You may just now be getting over the hectic time that was Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we have yet another holiday that’s right around the corner— Easter. Speaking from experience, Easter tends to be one of those ones that creeps up on you; you’re enjoying the spring thaw on a Saturday afternoon when all of a sudden you remember that you are supposed to host 40 guests for Easter brunch the next day…

Yep, that scenario has happened to us more times than we’d like to admit. That being said, it’s also one that we’ve learned a lot from. You see, there absolutely IS a way to pull off an Easter brunch to remember with minimal effort– and it has everything to do with that handy slow cooker of yours.

Here are 9 spring-inspired and Easter Bunny-approved Crock-Pot recipes that are as simple to make as they are delicious. For full tutorials and recipes, be sure to follow the links below!

1. French Toast Bake

   If you’ve agreed to play chef for an Easter Brunch, don’t find yourself forgetting the “breakfast” part at the 11th hour! This slow cooker French toast recipe is one of our all-time faves and one that we end up making whenever we are hosting friends or family.

   What we love about this recipe is that is calls for just 10 minutes of prep time–awesome right?! Of course, this French toast bake is one that you will have to throw in your Crock-Pot the night before, but waking up to a house smelling of sugary, cinnamon goodness will be well worth the late-night chore!

2. Bacon Strata

   Hosting Easter guests whose tastes are on the more savory end of the flavor spectrum? If so, this bacon strata recipe is the one for you!

   Never heard of bacon strata? Well, it’s somewhere between a hearty quiche and the fluffiest, most satisfying omelet you’ve ever had. Now, if that description didn’t make your tummy grumble, we don’t know what will…

3. Old-Fashioned Baked Ham

   Ah, old-fashioned baked ham. It’s an Easter staple and one that is actually a heck of a lot easier to make than you’d think.

   You see, allowing your ham to slow cook in a Crock-Pot does two brilliant things: 1) it gives the meat a super moist texture without overcooking it and 2) it allows the flavor of the glaze to deeply infuse into the ham. A win-win if we’ve ever heard of one!

4. Honey Pork Roast

   Now, if you’re sick of that same old ham, then it’s time for you to turn the idea on its head with this honey pork roast recipe.

   We admit that the dish may look like it belongs on the menu of a barbecue joint, but in reality, the ultra-tender, pull-apart quality of the meat lends itself perfectly to a sweet and savory Easter brunch.

5. Ham and Bean Soup

   Soup: because Easter falls during that time of year when you’re probably still going to be wearing your wool socks!

   If you do, in fact, end up experiencing chilly weather patterns on the holiday, serve up this comforting ham and bean soup to your shivering guests. It’s so wholesome that it can easily stand in for a main dish. Hot stuff!

6. Brussel Sprouts

   Brussels sprouts may be a wintertime staple, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t taste delicious next to that Easter ham.

   For sprouts with that hard-to-attain crunchy, yet soft texture, throw them in a Crock-Pot with some olive oil, vinegar, and brown sugar for added sweetness. We promise, even your littlest egg-hunters will love this side.

7. No-Knead Bread

   Sure, you could always make the hectic trip to your local grocery store to forage for what’s left of the bakery department’s rolls— but that doesn’t sound all that fun, does it?

   Instead, make your own no-knead bread right in your slow cooker. It’s a super simple process and one that even complete bread-making newbies can master with little effort. Hot, chewy bread for Easter brunch? Yes, please!

8. Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon

   This variation on Easter favorite, scalloped potatoes, is a staple in our family for 2 reasons: 1) the side practically cooks itself in a slow cooker and 2) the recipe calls for BACON.

   Need we say more?

9. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

   Ok, two separate potato dishes may seem like overkill, but we always feel compelled to whip up a batch of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes on each and every holiday. Here’s how we do it in our slow cooker…

We’d love to hear your take on these Easter brunch Crock-Pot classics! Have you ever made one of these dishes before? Do you have one of your own that you would like to share? What’s your favorite Easter tradition?