Easter Dinner Ideas: Easy & Festive Recipes

Easter is a time for family, tradition, and, of course, a fantastic meal. Whether you’re planning a classic Easter feast with ham and scalloped potatoes or exploring modern takes like baked salmon or vegetarian dishes, the right menu makes all the difference.

This guide will walk you through the best Easter dinner ideas, covering traditional main courses, delicious sides, appetizers, and desserts. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or keeping it simple, these Easter dinner ideas will help you create a memorable holiday meal.

Planning Your Easter Dinner Menu

A well-balanced Easter meal includes a protein, vegetable sides, potatoes, and a dessert. Consider these factors when planning:

• Classic vs. modern flavors – Stick with tradition (ham, lamb) or try something new (salmon, vegetarian dishes).
• Ease of preparation – Sheet pan meals or make-ahead dishes can simplify your Easter cooking.
• Dietary needs – Offer vegetarian or gluten-free options for guests with specific preferences.
• Budget considerations – Choose cost-effective ingredients like bone-in ham or roasted vegetables.

Here are some sample meal combinations:

• Traditional: Honey-glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, and carrot cake.
• Modern twist: Baked salmon, herb-roasted baby potatoes, citrus salad, and lemon blueberry cobbler.
• Vegetarian-friendly: Stuffed butternut squash, creamed spinach, garlic butter green beans, and mixed berry cake.

Classic Easter Main Courses

Easter Ham Recipe

Ham is a staple of Easter dinners. A honey-glazed ham provides the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in spiral ham
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and cloves.
3. Score the ham and brush glaze over it.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
5. Let rest before slicing and serving.

Roasted Leg of Lamb

For a more savory option, try a garlic and herb roasted leg of lamb.

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rub lamb with garlic, olive oil, rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, until internal temp reaches 135°F (medium-rare).
4. Rest before slicing.

Vegetarian Easter Dinner Option: Stuffed Butternut Squash

Looking for a vegetarian-friendly Easter dinner? – Check out this guide on Vegetarian Easter Dinner for delicious plant-based meal ideas.

A hearty, plant-based alternative that brings vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, halved
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 tbsp goat cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast squash at 400°F for 40 minutes.
2. Mix quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.
3. Fill squash halves with the mixture and bake for 10 more minutes.

Best Easter Side Dishes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this dish is always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Layer potatoes in a baking dish.
2. Mix cream, cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Pour over potatoes and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

A light, fresh side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Toss asparagus with olive oil and salt.
2. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and buttery carrots complement any Easter meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups baby carrots
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Cook carrots until tender.
2. Melt butter, add honey and thyme, then mix with carrots.

Irresistible Easter Appetizers

Deviled Eggs with Bacon

A twist on the classic deviled egg.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 3 tbsp mayo
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 strips cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

1. Halve eggs and remove yolks.
2. Mix yolks with mayo, mustard, and bacon.
3. Fill egg whites with mixture.

Asparagus Tart

Light, crispy, and perfect for spring.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1/2 cup goat cheese
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Spread goat cheese on puff pastry.
2. Top with asparagus and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Sweet Easter Desserts

Want to add a fun and colorful Easter dessert? – Try this Easter Egg Fruit Pizza, a festive and fruity treat perfect for the holiday.

Easter Carrot Cake

A moist and flavorful classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup walnuts

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and pour into a cake pan.
2. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
3. Frost with cream cheese icing.

Lemon Blueberry Cobbler

For a unique sweet treat after your Easter feast, consider making Easter Jello Pie—a light, refreshing dessert with vibrant layers.

A fresh, zesty dessert option.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

1. Mix berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Top with flour and butter mixture.
3. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Easter Dinner on a Budget

Save money by using:

• Bone-in ham instead of pre-cut slices.
• Seasonal vegetables like asparagus and carrots.
• Make-ahead recipes to reduce last-minute grocery runs.

Meal Prep Tips for a Stress-Free Easter

• Make-ahead dishes – Scalloped potatoes and desserts can be prepped the day before.
• Use sheet pans – Cook ham, potatoes, and vegetables together to save time.
• Storage and leftovers – Freeze ham slices for sandwiches or use leftover lamb for wraps.

Conclusion

Easter dinner ideas can be simple yet delicious with the right planning. Mix and match dishes to create your perfect feast. What’s your favorite Easter dish? Let us know in the comments!