter meal, promising a refreshingly tangy twist. Preparing it beforehand means there’s a delicious payoff waiting at the end of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine your dining table adorned with a dish that is as hearty as it is inviting. A Potato Casserole can be your go-to for a filling Easter feast that leaves your guests feeling right at home. It’s the kind of make-ahead dish that lets you mingle instead of juggling pots and pans.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Italian Sliders

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

Small yet mighty, Italian Sliders are the perfect finger food for your Easter gathering. They’re easy to make in bulk, which means you can enjoy the festivities instead of fixing up individual plates. Each bite is packed with flavor that will have your guests reaching for more. Serve these up and watch them disappear before your eyes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

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.

There’s something about freshly baked biscuits that makes a meal feel complete. The Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits are just the ticket for an Easter spread that screams comfort without the hassle. They’re a crowd-pleaser and can be whipped up in no time, ensuring you’re not stuck in the kitchen all day.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Carrot Cake

Close-up of sliced carrot cake loaf with visible nuts and raisins on a parchment paper, topped with a light icing drizzle.
Carrot Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No Easter celebration would be complete without a nod to the season’s most iconic vegetable – in cake form. Carrot Cake stands tall on the dessert table, offering a spiced and sweet finish to your meal. Prep it the day before and revel in the ease of serving a show-stopping cake.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake

Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

Whisk your guests away to a Parisian bistro with the creamy layers found in Dauphinoise Potatoes. This dish brings upscale elegance to your Easter table without demanding hours from your day. Prepare it in advance and bask in the glory of a sumptuous side that feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Rhubarb Crisp

A baked dessert with a crumbly brown topping and red filling sits in a dish, with a portion served in a separate bowl. Spoons are present in both the dish and the bowl.
Rhubarb Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a splash of color and an unexpected twist to the dessert course with a Rhubarb Crisp. This dessert evokes the essence of spring with its tartness and crumbly topping. Get it ready before your guests arrive and enjoy the applause when you bring out this vibrant treat.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Crisp

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kick off your Easter meal with an array of colors and textures in an Antipasto Salad. This dish is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with every forkful delivering a different bite. It’s the perfect way to begin a meal, introducing a variety of flavors to awaken the appetite.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Baked Oatmeal

Baked berry oatmeal in an oval dish, topped with dollops of cream and sprinkled cinnamon, with a serving spoon lifting a portion.
Baked Oatmeal. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Start an Easter morning with something wholesome and hearty. Baked Oatmeal is your answer to an easy, fulfilling breakfast that the whole family can dig into. You’ll have a warm, inviting dish to serve that prepares you for the day’s festivities. It’s the backtrack to every cackle and conversation as your morning unwinds with ease.
Get the Recipe: Baked Oatmeal

Green Bean Casserole

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

Keep your gathering traditional with a classic side that stands the test of time. Green Bean Casserole blends simplicity with nostalgia, providing a familiar taste that elicits smiles all around. It’s another dish off your worry list since it can be made ahead of time. Just heat it up and serve a scoop of tradition to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make your Easter memorable with an inventive twist on classic sweets. Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one decadent treat. You can savor the ease of having this dessert prepared well before your first guest rings the doorbell.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

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.

Transport your guests straight to the quaint cobblestone streets of France with a warm, aromatic bowl of French Onion Soup. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes for an inviting starter, embracing everyone with its rich, layered flavors. Preparing it ahead means the flavors deepen, enhancing each spoonful.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

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.

Spice up your Easter with a kick of flavor in every bite of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls. These handheld delights are perfect for casual feasting, allowing your guests to grab and go as they please. Easily prepared ahead of time, they guarantee you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Rolls

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Close-up image of several chocolate brownies featuring a slightly crumbly texture and a sprinkling of coarse salt on top.
Chewy Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chewy Chocolate Brownies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining rich cocoa with a fudgy texture. Serve these up for an Easter gathering, and watch as they’re snatched up by both kids and grown-ups. Have a batch prepared and ready to delight, because there’s always room for a square or two.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

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.

A bubbling tray of Loaded Potato Skins awaits as your guests arrive, filled with everything nice. They make for a tantalizing treat that can be a starter or a side, versatile in all aspects. Have them ready to go when your friends and family come through the door. It’s an all-time favorite that causes a stir every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

Coffee Cake

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

Envision a peaceful Easter morning with a cup of coffee and a slice of heaven – or as everyone likes to call it, Coffee Cake. This cake shines as the star of your brunch spread, offering a sweet, crumbly topping that pairs perfectly with your beverage. It’s a treat that keeps on giving, since you can bake it well in advance.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Cake

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 out of the oven or made the day before, Dinner Rolls are an indispensable addition to every meal. They’re great for soaking up sauces and gravies, or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. Little effort is needed for this touch of homemade goodness.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Easy Banana Pudding

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

Bring a southern classic to the table with the creamy dream that is Easy Banana Pudding. This no-fuss dessert can be whipped up the day before and is always a hit with its comforting sweetness. It’s a gentle nudge to slow down and enjoy the moment, dessert spoon in hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Banana Pudding

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.

Wake up to an Easter morning with minimal fuss by prepping a Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. A sure way to fill up and fuel up before egg hunts and festive activities, this dish is a hands-down favorite. The best part? It’s all done ahead of time, so you can join the morning fun without worry.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add a twist to your Easter brunch with the unique tang of Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Fluffy and fragrant, these rolls draw people in with their scent alone. They can be made the night before, easing your morning preparations. Serving up a pan of these delights ensures your day starts on a wonderful note.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a starter that packs a punch, the Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls are your starting players. They meld a gentle heat with the robust flavor of bacon, promising not to overpower the palate. Prepare these bite-sized wonders in advance and serve at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Waffles

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

Nothing says leisurely morning like a stack of golden Waffles waiting to be devoured. They’re perfect for a make-ahead breakfast, ready to be toasted and topped with your favorite fixings. Hosting a brunch becomes a breeze when your waffles are prepped and ready.
Get the Recipe: Waffles

Focaccia Bread

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

Bring the rustic charm of Italian baking to your Easter table with Focaccia Bread. This bread is not only aromatic and flavorful, it’s also a versatile side that complements many dishes. Bake it ahead to reduce day-of stress and present a loaf that beckons to be torn and shared.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Hash Browns

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

A crisp, golden side dish that’s loved by all, Hash Browns are a must-have on any breakfast or brunch table. These are deliciously easy and can be done before guests even wake up. They offer a comforting texture and are the forgotten companion to eggs and bacon.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Mississippi Mud Pie

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

When sweet, rich, and fudgy come together, you get Mississippi Mud Pie – a dessert that’s sure to be remembered long after Easter. This pie is a slice of chocolate heaven that can be easily prepped in advance. It’s the answer to your dessert worries, promising a decadent finish to your festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

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.

Get your Easter brunch rolling with a batch of Sausage Balls that serve as perfect poppable appetizers. These savory morsels are a great way to tide guests over as the main meal is prepared. Make them ahead for convenience and enjoy the extra time socializing. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

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.

An Easter gathering calls for a dessert that is both comforting and familiar, enter Peanut Butter Cake. It’s a timeless treat that can be prepared ahead, ensuring your focus is on your guests, not your oven. Expect the room to fall silent as forks dig into this creamy, nutty delight.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Close-up of a serving of chicken cordon bleu casserole with shredded chicken, ham, melted cheese, and breadcrumb topping, garnished with parsley.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turn classic flavors into a comforting casserole with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s an impressive dish that lets you revel in the joys of entertaining instead of cooking all day. Ready this meal before your guests arrive, and you’ll have an entrée that feels gourmet without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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