Make Ahead Easter Recipes
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
These easy Make-Ahead Easter Recipes help you plan a delicious and stress-free Easter with recipes for brunch, dinner, and dessert! Celebrate with the recipes my family enjoys year after year on Easter Sunday that can easily be made in advance. For more Easter recipe ideas, you may want to check out my Easter category page.
![Photograph of cooked ham on a white platter.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/easy-ham-recipe-133-1200x1800.jpg)
Make-Ahead Easter Tips!
- Plan your menu. Start by planning a menu that includes items that can easily be made beforehand. Some great make-ahead dishes include ham, casseroles, vegetables, sauces, gravies, and desserts!
- Shop early. Purchase whatever items you can before the last-minute rush hits the stores. I like to purchase non-perishable items up to a month in advance and then any perishables, like fresh fruits and vegetables, closer to when I make that dish.
- Make a schedule. I have a schedule for preparing my holiday meals, which begins days before the holiday and ends when the meal is served.
Make Ahead Easter Dinner Recipes
Baked Ham Recipe
![Cola Glazed Ham Recipe - This classic cola glazed ham recipe with brown sugar makes an easy baked ham perfect for any occasion.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/easy-ham-recipe-140-1200x1800.jpg)
Take the stress out of the holiday by using my tips for making your ham ahead of time. It is perfect every time! It is so easy to make and a recipe I turn to year after year!
![Photograph of cooked ham on a white platter.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/easy-ham-recipe-133-268x268.jpg)
Best Baked Ham Recipe
Additional Main Dish Recipes:
Make Ahead Easter Side Dishes
While the ham may get lots of attention, the side dishes are really the favorites! And the desserts (of course!).
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
![Photo of mashed potatoes in black bowl on white background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mashed-potatoes-recipe-000011.jpg)
These creamy, delicious mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for every holiday, I think.
![Creamy golden mashed potatoes topped with butter, salt and pepper in a white Dutch oven.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mashed-potatoes-recipe-000009-268x268.jpg)
Easy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
More Potato Recipes:
Slow Cooker Green Beans
![Photo of green beans topped with bacon in slow cooker.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/slow-cooker-green-beans-recipe0074.jpg)
When I serve these delicious green beans, they are always a favorite. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do all of the hard work. How easy is that?
![Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe - These are the best slow cooker green beans and have everyone coming back for more! // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/slow-cooker-green-beans-recipe0073-268x268.jpg)
Slow Cooker Green Beans Recipe
More Green Bean Recipes:
Squash Casserole Recipe
![Photo of squash casserole on blue plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/squash-casserole-DSC_1981.jpg)
Squash casserole is so easy to make ahead and makes a favorite side dish!
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/squash-casserole-DSC_1981-268x268.jpg)
Squash Casserole Recipe
More Squash Recipes:
Garlic Roasted Carrots
![Photo of Garlic Roasted Carrots on gray background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/cropped-garlic-roasted-carrots-recipe_DSC5327.jpg)
These carrots are such an easy and beautiful side dish.
![Garlic Roasted Carrots Recipe - Garlic Roasted Carrots recipe make a quick, easy and delicious carrot recipe! The perfect side dish for easy weeknights as well as when entertaining! // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/garlic-roasted-carrots-recipe_DSC5327-268x268.jpg)
Garlic Roasted Carrots Recipe
More Roasted Vegetables:
Strawberry Spinach Salad
![Photo of strawberry spinach salaad with spinach, strawberries, onion rings and pecans in white bowl.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe_DSC0645.jpg)
A fresh salad is a great idea to include. This Strawberry Spinach Salad is always a fresh favorite for Easter.
![Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe - Strawberry Spinach Salad topped with an easy Poppy Seed Dressing makes for a beautiful and delicious spring and summer salad recipe. Perfect for parties, picnics, and get-togethers! Always a crowd favorite.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/strawberry-spinach-salad-recipe_DSC0647-268x268.jpg)
Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
More Salad Recipes:
Deviled Eggs
![Closeup photograph of deviled eggs sprinkled with black pepper on a white platter.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cropped-classic-deviled-eggs-recipe-2298-scaled-1.jpg)
An Easter dinner at my house wouldn’t be complete without a platter of deviled eggs!
![Deviled eggs make the perfect appetizer or side dish for family meals, parties, holidays, potlucks, picnics and more. This simple and classic deviled eggs recipe is a family favorite! // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/classic-deviled-eggs-recipe-2234-268x268.jpg)
Classic Deviled Eggs
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad on plate with fork - addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cropped-strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe_DSC1218-3.jpg)
This favorite recipe falls somewhere between dessert and a side dish in my family.
![Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe - Strawberry Pretzel Salad makes a classic, nostalgic recipe. A creamy, fruity recipe made with strawberry gelatin, cream cheese, whipped topping, and pretzels. It is always a favorite. // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/strawberry-pretzel-salad-recipe_DSC1207-268x268.jpg)
Strawberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Other Fruit Side Dishes:
Dinner Rolls Recipe
![Baked dinner rolls brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-Dinner-Rolls-Recipe-21.jpg)
Dinner rolls have always been a favorite part of my family’s holiday meals.
![Photo of buttery dinner rolls in a white baking dish on a marble counter.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dinner-Rolls-Recipe-21-268x268.jpg)
Dinner Rolls Recipe
Other Bread Recipes:
Make Ahead Easter Dessert Recipes
Carrot Cake
![Carrot Cake recipe topped with cream cheese frosting, pecans on a clear glass cake stand.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/cropped-Carrot-Cake-Recipe-24.jpg)
This moist, delicious cake has become a family favorite for Easter.
![Carrot Cake recipe topped with cream cheese frosting, pecans on a clear glass cake stand.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Carrot-Cake-Recipe-24-268x268.jpg)
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe Ever
Carrot Cake Sheet Cake
![Bite of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cropped-carrot-cake-sheet-cake-recipe_DSC0722.jpg)
This sheet cake is great for when you want to make a carrot cake that is a bit simpler than a layer cake.
![Easy Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe - This Easy Carrot Cake Sheet Cake recipe comes together easily and bakes into a beautiful, delicious carrot cake! Topped with a fluffy cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is one everyone asks for the recipe! // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/carrot-cake-sheet-cake-recipe_DSC0722-268x268.jpg)
Easy Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe
Other Classic Cake Recipes:
Hummingbird Cake
![Photo of Hummingbird Cake ion a pewter cake plate, topped with a cream cheese frosting.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/hummingbird-cake-recipe-DSC_2165.jpg)
This cake is one my Grandmother made for Easter and other special occasions.
![Hummingbird Cake Recipe | ©addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hummingbird-cake-recipe-DSC_2165-268x268.jpg)
Hummingbird Cake Recipe
Other Fruit Cake Recipes:
Ultimate Coconut Cake
![Photo of coconut cake in white dish.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coconut-cake-recipe-DSC_4735.jpg)
What could be better for Easter than this scrumptious coconut cake?
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/coconut-cake-recipe-DSC_4735-1-268x268.jpg)
Ultimate Coconut Cake Recipe
Other Coconut Dessert Recipes:
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
![Slice of cream cheese pound cake with dollop of homemade whipped cream and red strawberry on a white dessert plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cream-cheese-pound-cake-recipe-13.jpg)
It’s always a family favorite anytime, but especially for Easter dessert.
![Slice of cream cheese pound cake with dollop of homemade whipped cream and red strawberry on a white dessert plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cream-cheese-pound-cake-recipe-13-268x268.jpg)
Cream Cheese Pound Cake
Other Pound Cake Recipes:
Key Lime Pie
![Photo of Key Lime Pie with whipped cream and lime wedges on a white pie plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/key-lime-pie-DSC_3125.jpg)
This classic pie has just the right flavor for a springtime or Easter meal.
