Let’s talk about make-ahead Easter brunch recipes! The morning of Easter is always a bit of a circus at our house, and so much of the egg-concealing, basket-organizing, and outfit-assembling pressure falls on…me. Along with preparing Easter brunch. (Don’t worry, I make everyone else clean up.)
So to make life a little easier on the parentfolk who would also rather spend Easter with family instead of your 350° oven, I’ve rounded up 7 terrific make-ahead Easter brunch recipes, including salad, mains, and well, one dessert.
Because more dessert is definitely what I need after consuming 8 Cadbury eggs in one morning. Hey, it’s Easter!
Top image: No-bake strawberry cheesecake squares at The View from Great Island | Goat cheese mushroom asparagus tart at Foolproof Living
Related: 8 adorably easy Easter cupcakes that the kids can help decorate
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a Southern essential, and I’m loving that these Deviled Eggs with Old Bay Shrimp at Sweet & Savory have a clever seafood twist to keep things interesting, and offer up some more protein. You can go easy on the Old Bay if you have picky eaters (though we all looooove Old Bay.) Plus, if you keep the the main elements of the recipe separate, you can prepare these little treats up to 3 days in advance.
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: Quiche
To me, brunch is never complete without some sort of baked egg and veggie concoction, which is why this Crustless Spinach Quiche recipe grabbed me. I love that London at Evolving Table has lightened up the traditional quiche recipe by removing the crust, and that she includes variations for those who want meat or extra veggies.
Related: 7 more amazing make-ahead Easter brunch recipes
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: A Vegetable Tart
Long live puff pastry, the many-layered buttery canvas! I can’t wait to try it in as the base of this Goat Cheese, Mushroom, and Asparagus Tart found at Foolproof Living, which looks like the perfect appetizer for any meal, but especially as a make-ahead Easter brunch recipe to anchor your meal, whether it’s a sit-down brunch or buffet style . You can make this the night before, although Aysegul recommends preparing the ingredients in advance, storing them, and then assembling and baking at the last minute because it’s so quick to put together. (And don’t forget to thaw that puff pastry in advance!)
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: A Hearty Salad
With all the candy we’re eating on Easter, it’s smart to work in some leafy greens. And this Kale Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese at Gimme Some Oven is totally calling my name. I always go for kale for make-ahead salads since it doesn’t wilt like lettuce, and the bacon and blue cheese help keep it satisfying. You can even toss some chicken in if you’d like it to be more of a main than a side.
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: French Toast (Really!)
If you like your Easter brunch on the sweeter side, I can completely vouch for this wonderful Overnight Pecan Cinnamon French Toast Casserole from Creme de la Crumb, since I make for my parents whenever they come into town. It’s always a a big hit, and because it’s a bit indulgent, it’s perfect as a make-ahead holiday brunch recipe for your repertoire. I throw mine together in my bathrobe last thing before bed, then then give myself a big pat on the back the next morning when it comes out bubbly, caramelized, and divine.
Related:9 impressive make-ahead Mother’s Day brunch recipes so she won’t have to lift a finger.
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Idea: A Slow Cooker Ham
This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham recipe at Damn Delicious truly couldn’t get any simpler. Just pop it in your slow cooker right when you wake up in the morning and then baste every hour (or as often as you can). Hooray for yummy ham that leaves plenty of oven space for other goodies.
Related: 10 holiday dinner recipes you can make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Make-Ahead Easter Brunch Dessert Idea: A No-Bake Cheesecake
Yes, there are always dessert optios like Easter cupcakes and Easter cookies, but these No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Squares at The View from Great Island are just so gorgeous and special! And I am so happy to learn that they come together in just 20 minutes — provided you set aside at least 6 hours for them to firm up in the fridge. Plus the recipe makes use of mascarpone, one of my all-time favorite ingredients, and Easter brunch sounds like the perfect justification for picking some up at the store this week.
