My Make-Ahead Easter Menu


Hi Reader,

Easter is one of my favorite times to gather around the table with family, and I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way when it comes to enjoying the day. That’s why I’ve put together my Make-Ahead Easter Menu featuring the recipes I’ll be cooking and prepping early, starting today!


Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Get ready to fall in love with this scrumptious Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham! Trust me, after just 15 minutes of prep, you'll have a mouthwatering dish featuring a heavenly combo of whole grain and Dijon mustard, along with the sweetness of Coca-Cola.

Classic Waldorf Salad (Crunchy & Fresh)

This Classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a smooth, creamy dressing perfect for serving any time of the year. Whether you're making it for lunch, as a side dish, sharing it at a potluck, or during the holidays, this traditional recipe is always a favorite.

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Beautiful, perfectly cooked Scalloped Potatoes are a classic you’ll fall in love with after just one bite! Tender, thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce for a side dish that’s excellent to serve alongside any main course and is a must-make for the holidays.

Southern Style Green Beans

Tender, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, Southern Style Green Beans are a down-home delight that's easy to make! Fresh green beans cooked with bacon and just the right amount of seasoning is the perfect side dish for any meal.

Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs

Extra creamy deviled eggs are a classic, crowd pleasing appetizer and a must for any southern holiday celebration. This deviled egg recipe is simple to make with no-frills or fancy extras. They are the perfect finger food for holidays, parties and gatherings anytime of the year.

Southern Pineapple Casserole

I'm serving this sweet and savory dish alongside my Easter Ham. This surprising recipe brings together contrasting flavors and textures, making it incredibly delicious.

Best Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

This recipe for the Best Roasted Shrimp Cocktail is the real deal! Juicy, tender shrimp are perfectly roasted and served with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce with just the right spicy kick. Forget boiling—roasting brings out that sweet, rich shrimp flavor in a way you’ll love.

Best Banana Pudding Trifle

Made with fresh bananas and whipped cream, this Homemade Banana Pudding Trifle is a Southern-inspired dessert perfect for any special occasion. It's layered with cookies and pudding, making it a downright heavenly show-stopper!

Million Dollar Pound Cake

This is my family's favorite! Million Dollar Pound Cake is buttery, soft, has rich flavors of vanilla and almond, and is a dessert that's worthy of its name! This classic recipe not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing and, believe it or not, is very simple to make with just 7 ingredients.

Easy Balsamic Vinegar Strawberries

When strawberries and balsamic vinegar meet it's truly a match made in heaven! These easy to make Sugared Balsamic Strawberries have the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you're eating them for dessert, piling them on top of a cake, or adding them to a crostini, these balsamic strawberries are sure to quickly become a family favorite!

From brunch to dessert, these Easter roundups have everything you need to plan a delicious holiday:

A Southern Soul: Easy Recipes & Stressfree Entertaining Ideas

I’m Donya, the life behind A Southern Soul. I share recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor using simple ingredients. You'll find meal plans for family dinners along with inspiration for entertaining.

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