18 Make-Ahead Easter Recipes to Save You Time

Easter is a special time with lots of food and fun. But preparing all the dishes can be very stressful. You can make many Easter dishes ahead of time to reduce stress. Making Easter dishes ahead can save you time and energy.

You can make main courses like Easter ham and pulled pork, and also yummy desserts. This way, you can enjoy the holiday with your family and friends without too much cooking on the big day.

1. Easy Easter Ham Recipe

A classic glazed Easter ham recipe perfect for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup cherry juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
3. Place the ham in a baking dish and score the fat in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the ham.
5. Pour the pineapple and cherry juice into the baking dish.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and golden brown.
8. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Make-Ahead Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs perfect for Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
• 1/4 cup* 1 mayonnaise

tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks to a bowl.
2. Mash the yolks with a fork until they're well broken up.
3. Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, and horseradish until the mixture is smooth.
4. Season the yolk mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
6. Sprinkle the tops with chopped chives and parsley.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve chilled.

3. Spring Vegetable Quiche

A delicious and savory quiche filled with spring vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 9-inch pie crust
• 2 cups mixed spring vegetables
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a tart pan.
3. In a skillet, sauté the spring vegetables and garlic in butter until tender.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and grated cheese.
5. Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl and season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set.
8. Let it cool before serving.

4. Refrigerated Easter Potato Salad

Creamy Easter potato salad perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped hard-boiled egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then peel and dice them.
2. In a bowl, combine the diced potatoes, mayonnaise, chopped onion, and chopped hard-boiled egg.
3. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill the potato salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the potato salad cold, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

5. Frozen Easter Peas and Cheese Casserole

A creamy, cheesy casserole perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup french-fried onions
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooked pasta

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. In a large bowl, combine frozen peas, shredded cheese, milk, cream of mushroom soup, black pepper, and salt.
4. Stir until the cheese is well combined with the other ingredients.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and stir until the pasta is well coated.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle french-fried onions on top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Homemade Hot Cross Buns

Sweet, spiced buns traditionally served on Easter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup chopped candied citrus peel

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the dough, mixing until smooth.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, until elastic and smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the dough, add currants and citrus peel, mixing until evenly distributed.
8. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and flatten slightly.
9. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
10. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
11. While the buns are baking, prepare the cross topping by mixing 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup water.
12. Remove the buns from the oven, brush with the cross topping, and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes.
13. Remove from the oven, let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

7. Advance Preparation Easter Lamb

Tender and flavorful Easter lamb with advance preparation.

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5-2 pound) boneless leg of lamb
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the lamb until browned on all sides.
4. Transfer the lamb to a roasting pan and roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

8. Simple Make-Ahead Easter Cookies

Delicious sugar cookies perfect for Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Divide the dough into 2-3 portions, depending on desired cookie size.
7. Roll out each portion to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut into desired Easter shapes, such as eggs or bunnies.
9. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles as desired.

9. Slow Cooker Easter Pulled Pork

Tender and flavorful pulled pork perfect for Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup beer
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Place the chopped onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
3. Put the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onion.
4. In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, beer, brown sugar, and garlic.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the pork shoulder.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
7. After 8 hours, check the pork for tenderness and shred it with two forks.
8. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
9. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10. Serve hot on a bun or with your favorite sides.

10. Preprepared Easter Side Dishes

Delicious preprepared Easter side dishes to complement your holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed vegetables and chicken broth.
3. Add butter and dried thyme to the bowl, tossing to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Let cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
8. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

11. Easter Breakfast Strata

Easter Breakfast Strata is a layered dish perfect for holiday mornings.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 1 pound sausage
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
6. Create a layer of bread, followed by a layer of sausage, vegetables, and cheese.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, then repeat the layers one more time.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
9. Bake the strata for 30 minutes with the foil on, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

12. Prepare Ahead Easter Fruit Salad

Colorful Easter fruit salad made with fresh seasonal fruits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup grapes
• 1 cup pineapple
• 1 orange
• 1 apple
• 1 pear
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wash and chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruits.
3. In a small bowl, mix the honey and lemon juice.
4. Pour the honey-lemon mixture over the fruits and toss to coat.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve the fruit salad chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.

13. Classic Make-Ahead Easter Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes perfect for Easter dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk and continue mashing until the desired consistency is reached.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
6. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
7. Reheat the mashed potatoes in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

14. Easter Dinner Rolls Recipe

Soft and fluffy Easter dinner rolls perfect for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, stir to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Add melted butter and egg to the dough, mix until a sticky ball forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the dough, divide into 12 equal pieces, shape into rolls.
8. Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven, let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

15. Make-Ahead Easter Green Bean Casserole

Classic Easter side dish with green beans and crispy fried onions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Steam green beans until tender, then set aside.
3. Sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in butter until softened.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk.
5. Add sautéed onion and mushrooms to the soup mixture and stir well.
6. Add steamed green beans to the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle French-fried onions over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until onions are golden brown.

16. Quick and Easy Easter Frittata

A delicious and easy-to-make breakfast dish perfect for Easter morning.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the diced ham, bell peppers, and onions until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, shredded cheese, and minced garlic.
4. Add the cooked ham and vegetables to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate or skillet.
6. Bake the frittata for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
7. Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

17. Precooked Easter Carrot Cake

Moist and flavorful carrot cake perfect for Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
10. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

18. Assembled Ahead Easter Trifle Dessert

Assembled Ahead Easter Trifle Dessert is a layered treat perfect for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups mixed berries
• 1 cup cubed pound cake
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and vanilla yogurt.
3. Cut the pound cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
4. In a large serving dish, create a layer of pound cake cubes.
5. Spoon a layer of the sugar and yogurt mixture over the cake.
6. Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the yogurt mixture.
7. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the berries.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of whipped cream.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Conclusion

You've got a time-saving roadmap with these 18 make-ahead Easter recipes. They're a safety net, catching you if you fall behind, like a net under a trapeze artist. With dishes like Easy Easter Ham and Make-Ahead Deviled Eggs, your holiday meal will be a breeze, freeing you to focus on what really matters.