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Easter dinner has a way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re enjoying the first signs of spring, and the next, you’re staring at a blank notebook page, trying to plan a meal that feels special enough for the occasion. If you’re hosting this year, you might be feeling that familiar mix of excitement and “where do I even start?”
You want a menu that brings everyone to the table, with dishes that feel traditional and comforting, but you also don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day. I’ve been there, flipping through recipes and hoping for a game plan that actually works.
This list gathers the classic Easter recipes that people genuinely look forward to. Think tender ham, fresh spring vegetables, and creamy sides that pair perfectly together. Whether you’re feeding a big crowd or keeping it small, these recipes are here to help you build a memorable meal without the stress.
1. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This is the centerpiece that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes on the ham, creating a beautiful crust that everyone loves.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) fully cooked bone-in half ham
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Whole cloves (optional)
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves if using.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and vinegar to form a paste.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through and the glaze is sticky.
2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are a must on any holiday table. Roasting garlic first adds a mellow, sweet depth that elevates this classic side dish without overpowering it.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk, warmed
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft. Squeeze out the roasted garlic paste.
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted water, and boil until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Return potatoes to the pot. Add roasted garlic paste, butter, cream cheese, and warm cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
These carrots bring a bright pop of color to the plate and a fresh, sweet-tasting flavor. Cooking them in a little honey and butter makes them tender and glossy, while fresh thyme adds an earthy note.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds or sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the honey and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until carrots are tender.
- Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, stirring often, until the liquid reduces to a glaze. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper before serving.
4. Classic Spring Pea Salad
This salad is a breath of fresh air on a plate of hearty foods. It’s crisp, slightly sweet, and has a satisfying crunch from bacon and cheese, making it a timeless potluck and dinner favorite.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
- 1 cup diced sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 slices)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pea mixture and stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Roasted Leg of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic
For those who prefer lamb as their Easter centerpiece, this recipe is a foolproof choice. A simple paste of garlic and fresh rosemary perfumes the meat as it roasts, creating a juicy, flavorful main dish.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours (plus resting time)
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-6 lb) bone-in leg of lamb
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat the lamb dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic, rosemary, olive oil, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to form a paste.
- Rub the paste all over the lamb. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Roast for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 130°F for medium-rare. Let the lamb rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
6. Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a rich, creamy sauce until tender, topped with nutty Gruyere cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels fancy enough for a holiday table.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat until warm.
- Layer half the potatoes in the dish, sprinkle with half the Gruyere. Repeat layers.
- Pour the warm cream mixture over the potatoes. Top with Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
7. Perfect Deviled Eggs
No Easter spread is complete without deviled eggs. This version keeps the filling creamy and tangy, with a sprinkle of paprika on top for that classic look everyone recognizes.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 egg halves
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
- Fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Recipe Steps:
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool completely. Peel and slice in half lengthwise.
- Remove yolks to a bowl and mash with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pipe or spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and chives before serving.
8. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, these homemade rolls are worth the little bit of effort. They pull apart easily and are perfect for sopping up every last bit of ham juice or gravy.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
Servings: 15 rolls
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Extra melted butter for brushing
Recipe Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Beat for 2 minutes.
- Stir in remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough, divide into 15 pieces, and shape into balls. Place in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter immediately.
9. Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan
Fresh asparagus spears roast quickly and come out tender with slightly crisp tips. A squeeze of lemon and a shower of Parmesan cheese add brightness and savory flavor.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Arrange asparagus on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
10. Creamed Spinach
This rich, velvety side dish is a steakhouse classic that pairs beautifully with ham or lamb. A hint of nutmeg warms up the creamy spinach without stealing the show.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb fresh spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted. Cook until all liquid evaporates, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until combined.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve warm.
11. Honey Baked Brie
This warm, melty appetizer is always a crowd-pleaser. Wrapped in puff pastry and drizzled with honey, it’s simple to assemble but looks like you spent hours on it.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 (8 oz) wheel of Brie cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll out puff pastry slightly. Place Brie in the center. Top with honey and nuts.
- Fold pastry up and over the Brie, pinching seams to seal. Flip seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving with crackers or sliced baguette.
12. Glazed Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, spiced, and packed with grated carrots, this cake is Easter in dessert form. The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness perfectly.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling)
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Gradually add oil. Stir in dry ingredients.
- Fold in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts. Pour into pans.
- Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting between layers and on top.
13. Spring Vegetable Medley
Let the season’s best veggies shine in this simple sauté. Crisp-tender sugar snap peas, radishes, and carrots look beautiful and taste fresh and light.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 cup radishes, halved
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Recipe Steps:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Add radishes and shallot, cook 2 minutes more.
- Add sugar snap peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
14. Southern Style Green Beans
Not your average steamed green beans. These are slow-cooked with bacon and onion until they’re tender and full of savory flavor.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, leaving drippings.
- Add onion to drippings and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add green beans, broth, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 45-60 minutes until beans are very tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Top with reserved bacon before serving.
15. Lemon Bars
Bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet, lemon bars are a refreshing way to end a rich Easter meal. The buttery shortbread crust holds a smooth, zesty filling.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients:
- For crust: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup cold butter
- For filling: 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup lemon juice, lemon zest
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
- For crust: mix powdered sugar and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into pan. Bake 20 minutes.
- For filling: whisk eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate until firm. Dust with powdered sugar before cutting.
16. Pineapple Casserole
This might sound unusual, but it’s a Southern classic for a reason. Sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping bake into a magical sweet-savory side dish.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine pineapple, sugar, and flour. Stir in cheese.
- Pour mixture into the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the pineapple.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden.
17. Minted Pea Soup
A light, elegant starter that sings of spring. This vibrant green soup is creamy, subtly sweet, and brightened by fresh mint.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 leek, white part only, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cups frozen peas
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add leek and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in mint. Remove from heat.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in cream.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled.
18. Cheesy Potato Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunchy cornflake crust, this potato casserole is pure comfort. It’s like elevated hash browns that disappear fast.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 1 hour
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Topping: 2 cups crushed cornflakes, 1/4 cup melted butter
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- In a large bowl, combine hash browns, butter, soup, sour cream, cheese, and onion. Mix well.
- Spread mixture evenly in the dish.
- For topping, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle over potatoes.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
19. Hot Cross Buns
These spiced, fruit-filled buns are an Easter tradition. Soft and sweet with a simple cross icing, they’re wonderful for breakfast or as a side with afternoon tea.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 3 hours (includes rising)
Servings: 15 buns
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup currants or raisins
- For icing: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk
Recipe Steps:
Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a thick icing. Pipe a cross on each bun.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, spices, and salt. Add milk, butter, and eggs. Mix until dough forms.
Knead in currants. Knead dough for 8 minutes until smooth. Place in greased bowl, cover, rise 1 hour.
Punch down, divide into 15 pieces, shape into balls. Place in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover, rise 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool.
