60+ Easter Dinner Recipes That’ll Make Your Holiday Unforgettable

Easter dinner is one of my favorite occasions to cook for family. After spending over fifty years in the kitchen, I’ve learned that the secret to a great Easter meal isn’t just about having fancy recipes, it’s about making dishes that bring people together and create memories. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or cooking for a small group, these ten recipes have never let me down.

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The beauty of Easter dinner is that you can mix and match these dishes to suit your crowd. Maybe your family loves ham, or perhaps lamb is more your style. I’ve included everything from main courses to sides and desserts, so you’ll have options no matter what your guests prefer. The best part? Most of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, which takes the stress out of cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Recipe	Course	Prep Time	Cook Time	Difficulty
Honey Glazed Ham	Main	15 mins	2.5 hours	Easy
Roast Leg of Lamb	Main	20 mins	2 hours	Medium
Deviled Eggs	Appetizer	20 mins	15 mins	Easy
Herb Roasted Chicken	Main	15 mins	1.5 hours	Easy
Scalloped Potatoes	Side	20 mins	1 hour	Medium
Hot Cross Buns	Bread	30 mins	25 mins	Medium
Spring Vegetable Casserole	Side	15 mins	45 mins	Easy
Baked Salmon with Lemon	Main	10 mins	25 mins	Easy
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting	Dessert	20 mins	35 mins	Easy
Asparagus with Garlic Butter	Side	5 mins	8 mins	Easy

1: Honey Glazed Ham

I’ve made this ham more times than I can count, and I promise you, it’s always a showstopper. The combination of honey and brown sugar creates this beautiful glaze that gets sticky and caramelized in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (8 to 10 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup water
• Whole cloves for decoration (optional)

How to Make:

• Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the ham from the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Score the surface by making shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern.
• Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan and pour water around it.
• Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
• Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper in a bowl.
• Take the ham out and brush the glaze all over it.
• If you want, stick whole cloves where the cuts intersect.
• Return to the oven uncovered for 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
• Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

2: Roast Leg of Lamb

Lamb is traditional for Easter, and honestly, this recipe is what my grandmother taught me decades ago. The herbs keep it tender and flavorful, and your kitchen will smell amazing while it roasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in leg of lamb (6 to 7 pounds)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced

How to Make?

• Bring the lamb to room temperature for 45 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Rub this mixture all over the lamb, getting into the crevices.
• Place the lamb on a roasting pan with sliced onions at the bottom.
• Pour beef broth around the lamb.
• Roast for about 2 hours for medium-rare.
• Check the temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 145 degrees.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes.
• Slice and serve with the pan drippings.

3: Deviled Eggs

These little bites are so easy to make, and they disappear fast at any Easter gathering. I always make extra because people go back for seconds and thirds.

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish
• Fresh chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make?

• Boil water in a pot and carefully place eggs inside.
• Boil for about 12 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
• Let eggs cool completely, then peel them gently under running water.
• Cut each egg in half lengthwise and scoop out the yolks.
• Place yolks in a bowl and mash them with a fork.
• Mix in mayonnaise, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Spoon the mixture back into the egg white halves.
• Dust the top with paprika and fresh chives if you like.
• Chill until ready to serve.
• Serve cold.

4: Herb Roasted Chicken

Sometimes I prefer chicken over ham or lamb, and this recipe is my go-to. It’s simple, elegant, and feeds a decent crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole chickens (4 to 5 pounds each)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lemons, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth

How To Make?

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pat the chickens dry with paper towels.
• Mix butter, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Rub this mixture under and over the skin of each chicken.
• Stuff each chicken with lemon halves and onion quarters.
• Place chickens on a roasting pan and pour broth around them.
• Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• The skin should be golden and a meat thermometer should read 165 degrees.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• Serve with the pan drippings.

5: Scalloped Potatoes

My mother made these every Easter, and I’ve been making them ever since. The cream and cheese make it feel fancy, but it’s really just comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

How to Make?

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
• Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
• Add cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Stir until the cheese melts completely.
• Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish.
• Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
• Add the remaining potatoes and top with the rest of the sauce.
• Bake for about 1 hour until potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
• If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top in the last 10 minutes.

6: Hot Cross Buns

These spiced buns are quintessentially Easter, and making them from scratch is easier than you’d think. The smell alone makes the house feel festive.

Ingredients:

• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
• Water for the cross glaze

How to Make?

• Mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and all spices in a large bowl.
• Combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg in another bowl.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until shaggy dough forms.
• Knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Fold in currants or raisins.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
• Divide dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into balls.
• Place on a greased baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix a little flour and water to make a thick paste for the crosses.
• Pipe crosses on top of each bun.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool slightly and serve warm.

7: Spring Vegetable Casserole

This dish celebrates all the fresh vegetables that come with spring. I love how colorful it looks on the table, and it’s a great way to get everyone eating their veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups fresh asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup fresh peas
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make?

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Blanch broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and peas in boiling salted water for 3 minutes.
• Drain and transfer to a buttered baking dish.
• Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and stir for 1 minute.
• Slowly add vegetable broth and cream, whisking until smooth.
• Add tarragon, salt, and pepper.
• Pour this sauce over the vegetables.
• Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
• Bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8: Baked Salmon with Lemon

I started making this when I was trying to offer a lighter option at dinner. Now it’s one of the most requested dishes on my Easter table.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

How to Make?

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the parchment.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Top with fresh dill and lemon slices.
• Pour white wine around the fillets if using.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
• Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

9: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This is my absolute favorite Easter dessert. The spices and carrots make it moist and delicious, and the frosting is what keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients for Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Cake?

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat oil and sugar together.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Fold in the flour mixture.
• Stir in grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool completely.

How to Make the Frosting?

• Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
• Spread over cooled cake.

10: Asparagus with Garlic Butter

This is so simple, but it’s such a perfect springtime side. Fresh asparagus with garlic butter is elegant and tastes restaurant-quality with almost no effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon zest (optional)

How to Make?

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add asparagus and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Drain well in a colander.
• Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Return asparagus to the pot and toss to coat.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add lemon zest if desired.
• Serve immediately while hot.

Here Is The List Of 60+ Easter Dinner Ideas To Enjoy

Traditional Easter Dinner

• Honey-Glazed Ham
• Roast Leg of Lamb
• Deviled Eggs
• Hot Cross Buns
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Carrot and Pea Medley
• Spring Vegetable Soup
• Easter Bread (Paska / Brioche)
• Herb-Roasted Chicken

Easter Dinner For Kids

• Bunny-Shaped Sandwiches
• Mini Corn Dogs
• Cheesy Egg Muffins
• Easter Bunny Pancakes
• Carrot-Shaped Cheese Snacks
• Mini Mac & Cheese Cups
• Fruit Kabobs with Bunny Picks
• Easter Rice Krispie Treats
• Mini Pizza Bites
• Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Main Course Ideas

• Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
• Braised Lamb Shanks
• Roast Turkey with Herbs
• Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
• Vegetable Lasagna
• Roasted Chicken with Spring Veggies
• Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
• Mushroom-Stuffed Peppers
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

Easter Dinner Desserts

• Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Simnel Cake
• Easter Bunny Cupcakes
• Hot Cross Bun Pudding
• Lemon Meringue Pie
• Chocolate Egg Nest Cake
• Easter Sugar Cookies
• Mini Cheesecakes with Fruit
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
• Rice Pudding with Cinnamon

Healthy Easter Dinner Ideas

• Roasted Veggie Platter
• Quinoa Salad with Spring Veggies
• Grilled Salmon with Lemon
• Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes”
• Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
• Spinach and Strawberry Salad
• Carrot and Lentil Soup
• Baked Chicken with Herbs
• Asparagus and Pea Risotto
• Greek Yogurt Parfait with Fruit

Easter Dinner Drink Ideas

• Fresh Lemonade with Mint
• Strawberry Iced Tea
• Sparkling Berry Punch
• Carrot Orange Juice
• Peach Iced Tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

After fifty years of cooking, I can tell you that Easter dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. These ten recipes have served me well through countless holidays, and I hope they become part of your family traditions too. Start with what sounds good, and build from there. The most important part of any Easter meal isn’t the fancy food, it’s the people gathered around your table. Cook with love, and everything else will follow.

We have also cover some other Easter Foods, Easter Snacks And Easter Desserts.

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