12 Easter Dinner Ideas

Easter dinner is a traditional meal associated with Easter, an annual religious celebration, in which participating families gather together to enjoy a range of culinary offerings. A traditional menu for this holiday generally includes a main course like Easter ham or lamb (including rack of lamb or leg of lamb), accompanied by an array of side dishes like grilled artichokes, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or garlic-roasted radishes, and dinner rolls. Some families may serve a different protein—like turkey—or a vegetarian Easter dinner.

These Easter dinner tips will help you juggle the many elements of hosting guests for this special occasion:

1. 1. Consider the whole family. Some guests may enjoy eating meat, while others may be vegetarians. Incorporate a few vegetarian entrée options and side dishes, so there’s something for everyone on your Easter dinner menu.
2. 2. Make it a potluck. Instead of creating every part of the meal yourself, ask your guests to bring their favorite side dishes like scalloped potatoes or green bean casserole.
3. 3. Prepare certain dishes in advance. The day of this special occasion will likely be busy, so try to incorporate some dishes that you can make ahead of time, like roast lamb or cupcakes for dessert. Learn how to make red velvet cupcakes.
4. 4. Use easy recipes. A fantastic Easter feast doesn’t need to be complicated. Rely on simple recipes that don’t require too much prep work, or make your main dish in the slow cooker for a hands-off entrée.

Whether you’re looking for side or main dishes to fill your holiday table, these flavorful recipes are perfect for any Easter dinner celebration.

1. 1. Agnolotti: This Italian stuffed pasta is made of a rich, egg-based pasta dough that can be thick or thin but is always pillow-shaped. Fill agnolotti with pumpkin or butternut squash, braised beef, chicken and spinach, ground pork, or your favorite Easter ingredients.
2. 2. Carrot cake: A festive holiday dinner isn’t complete without Easter desserts. Carrot cake is a sweet cake made with shredded carrots, typically decorated with cream cheese frosting. In addition to their sweetness, carrots add moisture to this cake recipe.
3. 3. Deviled eggs: This classic appetizer—consisting of hard-boiled egg halves filled with a creamy egg yolk mixture—is an excellent way to use up your Easter egg stockpile. Deviled eggs often get seasoned with cayenne, smoked paprika, or black pepper and garnished with herbs like dill or chives.
4. 4. Glazed carrots: Add a sweet and tangy glaze to roasted carrots for a crowd-pleasing Easter side dish. To make glazed carrots, cook them in butter, sugar, and vinegar.
5. 5. Hot cross buns: Filled with sweet dried fruit, these buttery buns are a common addition to the English Easter dinner table. Enjoy hot cross buns with a generous smear of butter for Easter brunch or as a post-dinner treat.
6. 6. Lamb chops: Lamb is the most classic of Easter dinner main dishes. Make Greek-inspired grilled lamb chops by roasting the meat in olive oil and topping it with feta or ricotta. Use a slow cooker to prepare your lamb chops for a hands-off cooking experience.
7. 7. Mashed potatoes: A generous crock of creamy mashed potatoes is a classic accompaniment to a roast rack of lamb. Learn how to make perfect mashed potatoes.
8. 8. Pork tenderloin: This lean cut of meat from a pig’s backbone is tender, boneless, and ideal for smoking. A pork roast is a more elegant alternative to serving roasted chicken or ham, and pork chops are easy to share. For an elegant Easter dinner, serve smoked pork tenderloin with your favorite side dishes.
9. 9. Roasted asparagus: Easter dinner needs a vegetable side dish, and roasted asparagus spears have a wonderful nutty flavor that pairs nicely with any protein. Top the roasted asparagus spears with goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, or a fried egg for some protein.
10. 10. Roasted duck: Pan-roasted duck breast pairs perfectly with an array of Easter-friendly side dishes like glazed carrots, deviled eggs, and potatoes. To pan-roast duck breast, cook it skin-side down until it is crisp and the fat renders, then briefly cook the meat side until it reaches your desired doneness.
11. 11. Smoked glazed ham: Instead of roasting a classic spiral ham you’d find at the grocery store, consider smoking your ham to make it extra juicy. Because manufacturers pre-cook spiral-cut ham, it can be on the dry side once it hits your table. Instead, making double-smoked ham helps lock in moisture with a glaze. Combine brown sugar and Dijon mustard for your glaze, cover your ham with it, and serve this show-stopper as your holiday centerpiece.
12. 12. Spring salad: A simple salad recipe comes together quickly and works with any Easter main dish. Try mixing arugula with a citrus vinaigrette featuring lemon zest for an adaptable salad that goes with just about anything. If you prefer a crispy salad, add breadcrumbs or pieces of roast chicken.

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