I’m not a meal prepper — or a prepper of any sort, really. I lean toward the chaotically disorganized spectrum of people who do things last minute. My friends who “meal prep” don’t tend to stay my friends for long. I associate it mainly with wearing khakis, saving up for a living room suit and swapping nightclubs for dinner at a congress member’s house.
That said, when it comes to meal-heavy holidays like Passover, even I have to admit prepping ahead makes all the difference. For so many of us, it’s rare to have all our loved ones gathered around the same table. That’s the part that matters, and the last thing anyone wants is to spend that precious time drowning in time-sensitive kitchen tasks, trying to get everything on the table at just the right moment. The best moments of a holiday should be spent fully present, not sweating over a stovetop while conversations and laughter happen without you.
That’s where make-ahead, freezer-friendly dishes come in. With just a little bit of planning (I promise, not too much), you can have a freezer stocked with delicious Passover dishes ready to heat and serve, so you can actually enjoy the rare magic of a full table. This roundup features recipes like matzah lasagna, Gail Simmons’ matzah ball soup, Indian-Iraqi green curry, Syrian meatballs in a tangy tamarind sauce, brisket and more. They’re comforting, flavorful and, most importantly, stress-free when it’s time to serve.
So whether you’re hosting a full house or just want to make life easier for future you, these recipes will help you pull off a delicious Passover meal without the last-minute chaos. Because the best part of any holiday isn’t the food — it’s the people you get to share it with.
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Make-Ahead Moroccan Meatballs
You can freeze these hearty, spiced meatballs uncooked or fried, or freeze the dish fully cooked (place the meatballs and sauce in a casserole so you can thaw and reheat easily).
The Best Matzah Lasagna
Matzah lasagna is the perfect make-ahead Passover dish — layered, cheesy and full of comforting flavors. To prep in advance, bake it for 30 minutes covered, then let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat at 375°F — 20 minutes covered and 20-25 uncovered if frozen — for an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal.
Yapchik (Potato Kugel With Meat)
Yapchik, a rich and hearty potato kugel with meat, is the ultimate comfort food for Passover. This dish can easily be made ahead—just bake, let it cool completely, then wrap it well to freeze. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy top.
Gail Simmons’ Matzah Ball Soup Recipe
This comforting classic is easy to make ahead. Cool the soup and matzah balls separately, then freeze the matzah balls on a baking sheet before storing them in a sealed container. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and simmer the matzah balls until warmed through.
Classic Potato Kugel
Classic potato kugel is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside and perfect for making ahead. Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it well before freezing.
Chocolate Chewies
These rich, chocolatey cookies have a deep Southern Jewish history and are perfect for making ahead. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Indian-Iraqi Green Curry
This gorgeous curry freezes beautifully, and is perfect for making in advance. You can also make the curry sauce in advance, and freeze it. On the day before you want to eat it, brown the meat and add the defrosted sauce; it will taste freshly cooked!
Syrian Meatballs with Tamarind Sauce
These meatballs in a tangy tamarind sauce are a perfect make-ahead dish for Passover. Once cooked, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. To serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed to maintain the sauce’s rich consistency.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Brisket
Why not prep your seder main ahead of time? We recommend using one of those throwaway tins (which makes for easy clean up): place meat into tin, pour over sauce and, when cool, freeze. The morning of your seder, take out to thaw, then heat up in the oven.
Chicken Fricassee
This rich, nostalgic comfort food is perfect for making ahead. Cook a big batch, then divide it into freezer portions for an easy, ready-to-go meal.
Coconut Almond Bites
A quick, delicious treat that’s ideal for making ahead. Once prepared, wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and they’ll be good to go!
Flourless Chocolate Tahini Brownies
This rich, indulgent dessert can be made well ahead. After baking, let the brownies cool completely, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
The Easiest 3-Ingredient Fudge
This easy, sweet treat that can be kept covered in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for up to a month (note that the texture will be a little softer in the fridge).
Spinach Jibn
This Syrian frittata is adaptable, freezable and make-aheadable, making it a perfect dish for busy holidays. You can prepare it in advance, then freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven and enjoy!
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