19 Easter Dinner Recipes to Make This Year

Easter dinner is the kind of meal that lingers in memory. It’s the ham glistening on the platter, the steam rising from buttery potatoes, the laughter around a table loaded with food. But if you’re the one cooking, it can also feel like a logistical puzzle with too many moving parts and not enough oven space.

I’ve hosted enough Easters to know that the key to a stress-free holiday is choosing the right recipes. You want dishes that feel special—maybe even a little impressive—but that won’t keep you trapped in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the day. You need a game plan.

These 19 Easter dinner recipes cover everything from show-stopping mains to comforting sides and even a few breads and appetizers to round out the feast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it intimate, going traditional or trying something new, there’s something here to make your Easter dinner delicious, memorable, and maybe even a little easier on you.

1. Classic Glazed Ham

Ham is the undisputed king of the Easter table, and for good reason. It’s forgiving, feeds a crowd, and leftovers are almost as exciting as the meal itself. This version gets a simple brown sugar and honey glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful, sticky crust.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 15-20

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut side down.
• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep.
• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
• Brush half the glaze over the ham. Bake for 1½ hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.
• Brush with remaining glaze and bake 30-45 minutes more until ham is heated through and glaze is sticky.
• Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving .

2. Roasted Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

For many families, lamb is the true taste of Easter. This classic preparation lets the meat shine, with plenty of garlic and fresh rosemary infusing every bite. The outside gets beautifully crusted while the inside stays tender and juicy.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes (plus resting)
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in leg of lamb
• 6-8 garlic cloves, sliced into slivers
• ¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat lamb dry and place in roasting pan.
• Make small incisions all over the lamb and insert garlic slivers.
• In a small bowl, mix rosemary, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub all over the lamb.
• Roast for 1½ to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
• Remove lamb to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest 20-30 minutes.
• Place roasting pan on stovetop over medium heat. Add broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until slightly reduced. Serve alongside lamb .

3. Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

Take your ham to the next level with this slightly smoky, deeply flavored bourbon glaze. The brown sugar caramelizes into a perfect crust, while the bourbon adds warmth and complexity that pairs beautifully with the salty ham.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 15-20

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1½ cups brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in roasting pan.
• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, honey, mustard, vinegar, and paprika. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Brush ham generously with glaze. Bake for 1½ hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and additional glaze.
• Continue baking until ham is heated through and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
• Rest 15-20 minutes before carving .

4. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham

If oven space is at a premium, this slow cooker ham is your best friend. It comes out incredibly tender and infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Plus, it stays warm in the crockpot until you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 4-6 hours
Servings: 12-15

Ingredients:

• 1 (7-8 pound) fully cooked ham
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Recipe Steps:

• Place ham in a large slow cooker, flat side down.
• In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and ginger.
• Pour half the glaze over the ham. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
• During the last hour, baste with remaining glaze.
• Remove ham to platter, tent with foil, and rest 15 minutes before carving. Skim fat from juices and serve alongside .

5. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

For a more elegant, special-occasion presentation, rack of lamb is hard to beat. A crust of fresh herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs creates a flavorful shell that gives way to perfectly pink, tender meat. It’s impressive enough for company but surprisingly simple to make.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of lamb (about 1½ pounds each), frenched
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Season lamb all over with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear lamb, fat side down, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Turn and sear other sides briefly.
• In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, and garlic.
• Brush the fat side of each rack with Dijon mustard. Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the mustard.
• Place lamb on a baking sheet, crust side up. Roast for 15-20 minutes for medium-rare (125-130°F internal).
• Rest 10 minutes before slicing into individual chops .

6. Brown Sugar Dijon Salmon

Not everyone wants ham or lamb, and this gorgeous salmon fillet is a lighter option that still feels special. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes under the broiler, creating a beautiful crust while the salmon stays moist and flaky.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 whole side of salmon (about 2-3 pounds), skin on
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place salmon skin-side down on prepared sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, whisk brown sugar, mustard, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil.
• Spread glaze evenly over salmon.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon is almost cooked through.
• For a caramelized top, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and serve .

7. Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Vegetables

A beautiful roast chicken is always welcome at a holiday table, and this one-pot version makes things easy. The chicken roasts on a bed of vegetables that soak up all the delicious juices, giving you a complete meal in one pan.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-6 pound) whole chicken
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and halved
• 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
• Pat chicken dry. Loosen skin over breast and thighs, and spread half the butter mixture under skin. Rub remaining butter all over outside. Stuff lemon halves into cavity.
• Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a large roasting pan.
• Place chicken on top of vegetables. Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and roast 50-60 minutes more until juices run clear.
• Rest 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables .

8. Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

These potatoes are the definition of comfort food. Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a rich, creamy sauce until tender and golden on top. They’re rich, satisfying, and the perfect partner for ham or lamb.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (⅛ inch)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
• In a saucepan, heat cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until warm.
• Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish, then half the onion. Pour half the cream mixture over and sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat layers.
• Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-30 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
• Let rest 15 minutes before serving .

