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15 Easy Make Ahead Easter Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday

Preparing a holiday meal shouldn't mean spending the whole day in the kitchen. These make ahead Easter recipes let you handle the heavy lifting early so you can actually sit down with your guests. Looking for brunch ideas? See my Easter Brunch Recipes for make-ahead dishes perfect for a holiday morning.

Why You Will Love These Easter Recipes

  • Saves Money Many recipes use pantry staples like ramen noodles, frozen hash browns, and basic spices.
  • Saves Time Most of these dishes can be prepped a full day before the holiday.
  • Crowd Pleasers These flavors are familiar and kid-friendly, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
1
a cheesy croissant breakfast bake by Cleveland cooking served to guests. the bake includes bacon, egg, croissants, onion, and cheese.
Make Ahead Croissant Breakfast Bake Recipe
This overnight croissant breakfast bake is a simple solution for stress-free holidays. It combines buttery croissant pieces, crispy bacon, and plenty of cheese in a savory egg custard. You can prep it the night before, let it soak, and bake it fresh for a golden, puffy brunch that feeds a crowd.

Check out this recipe
2
how to make a baked ham recipe from Cleveland Cooking baked ham fresh from the oven with caramelized orange glaze on the edges of the ham.
Make Ahead Orange Spiced Baked Ham
When this spiced baked ham recipe is baking in the oven it will remind you of the holidays! The warm spices mixed with orange is amazing!
Check out this recipe
3
Slow roasted pork shoulder recipe fresh from the oven from cleveland cooking. two 4 pound roasted pork shoulders.
Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
This hands-off Spicy Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder features a bold garlic and herb crust and cooks low and slow for maximum tenderness. It is an ideal make-ahead meal that shreds easily for tacos, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
Check out this recipe
4
pear and arugula crostini from Cleveland cooking. pear with a vinaigrette on top of a whipped feta cheese spread.
Pear and Arugula Crostini with Whipped Parmesan Cream
Elevate your appetizer game with this pear and arugula crostini. An incredible combination of pear, arugula, parmesan, and cream cheese.
Check out this recipe
5
mini BLT appetizers from Cleveland cooking. brioche bread, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Great for appetizers, parties, and your grazing Table.
Mini BLT Appetizers
These Mini BLT Appetizers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your next party. Made with toasted brioche circles, crisp bacon, fresh veggies, and a savory garlic mayo, they are designed to hold their shape and stay delicious for hours. A quick and easy finger food ready in 40 minutes.
Check out this recipe
6
lemon blueberry ricotta dip on small slices of bread. The recipe is from cleveland cooking.
Whipped Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Dip
A stunning, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring airy whipped lemon ricotta topped with a homemade blueberry thyme sauce and salty pistachios.
Check out this recipe
7
Easy buns recipe from Cleveland Cooking. Easy buns in a basket lined with a red cloth. The buns have a glaze of butter and sugar.
Easy Sweet Dinner Rolls
These Easy Sweet Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and incredibly forgiving for beginners. Made with rapid-rise yeast and a sweet butter topping, they come together with just 20 minutes of active prep time. A delicious side dish for any meal.

Check out this recipe
8
Pommes anna recipe from cleveland cooking. layered potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper.
Crispy Pommes Anna (Easy French Potato Cake)
We have grown tired of the same potato choices. The Pommes Anna Recipe showed up and I thought I would give it a go! They are incredible!
Check out this recipe
9
Close up of oven roasted potatoes from cleveland cooking recipe
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes in 40 Minutes
This easy and quick oven roasted potatoes recipe is a great side for large crowds or just a few people. My family loves them!
Check out this recipe
10
loaded hash brown recipe Cleveland cooking. loaded hash browns with a spoonful of sour cream on top.
Easy Loaded Hash Brown Casserole (Crispy Cheesy Squares)
A twist on a loaded potato skins recipe is a loaded hash browns recipe would be a great idea. Cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions make these incredible!
Check out this recipe
11
Make ahead layered salad from cleveland cooking. Lettuce, mayo, sugar, parmesan cheese, peas, bacon, onions, and bell peppers.
Easy Make-Ahead 7 Layer Salad Recipe
The classic make-ahead 7 layer salad, perfect for potlucks! This recipe layers crisp lettuce, peas, bacon, cheese, and a creamy mayo dressing. Chill for up to 24 hours.
Check out this recipe
12
broccoli ramen slaw recipe from cleveland cooking. veggies, ramen noodles, and an incredible vinaigrette!
Crunchy Asian Broccoli Slaw with Ramen Noodles (No Mayo)
Quick and easy broccoli slaw with ramen that feeds a large group. Great for your next party or dinner gathering!
Check out this recipe
13
strawberry almond salad with mandarin oranges and almond croutons
Simple Strawberry Almond Salad (with Homemade Sugared Nuts)
This is a very easy and affordable strawberry almond salad that is a crowd pleaser! We have been making this salad for years!
Check out this recipe
14
cucumber and watermelon salad recipe with feta cheese and pistachios from cleveland cooking
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad with Pistachios and Feta
This watermelon and cucumber salad recipe is so light and refreshing! The combination of sweet and savory is wonderful.
Check out this recipe
15
pineapple pretzel fluff recipe in a small custard cup.
Sweet and Salty Pineapple Pretzel Fluff
A retro classic! This sweet and salty pineapple pretzel fluff features a sugary pretzel crunch stirred into a creamy pineapple cheesecake filling. The perfect make-ahead party dish.
Check out this recipe

Make Ahead Easter Recipes FAQ's

Which of these dishes stays fresh the longest?

he 7-layer salad and the broccoli slaw actually improve after a day in the fridge as the dressings soften the vegetables.

Can I freeze any of these recipes?

The sweet dinner rolls and the croissant breakfast bake freeze well. Wrap them tightly in foil to prevent freezer burn.

How do I keep the fruit salad from getting soggy?

For the watermelon or strawberry salads, keep the dressing and nuts in separate containers and toss them right before you sit down to eat.

What is the best way to reheat the ham?

Put the ham in a shallow pan with a splash of water or orange juice, cover it tightly with foil, and warm it at 300°F until heated through.

What if I don't have a slow cooker for the pork?

You can use a heavy Dutch oven with a tight lid. Bake it at 275°F for the same amount of time recommended in the recipe.

These are just some of the great dinners I have on my site. Click here to try out some more!

When summer comes, try my 4th of July party recipes or my Memorial Day recipes!

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