5 make-ahead recipes for a no-stress Easter brunch
Easter looks a little different for us this year. Last year we went to church and then joined our neighbors for an Easter egg hunt - simple, easy, really sweet. This year we’re doing church and then hosting brunch at our house, which I’m so excited about. But I’ll be honest - life is a little chaotic for us right now (more on that soon, I promise), so I needed a menu that basically ran itself.
If you’re in a season of crazy too, this one’s for you. Take one recipe or take all five - either way, I got you.
If you’re into savory: Fluffy Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
Think Starbucks egg bites, but homemade, clean ingredients, and so much cheaper. These are soft, creamy, and packed with 7-8g of protein each. I’d make a full batch of 12 on Saturday, store them in the fridge, and pop them in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes Sunday morning while I get ready. They come out perfectly fluffy every time.
The one thing I’ll say: don’t skip the water bath. That’s what gives you the creamy texture vs. rubbery egg muffins. The blog post walks you through it.
Something sweet: Healthy Banana Protein Muffins
I make these for my daughter every other week and they disappear fast. They’re gluten-free, oil-free, and actually good for you - but they look and taste like something from a bakery. Make them Friday or Saturday, store in the fridge, and warm them right before serving. Set them out with almond butter on the side and watch them go.
I use Unflavored Bone Broth Protein by PaleoValley in this recipe - clean, no sugar, doesn’t affect the flavor at all. The link automatically gets you a 15% discount if you want to try it.
The unexpected one: Easy Smoked Salmon Dip
I learned this in Alaska on a trip with Copper River Salmon, and it’s been in my rotation ever since. Cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, chives, lemon - that’s it. Takes 10 minutes and no cooking required.
What I love about putting this on a brunch table is that it becomes a conversation piece. People taste it, ask what’s in it, go back for more. Set it out with crackers or bagels when guests arrive and it handles itself. Make it Saturday, cover it, fridge. Done.
The coffee: Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
Troy is the espresso lover in our house and this was his find. We started making it at home after the Starbucks version got discontinued - and honestly, ours is better. Espresso, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, oat milk, ice. Shake it for 30 seconds and you’re done.
Set up a little self-serve station on the counter and let guests make their own. It takes 5 minutes and feels really festive.
The Signature Mocktail (if it’s warm where you are!): Herbal Glow Tonic
If you’re somewhere sunny and warm this Easter -- hi, Florida friends -- this is your signature drink. Cucumber, fresh mint, basil, ginger, honey, and sparkling water. It’s light, gorgeous, and feels like a real cocktail without any alcohol.
I’ve been alcohol-free for over two years now, and this is one of my go-to drinks when I want something that feels special. You can make the base ahead of time and add the sparkling water right before serving. Multiply the recipe into a pitcher for a crowd -- it looks beautiful and everyone will ask what’s in it.
Your Saturday Game Plan
Bake the banana muffins. Cool completely, store in the fridge.
Make the smoked salmon dip (stir together, cover, fridge).
Make the egg bites using the water bath method, cool, store in the fridge.
rep the tonic base without the sparkling water and refrigerate.
Sunday morning
Egg bites go in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Warm the muffins.
Pull out the salmon dip 20-30 minutes early so it comes to room temp a bit.
Add sparkling water to the tonic right before guests arrive.
Make iced espressos fresh -5 minutes max.
You will feel so calm. I promise.
Happy Easter to you and your family! I hope it’s a really good one.
Love, Jazz
P.S. Tag me @jazzleaf_ if you make any of these! I want to see your Easter tables!
Amazing! Thank you for all the ideas.
Amazing! My family is gonna make that this weekend!