9. Honey Butter Glazed Carrots

Simple, beautiful, and delicious, these glazed carrots add a pop of color to your Easter table. The honey butter brings out their natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes them feel elegant.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (or use whole baby carrots)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Recipe Steps:

• Place carrots in a large skillet and add just enough water to cover the bottom. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 5-7 minutes until carrots are tender-crisp.
• Drain any remaining water. Add butter, honey, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until carrots are glazed and tender, about 5-7 minutes more.
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve .

10. Fluffy Dinner Rolls

Warm, buttery rolls are non-negotiable on Easter. These homemade rolls are soft, fluffy, and surprisingly easy to make. They can also be shaped ahead of time and baked just before dinner.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising)
Servings: 15 rolls

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm milk
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing

Recipe Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
• Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Beat until smooth.
• Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead on floured surface 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch down, divide into 15 pieces, shape into balls, and place in greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden. Brush with melted butter .

11. Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus is the quintessential spring vegetable, and this simple preparation lets it shine. Roasted until tender-crisp, then topped with fresh lemon zest and salty Parmesan, it’s bright, fresh, and the perfect side for any Easter main.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Place asparagus on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic. Toss to coat.
• Roast for 10-15 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly browned.
• Transfer to platter, sprinkle with lemon zest, Parmesan, and lemon juice. Serve immediately .

12. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic Easter appetizer, and for good reason. They’re creamy, tangy, and always the first thing to disappear from the table. This classic version is simple to make and endlessly customizable with toppings.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 egg halves

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Paprika for sprinkling
• Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Recipe Steps:

• Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, cover, remove from heat, and let stand 12 minutes.
• Drain and transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool completely.
• Peel eggs, slice in half lengthwise, and remove yolks to a bowl.
• Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Spoon or pipe yolk mixture back into egg whites.
• Sprinkle with paprika and chives. Refrigerate until serving .

13. Glazed Carrots with Bourbon and Brown Sugar

These aren’t your average carrots. The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and butter creates a deeply flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They’re sweet, slightly smoky, and sophisticated enough for a holiday table.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Recipe Steps:

• Place carrots in a large skillet and add just enough water to cover bottom. Cover and cook over medium heat 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain.
• Add butter, brown sugar, bourbon, salt, and pepper to skillet.
• Cook uncovered over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until carrots are glazed and liquid has reduced to a syrupy coating, about 5-7 minutes.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve .

14. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Everything is better with extra cheese, and these scalloped potatoes prove it. Layers of tender potatoes and onion are smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. They’re pure indulgence.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
• In a saucepan, heat cream, garlic, salt, and pepper until warm.
• Layer half the potatoes in dish, then half the onion. Pour half the cream over, sprinkle with half the cheeses. Repeat layers.
• Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake 20-30 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden and bubbly.
• Let rest 15 minutes before serving .

15. Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Even Brussels sprouts skeptics love this version. Roasted until crispy, then tossed with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze and plenty of bacon, they’re irresistible. The bacon adds smoky saltiness that balances the honey perfectly.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on baking sheet.
• Roast 20-25 minutes until sprouts are tender and bacon is crisp.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic until slightly reduced, about 3-4 minutes.
• Transfer roasted sprouts to serving bowl, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and toss to coat. Serve warm .

16. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These aren’t just any mashed potatoes. By simmering whole garlic cloves with the potatoes, then mashing them in, you get a subtle, mellow garlic flavor throughout. They’re creamy, buttery, and absolutely addictive.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream, warmed
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh chives for garnish

Recipe Steps:

• Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
• Drain well and return to pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes to dry slightly.
• Mash potatoes and garlic with a potato masher or ricer.
• Add butter, sour cream, and warm milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Garnish with chives and serve .

17. Roasted Asparagus with Hollandaise

If you want to go all out, asparagus with hollandaise is the ultimate spring vegetable indulgence. The rich, lemony sauce elevates simple roasted asparagus into something truly special.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• For hollandaise: 3 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ cup butter (melted and hot), pinch of cayenne, salt to taste

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on baking sheet 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Meanwhile, make hollandaise: whisk egg yolks and lemon juice in a heatproof bowl until thick. Place bowl over simmering water (not touching water) and whisk constantly. Slowly drizzle in hot melted butter while whisking until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, whisk in cayenne and salt. If too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water.
• Arrange asparagus on platter, spoon hollandaise over, and serve immediately .

18. Pineapple Casserole

This might sound unusual, but sweet pineapple casserole is a beloved classic in many Southern families. The combination of sweet pineapple, buttery crackers, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a unique sweet-savory dish that pairs perfectly with ham.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1½ cups)
• ½ cup butter, melted

Recipe Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
• In a large bowl, gently stir together drained pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheddar cheese.
• Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.
• In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over pineapple mixture.
• Bake 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly, and topping is golden brown.
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving .

19. Easy Easter Bread Ring

This beautiful braided bread ring makes a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table. It’s slightly sweet, soft, and can be decorated with colored eggs for a traditional touch. Perfect for tearing and sharing.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising)
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup warm water
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• For topping: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, colored Easter eggs (optional), sprinkles or pearl sugar

Recipe Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
• Add warm milk, water, butter, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
• Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead on floured surface 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Punch down, divide dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope.
• Braid ropes together, then form into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching ends together.
• Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. If using colored eggs, gently press them into the braid at intervals.
• Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with pearl sugar if desired.
• Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack .