Make-Ahead Recipes for Easter Brunch

Recipe: Brown Sugar-Bourbon Baked Ham

Make this ham one to two days in advance, and store in the refrigerator before serving—it’s delicious served cold or reheated. The sweet and spicy glaze has a little kick from bourbon, but you can omit it if you like.

Recipe: Ham-Stuffed Biscuits with Mustard Butter

For a more casual Easter main dish, layer slices of ham inside these pillowy soft biscuits. Set out a dish of Mustard Butter so everyone can use as much as they like.

Recipe: Potatoes Patio

This rich and comforting potato casserole is delicious eaten on a patio—or dining room, or kitchen, or anywhere, really. Make it the night before, let it come to room temperature, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Recipe: Green Bean Potato Salad with Lemon-Soy Vinaigrette

Combine two favorite side dishes—green beans with toasted almonds and potato salad—into one tasty and pretty side dish. Prepare all of the ingredients in advance, then dress the salad just before serving, either chilled or at room temperature.

Recipe: Spinach and Strawberry Salad

Make the most of juicy spring strawberries with this light and lovely salad. Pungent blue cheese works well with the mild spinach and sweet berries, but you can also use crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Recipe: Best Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is an Easter classic, and this recipe tastes even better when made a day in advance, so that the tangy-sweet Buttermilk Glaze can thoroughly soak through the cake layers.

Recipe: Easter Cookies

Christmas shouldn’t be the only holiday worthy of cookie cutters. Make these fun treats for (or with!) the kids. The dough for these five-ingredient cookies can be made up to three days in advance. Store in the refrigerator.