As families gather around the table to celebrate, the meal becomes a focal point of traditions and memories in the making. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet holiday meal, the quest for the perfect Easter dinner recipes can be a daunting one. From the classic ham to innovative vegetarian options, we've rounded up 25 Easter dinner recipe ideas that will delight your guests and make this Easter unforgettable.
1. Honey Glazed Ham
The quintessential Easter centrepiece, honey-glazed ham, is both succulent and sweet. A generous glaze of honey mixed with brown sugar and Dijon mustard, brushed over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, is what really makes this dish like no other. Serve it with a side of roasted carrots or brussel sprouts for a classic touch.
2. Rosemary Lamb Chops
Lamb chops marinated in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil bring are an Easter dinner classic. Grill or broil them to perfection for a crispy exterior and tender interior. The key is to let them rest before serving to lock in the juices. Pair with mint sauce for a refreshing touch that enhances the lamb's rich flavour.
3. Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a rich mixture of cream, garlic, and cheese, then baked until golden brown, create a dish that's irresistible. The top gets deliciously crispy, while the inside remains melt-in-your-mouth soft. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because hey, everyone loves a good potato dish.
4. Spring Vegetable Quiche
Asparagus, leeks, and peas combined with a creamy egg custard and flaky crust make for a delicious side dish. It's a great way to showcase the season's freshest produce. Plus, it's just as delicious served warm or at room temperature.
5. Maple-Mustard Glazed Salmon
For a lighter main course, maple-mustard glazed salmon offers a sweet and tangy flavour that's hard to beat. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the salmon a gorgeous color and delicious crust. Serve it with a side of wild rice and steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
6. Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken
A garlic herb roasted chicken is a foolproof classic that's perfect for any Easter dinner. A mix of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and butter rubbed under and over the skin ensures the chicken is flavourful and moist. Roasting it with lemon and onion wedges adds an extra layer of flavour and stunning aromas.
7. Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles
Asparagus and prosciutto bundles wrapped in crispy prosciutto make for an elegant appetizer or side. The saltiness of the prosciutto complements the freshness of the asparagus perfectly. Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving.
8. Mushroom Risotto
Creamy mushroom risotto is a hearty vegetarian option that still feels indulgent. Arborio rice simmered slowly with vegetable broth, mixed with sautéed mushrooms and finished with Parmesan cheese, creates a rich and creamy dish. Stirring constantly is the key to achieving the perfect texture. It takes some time to get it just right, but it's well worth the effort.
9. Easter Bread
Easter bread, a sweet and soft bread dotted with colourful, hard-boiled eggs, is a traditional favourite. Infused with citrus zest and a hint of vanilla, you can serve it as part of your Easter brunch or as a sweet end to your dinner.
10. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Mixed greens, roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and candied walnuts are tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette for a perfect blend of flavours. The sweetness of the beets against the tangy cheese is a match made in heaven. It's a colourful option that will brighten your table a bit.
11. Carrot Soup with Ginger and Turmeric
Start your Easter meal with a soup that is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the warmth of the ginger and the earthiness of the turmeric. Top with a dollop of yogurt and some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavour.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
The green beans are wrapped in bacon and roasted until the bacon is crispy. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar before roasting adds a hint of sweetness.
13. Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
Lemon herb roasted potatoes are a zesty and herby side dish that's incredibly easy to make. Tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and a mix of fresh herbs, then roasted until golden and crispy. They're the perfect accompaniment to any main dish.
14. Deviled Eggs with Avocado
Give your deviled eggs a twist this Easter by adding avocado to the filling. The creaminess of the avocado pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the traditional mayo and mustard filling. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a few slices of jalapeno for an extra kick.
15. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
A spinach and strawberry salad is a fresh and vibrant choice for Easter. Tossed with a homemade poppy seed dressing and topped with feta cheese and sliced almonds, it's a refreshing side that complements any main dish.
16. Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
The asparagus is coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then roasted until crispy. It's a delicious way to elevate a classic spring vegetable. Serve it with a lemon wedge for a zesty finish.
17. Herb and Garlic Crusted Prime Rib
Herb and garlic crusted prime rib is a show-stopping main dish that's perfect for an Easter feast. The rib is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and garlic, then roasted to perfection. The crust adds a flavourful and crispy exterior, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
18. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping is a beloved classic with a sweet twist. The creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a layer of gooey marshmallows, creating a delightful contrast. It's a side dish that doubles as a dessert, satisfying both sweet and savoury cravings.
19. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
Grilled asparagus with lemon butter is a quick and easy side that brings a smoky flavour to your Easter table. The asparagus is grilled until tender and charred, then drizzled with a lemon butter sauce. It's a light and flavourful dish that pairs well with both meat and fish.
20. Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto
The lamb is roasted to tender perfection, then served with a fresh mint pesto that brightens up the dish. The combination of flavours is both sophisticated and satisfying.
21. Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut squash risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that's perfect for a spring meal. The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the risotto. It's a hearty vegetarian option that still feels luxurious.
22. Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Glazed carrots with thyme are a simple, yet elegant side dish that's perfect for Easter. The carrots are glazed in a buttery sauce with a hint of honey and fresh thyme, bringing out their natural sweetness. The brightness of the thyme adds a fresh touch that's perfect for spring.
23. Chocolate Easter Egg Tart
End your Easter meal on a sweet note with a chocolate Easter egg tart. A rich and creamy chocolate filling is poured into a buttery tart shell, then decorated with colourful Easter egg candies. It's a festive and delicious dessert that's sure to delight both children and adults. This tart is the perfect way to celebrate the sweetness of Easter.
24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a side dish that combines the best of both worlds. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and caramelized, then tossed with crispy bacon pieces. The addition of bacon adds a smoky flavour that you just can't resist.
25. Easter Pie (Torta Pasqualina)
Easter pie, or Torta Pasqualina, is a traditional Italian dish that's perfect for an Easter celebration. Layers of flaky pastry encase a filling of ricotta cheese, spinach, and whole eggs. When sliced, the eggs reveal a beautiful cross-section that's perfect for the occasion.