Save Time On Easter With 29 Recipes You Can Make In Advance

ByMandy

Easter’s coming up, and the rush is real. But, imagine having 29 recipes that can be whipped up well in advance. That’s a lot of saved time, meaning more moments to spend enjoying, not just cooking. Get ready for a stress-free holiday with dishes that wait for you, not the other way around.

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

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.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake is best when left to rest, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Minimal effort for a stunning turnout. When it’s time to unveil, it looks like a masterpiece. Your secret? A stress-free prep yesterday.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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.

Making French Onion Soup ahead means the onions get the chance to marry with the broth perfectly. By the time Easter comes, just warm it up for that rich, deep flavor. Everyone gets to eat together, hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

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.

Bake German Chocolate Cake a day or two before, letting the flavors meld in the frosting. When it’s time to serve, it’s ready to wow without any extra work. Dessert is already on the table, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Cake

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Whip up your Potato Salad the day before and let it chill overnight. Flavors meld together perfectly, making it even better to dig in. When it’s mealtime, you’re all set. Less stress, more fun.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

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.

Chop everything for Leek and Potato Soup the day before, and then let the slow cooker do its magic on Easter. It fills the home with a welcoming aroma, without you having to oversee the stove. It’s about being present, not tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato 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.

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots can be assembled the day before. Just give them a quick cook before serving. They’re the ultimate grab-and-go snack. Everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

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 can be pre-baked and simply broiled for a moment before serving. That melty cheese bliss becomes an instant hit. You’re left with time to enjoy the Easter activities. Nobody needs to know it was quick work.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

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.

Bake Shortbread Cookies ahead of time and enjoy the freedom. They’re perfect for when guests pop over. Light, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s about making things easier for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies

Potato Casserole

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

With some prep, you can have your Potato Casserole ready to pop in the oven. Makes for a great side without the last-minute rush. Everyone loves it, and you get to enjoy Easter too. It’s all about saving time where you can.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

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.

Sausage Balls can be prepared and refrigerated until needed. Bake them fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast. They’re a great start to Easter festivities. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls

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.

Get your Salted Caramel Cheesecake done early, so it has plenty of time to set to perfection in the fridge. This rich, indulgent dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that lets you focus on enjoying the moment. Preparing it ahead of time means less stress and more time for everything else on your list.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Cheesecake

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.

Prep your Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls ahead and wake up to that irresistible smell. Nothing says Easter morning like freshly baked rolls with no morning hassle. Just bake and serve. Everyone will be impressed.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Lemon Cookies

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

Whip up some dough for Lemon Cookies the night before and give it a good chill. They bake to perfection quickly when you’re ready to go. That fresh lemony kick makes it seem like you’ve been at it for hours. Yet, you were actually prepping other Easter fun.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

French Toast Casserole

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

Overnight rest lets French Toast Casserole soak up all the egg mixture. Pop it in the oven Easter morning, and brunch is a breeze. It’s all about enjoying more time chatting around the table.
Get the Recipe: French Toast 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.

Make Lemon Pie’s filling in advance and pour into its crust when set. Let it chill until it’s dessert time. Its bright, tangy flavor gives the illusion of day-long labor. Truth is, you had plenty of time for egg hunts.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pie

Hashbrown Casserole

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

Hashbrown Casserole assembled the night before means one less dish to worry about. Come Easter morning, just bake until it’s bubbly and golden. Now you’ve got more time to hide those eggs.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Mississippi Mud Pie

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

Mississippi Mud Pie needs its chill time, so it’s best made ahead. By dessert time, it’s simply about slicing into its rich layers. Each layer hints at a day’s worth of work, but it’ll be our little secret. Enjoy the praise and the extra time you’ve had.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Hash Browns

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

Prep Hash Browns beforehand, and all they’ll need is a quick crisp up in the morning. They become the easiest part of your Easter breakfast. Quick to serve, giving you that golden, crispy side with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepare Pecan Pie Cheesecake ahead to ensure it sets just right. It’s a chill-in-the-fridge kind of dessert that’s perfect for making in advance. When it’s time to eat, it’s ready to impress. Minimal day-of effort for maximum wow.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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.

Prep Funeral Potatoes in advance to save on last-minute prep stress. Once you bake them on Easter, you’ll get that creamy, crispy top everyone looks forward to. It practically serves itself while you’re busy with family.
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.

Get Green Bean Casserole ready ahead of time, letting the creamy mushrooms and green beans sit together longer. Once heated through on the big day, it’s like it was made fresh but without the fuss. Pass the casserole, not the stress.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Italian Sliders

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

Prepare Italian Sliders ahead and let the flavors meld together beautifully. A quick bake on Easter, and they come out as if you’ve been working all morning. Less kitchen time means more cheers from the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mix your Pineapple Casserole together the day before and just bake when needed. The blend of sweet and savory hits the spot perfectly. It’s almost like magic how it comes together so effortlessly. More laughs, less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

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.

Bake and frost your Peanut Butter Cake a day early. It’s one of those magical desserts that gets better with a little time. Come Easter, it’s a ready-to-serve sensation. It leaves everyone wondering when you found the time.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cake

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.

Lemon Bars need to chill; making them ahead is actually required. Slice these bars up when it’s dessert time on Easter. They’re a deliciously sweet, citrusy end to the meal without any day-of hassle.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Bars

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.

You can make Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie in advance, and it’s a guaranteed hit. A chilled dessert that’s ready when you are. It’s cool, creamy, and just plain yum. Perfect for when you want to keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

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.

Get Mac and Cheese ready in its baking dish, waiting for the oven. Once it’s bubbly and crispy on top, it seems like you’ve been toiling away. In reality, you enjoyed a lazy morning. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Pecan Pie Cobbler

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

Get your Pecan Pie Cobbler ready to go before the Easter fun begins. A bit of sitting time makes it even tastier and easier to serve. Let it bake as you entertain. Planning ahead means more time enjoying the day.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cobbler

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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

Prep your Homemade Cinnamon Rolls in advance and just bake on the day. Fills the house with an unbeatable aroma. They’re a surefire way to make everyone happy. Definitely worth the little effort.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

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