![Key Lime Pie Recipe - Key Lime Pie makes a classic, refreshing dessert recipe. Made of simple ingredients, this updated key lime pie recipe comes together quickly and chills to a light and airy consistency for an elegant dessert. // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/key-lime-pie-DSC_3116-1-268x268.jpg)
Key Lime Pie Recipe
Other Lemon/Lime Dessert Recipes:
Coconut Cream Pie
![Photo of coconut cream pie with toasted coconut topping with fork on a blue plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Coconut-Cream-Pie-DSC_2516-1.jpg)
This pie has been a generational favorite in my family.
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Coconut-Cream-Pie-DSC_2516-4-268x268.jpg)
Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Other Pie Recipes:
Banana Pudding
![Photo of banana pudding with meringue topping on a white background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cropped-southern-banana-pudding-recipe-2-DSC_1419-scaled-1.jpg)
No Easter dinner would have been complete at my Grandmother’s house without this banana pudding.
![Southern Banana Pudding Recipe - An heirloom family recipe for banana pudding that is a classic, Southern dessert. Creamy, traditional banana pudding topped with airy meringue. // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/southern-banana-pudding-recipe-2-DSC_1419-268x268.jpg)
Southern Banana Pudding Recipe
Other Dessert Recipes:
Chewy Sugar Cookies
![Photo of a stack of three sugar cookies on a dark background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/chewy-sugar-cookies-DSC_1243-2-614x1024.jpg)
When I serve sugar cookies, they are a hit with both the kids and the adults.
![Photo of a stack of three sugar cookies on a dark background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/chewy-sugar-cookies-DSC_1243-2-268x268.jpg)
The BEST Chewy Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Other Cookie Recipes:
Peanut Butter Bars
![Photo of a stack of three peanut butter bars with a layer of peanut butter filling topped with a layer of chocolate on a dark background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Peanut-Butter-Bars-0164-3.jpg)
What is it about Peanut Butter Bars that make the world just feel right?
![Photo of a stack of three peanut butter bars with a layer of peanut butter filling topped with a layer of chocolate on a dark background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Peanut-Butter-Bars-0164-3-268x268.jpg)
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Other Cookie Recipes:
Make Ahead Easter Brunch Recipes
French Toast Recipe
![Photograph of French toast on a white plate with maple syrup and a bowl of fruit in the background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cropped-french-toast-recipe-DSC_2797-670.jpg)
There’s something special about this rich and delicious French Toast drizzled with warm maple syrup, whether you are serving two or a crowd!
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/french-toast-recipe-DSC_2797-268x268.jpg)
Best French Toast Recipe
Other Toast/Waffle/Pancake Recipes:
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
![Photo of breakfast casserole with sprinkles of green onion with egg and sausage.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Breakfast-Casserole-Recipe-20230278-1200x800.jpg)
The breakfast casserole recipe is a family favorite. It is filled with eggs, sausage, cheese, and tender buttermilk biscuits.
![Breakfast casserole in a glass pan.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Breakfast-Casserole-Recipe-20230275-268x268.jpg)
Easy Make Ahead Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Other Breakfast Casseroles:
Southern Sausage Cheddar Quiche Recipe
![Photo of sausage cheddar quiche with pastry crust and fork with bite of quiche on white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/southern-sausage-cheddar-quiche-recipe-IMG_0997.jpg)
This delicious, savory Southern Sausage Cheddar Quiche makes a perfect entree for a holiday brunch!
![Photo of sausage cheddar quiche with pastry crust and fork with bite of quiche on white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/southern-sausage-cheddar-quiche-recipe-IMG_0998-268x268.jpg)
Southern Sausage Cheddar Quiche Recipe
Other Quiche Recipes:
Breakfast Potatoes
![photograph of Breakfast Potatoes in a blue bowl.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/breakfast-potatoes-DSC_6064.jpg)
Breakfast Potatoes just take a breakfast or brunch menu to the next level, in my opinion.
