Make Ahead Easter Side Dishes for Stress-Free Feasting

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

This quick and easy side dish features green beans simmered with savory bacon and sweet onions. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly Southern classic you’ll want to add to your side dishes for Easter. 

See the Green Beans with Bacon and Onions recipe here.

Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is an all-time favorite for the holidays, but have you tried a dairy-free version? This creamy sweet potato casserole is completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly! Topped with a crunchy cashew-pecan streusel, it’s a festive and inclusive Easter side dish. 

Check out the Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole here. 

Vidalia Onion Casserole

Sweet, jammy Vidalia onions are baked in a rich, cheesy custard for ultimate comfort. A buttery, seasoned breadcrumb base adds the perfect crunch to this surprisingly easy Southern classic. Bake it ahead to free up oven space when preparing your holiday main meal!

Find the full Vidalia Onion Casserole recipe here. 

Southern Spoon Bread

This side dish is another Southern classic – a creamy, custard-like cross between cornbread and a soufflé. Its delicate, spoonable texture is perfect for soaking up gravy and complements any holiday roast.

Find the full Southern Spoon Bread here.

Green Beans Au Gratin

Transform green beans into a decadent treat with this creamy, cheesy au gratin recipe. A crispy, golden-brown topping provides a delightful contrast to the tender beans underneath.

Find the full Green Beans Au Gratin recipe here. 

Vegetarian Miso Mushroom Stuffing

Umami-rich miso and meaty mushrooms give this vegetarian stuffing a deeply savory flavor. It’s so delicious and satisfying, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Find the full Vegetarian Miso Mushroom Stuffing recipe here.

Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

This simple skillet cornbread bakes to perfection with a full, savory corn flavor. It’s the ideal partner for a bowl of chili, soup, or another saucy main dish. 

See the full Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe here.

Cauliflower Gratin With Bacon

Tender cauliflower is baked in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy bacon. This decadent, crowd-pleasing gratin is comfort food at its finest.

Make Cauliflower Gratin With Bacon here.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with all the fixings of a loaded baked potato. Topped with cheese, bacon, and chives, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you won’t want to skip!

Get the full Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole recipe here. 

Carrot Souffle

This stunning side dish is a light, fluffy, and savory twist on a classic soufflé. Its beautiful color and amazing flavor will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Read the full Carrot Souffle recipe here.

Hot Herb Bread

Crusty bread is slathered with a garlicky herb butter, wrapped in foil, and baked until warm and fragrant. It’s the perfect buttery side for almost any meal, especially those with sauces to soak up. 

Find this Hot Herb Bread recipe here.

Ina’s Au Gratin Potatoes

This Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is made with Russet potatoes, fennel, and Gruyere cheese–the perfect side dish for a dinner party or holiday gathering! Ina Gartin’s Potato-Fennel Gratin recipe is the best, and we’ve been serving it for years, as it pairs so well with prime rib, ham, and lamb!

Find the Au Gratin Potatoes recipe here. 

Sweet Potato Fritters

Shredded sweet potatoes are pan-fried into crispy, golden fritters with warm spices. They make a delicious appetizer or a unique side dish for those special occasions. 

Find the Sweet Potato Fritters here. 

Tennessee Onions

Sweet Vidalia onions are baked under a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese and savory spices. This effortless Southern casserole is irresistibly rich and comforting, pairing with an endless option of mains. 

Find these Tennessee Onions here. 

Zucchini Casserole with Sour Cream

Tender zucchini and sweet onions are baked in a tangy, garlicky sour cream and cheese sauce. It’s a simple, comforting casserole that’s a delicious alternative to brussels sprouts and other green veggie sides for Easter. 

Read the Zucchini Casserole with Sour Cream recipe here. 

No Roux Mac and Cheese

Ditch the flour for this simple, creamy layered mac and cheese. It’s built with al dente pasta, shredded cheese, and a savory egg custard, all baked under a golden crust of Parmigiano-Reggiano. 

Read the No Roux Mac and Cheese recipe here. 

Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits

These easy biscuits bake up light, fluffy, and packed with bold flavor. The jalapenos lose most of their heat in the oven, leaving behind a delicious balance of spicy pepper and rich cheddar.

Find the full Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits recipe here. 

Buttermilk Rolls with Rosemary

These soft, buttery dinner rolls are incredibly easy to make using muffin tins. Infused with fresh rosemary, they’re perfect for serving alongside holiday ham or roasted chicken. 

Follow the full Buttermilk Rolls with Rosemary recipe here.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Tender Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet onions bake in a rich, creamy sauce until fork-tender. Topped with sharp cheddar and Romano, this versatile side dish always steals the spotlight.

See these Creamy Scalloped Potatoes here.

Smashed Potatoes (with Parsnips and Rutabaga)

This rustic mash combines red potatoes with parsnips and rutabaga for a velvety texture and earthy sweetness. Simmered with onion and hand-smashed with cream cheese and butter, it’s a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic.

Discover the full Smashed Potatoes recipe here.

Sausage and Leek Stuffing

A savory “bread pudding” style side dish made with mushrooms, sourdough, and ground pork. It’s the ultimate comfort food for holiday feasts.

Find the full Sausage and Leek Stuffing recipe here.

Corn Au Gratin

This dish is a creamy, cheesy dream with a buttery cracker crust and a lovely souffle-like texture. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers make an incredible brunch option.

Check out this Corn Au Gratin recipe here.

Stick of Butter Rice

This baked rice casserole is infused with broth and onion soup mix for perfect, flavorful results every time. It’s an effortless side dish that takes the guesswork out of making rice.

Find the full Stick of Butter Rice recipe here.

Vegetable Au Gratin with Brussels Sprouts

Charred Brussels sprouts and cabbage create a deeply flavorful twist on the classic gratin. This cheesy, vegetarian side dish is a special addition to any holiday table.

Learn to make Vegetable Au Gratin with Brussels Sprouts here.

Pancetta Ciabatta Corn Pudding

This rustic, comforting side dish combines crusty ciabatta bread with a creamy sauce and salty pancetta. Serve it hot with fresh basil for a perfect holiday side dish.

Find the full Pancetta Ciabatta Corn Pudding recipe here.

Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice

Learn how to cook perfect brown rice in just 20 minutes using your pressure cooker. With a simple 1:1 rice-to-liquid ratio, it takes all the guesswork out of making this versatile side dish option.

See the full Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice recipe here.