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/breakfast-potatoes-DSC_6063-2-268x268.jpg)
Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Other Brunch Recipes:
Angel Biscuits
![Angel Biscuits stacked on a white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/angel-biscuits-recipe-DSC_3153-1.jpg)
Made from simple ingredients, these angel biscuits have gone from being a quick bread that accompanies a meal to being the most favored item on the buffet on many occasions.
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/angel-biscuits-recipe-DSC_3153-2-268x268.jpg)
Angel Biscuits Recipe
Other Biscuit Recipes:
Blueberry Muffins Recipe
![Picture of blueberry muffins on white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/blueberry-muffins-recipe-2-324-1-700x1050.jpg)
Blueberry Muffins are one of my family’s favorite muffin recipes and are perfect for an Easter brunch!
![Blueberry Muffins on white platter](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/blueberry-muffins-recipe-2-324-268x268.jpg)
Blueberry Muffin Recipe
Other Muffin Recipes:
Oven Baked Bacon Recipe
![Photo of bacon on a white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-How-to-Cook-Bacon-in-the-Oven-Recipe-0020.jpg)
No brunch would be complete without crispy bacon.
![Photo of bacon on a white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/How-to-Cook-Bacon-in-the-Oven-Recipe-0020-268x268.jpg)
How to Cook Bacon Recipe
Other Brunch Meat Recipes:
Citrus Scones Recipe
![Photo of citrus scones topped with orange glaze on a white plate.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/citrus-scones-recipe-DSC_1252.jpg)
These bright and fresh scones are so full of flavor and are so easy to make.
![](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/citrus-scones-recipe-DSC_12521-2-268x268.jpg)
Citrus Scones Recipe with Orange Glaze
Other Scone Recipes:
Fruit Pizza
![Fruit pizza on a marble surface surrounded by bowls of blueberries, strawberries, and cream cheese frosting.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-Fruit-Pizza-Recipe0198-1.jpg)
This fruit pizza recipe is so fun and easy to make. It’s perfect for serving any time of the year, especially at Easter.
![Photo of fruit pizza with a slice for serving.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fruit-Pizza-Recipe0201-1-268x268.jpg)
Fruit Pizza Recipe
Other Fruit Brunch Recipes:
Rice Krispie Treats
![Rice cereal treats on a white bake plate with one in front.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-Best-Rice-Krispies-Treats-Recipe-9.jpg)
Rice Krispie Treats are a favorite, quick, and easy snack or dessert I know my family and friends will love.
![Stack of rice krispie treats on a white platter.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Best-Rice-Krispies-Treats-Recipe-1-268x268.jpg)
Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Other Brunch Dessert Recipes:
Drinks
Lemonade
![Photo of a clear pitcher of lemonade with lemon slices and 2 clear glasses of lemonade with lemon slices on a white background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lemonade-recipe-940-1200x1800.jpg)
What better drink for an Easter meal or brunch than a fresh, tart glass of lemonade?
![Photo of a clear pitcher of lemonade with lemon slices and 2 clear glasses of lemonade with lemon slices on a white background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lemonade-recipe-940-268x268.jpg)
Fresh Lemonade Recipe
Other Lemon/Lime Drink Recipes:
Southern Sweet Tea
![Photo of clear pitcher of tea and two clear glasses filled with tea, ice, and topped with mint leaves with lemon slices and ice cubes on a white background.](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sweet-tea-recipe-1281-1200x1800.jpg)
No Easter meal is complete at my house without Southern sweet tea!
![This Southern Sweet Tea recipe is smooth, sweet, and delicious! It includes tried-and-true tips for how to make sweet tea that everyone loves! // addapinch.com](https://addapinch.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sweet-tea-recipe-1279-268x268.jpg)
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe
Other Drink Recipes:
Happy Easter!
Robyn xo