Easter dinner is a time to gather with family and friends, sharing in a meal that celebrates the joy and renewal of the season. To help you create a memorable feast, here’s a collection of 29 Easter dinner ideas, each brimming with flavors that pay homage to the freshness and bounty of spring. From classic dishes like roasted lamb and glazed ham to lighter fare and vegetarian options, these recipes cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a more intimate meal, these Easter dinner ideas are designed to impress and delight, making your holiday gathering truly special.
1. Roast Leg of Lamb
A Traditional Easter Favorite
Roast Leg of Lamb is a traditional Easter favorite, known for its tender meat and rich flavor, often accompanied by herbs and a succulent gravy.
Ideal for a Family Feast
This dish serves as a stunning centerpiece for a family Easter feast, offering a classic taste of the holiday.
Serve with Mint Sauce
Complement the lamb with a side of mint sauce or jelly for a traditional pairing.
2. Glazed Easter Ham
A Sweet and Savory Delight
Glazed Easter Ham is a sweet and savory delight, featuring a juicy ham glazed with a mixture of honey, mustard, and warm spices.
Perfect for a Large Gathering
This ham is ideal for feeding a large gathering, providing a flavorful and festive main dish.
Pair with Pineapple or Cherries
Add pineapple rings or cherries during the glazing process for added sweetness and a decorative touch.
3. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
An Elegant and Flavorful Option
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb offers an elegant and flavorful option for Easter dinner, with a crust of herbs and breadcrumbs, roasted to perfection.
Great for an Upscale Meal
Serve this rack of lamb for a more upscale Easter meal, impressing your guests with its presentation and taste.
Accompany with Roasted Vegetables
Pair with roasted spring vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
4. Spring Vegetable Quiche
A Light and Colorful Dish
Spring Vegetable Quiche is a light and colorful dish, perfect for Easter, featuring fresh spring vegetables and a creamy egg filling in a flaky crust.
Ideal for a Brunch or Light Dinner
Enjoy this quiche for an Easter brunch or as a light dinner option, especially suitable for vegetarian guests.
Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables
Feel free to customize the quiche with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
5. Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken
A Simple Yet Flavorful Entrée
Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful entrée, with the chicken marinated in a blend of garlic and fresh herbs, then roasted to golden perfection.
Perfect for a Family Dinner
This roasted chicken is a great choice for a family dinner, offering a universally appealing option.
Serve with a Side of Mashed Potatoes
Complement with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty side.
6. Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles
An Elegant and Tasty Appetizer
Asparagus and Prosciutto Bundles are an elegant and tasty appetizer, combining fresh asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, perfect for starting your Easter meal.
Great for a Sophisticated Start
These bundles are ideal as a sophisticated start to your dinner, offering a delightful combination of flavors.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and a gourmet finish.
Read also: 30 Easter Desserts
7. Spinach and Strawberry Salad
A Fresh and Vibrant Side
Spinach and Strawberry Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish, featuring baby spinach, sweet strawberries, and a light vinaigrette, ideal for a springtime meal.
Ideal for a Light and Healthy Option
Serve this salad for a light and healthy option that adds color and freshness to your Easter table.
Top with Goat Cheese and Nuts
Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and nuts for added texture and richness.
8. Parmesan Crusted Scalloped Potatoes
A Creamy and Indulgent Side Dish
Parmesan Crusted Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy and indulgent side dish, layered with thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and a crispy Parmesan topping.
Perfect for a Comforting Accompaniment
These scalloped potatoes are perfect for accompanying your main dish, offering a comforting and satisfying side.
Add Layers of Ham or Bacon
For a heartier version, add layers of ham or bacon between the potatoes.
9. Honey Glazed Carrots
A Sweet and Simple Side
Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and simple side dish, featuring tender carrots glazed with honey and seasoned with a touch of butter and herbs.
Ideal for Adding Sweetness to the Table
These glazed carrots are perfect for adding a touch of natural sweetness to your Easter dinner, complementing both meat and vegetarian entrees.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
10. Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
A Festive and Traditional Bread
Easter Bread, or Pane di Pasqua, is a festive and traditional bread often made for Easter, featuring a sweet, brioche-like dough and sometimes decorated with colored eggs.
Great for an Easter Brunch
Serve this bread as part of your Easter brunch or as a special treat during your Easter dinner.
Decorate with Dyed Easter Eggs
Incorporate dyed Easter eggs into the braid for a festive and colorful presentation.
11. Creamy Leek and Potato Soup
A Comforting and Savory Starter
Creamy Leek and Potato Soup is a comforting and savory starter, perfect for spring, with the mild flavor of leeks complemented by creamy potatoes.
Ideal for a Light Beginning
Enjoy this soup as a light beginning to your Easter meal, offering warmth and flavor without being too heavy.
Top with Crispy Leeks
Garnish with crispy fried leeks for added texture and a gourmet touch.
12. Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb
A Flavorful and Hearty Main Course
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb is a flavorful and hearty main course, with the lamb marinated in a mixture of rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, then roasted to tender perfection.
Perfect for a Traditional Easter Meal
This lamb dish is ideal for those seeking a traditional Easter meal, offering a classic and delicious option.
Serve with a Red Wine Jus
Accompany with a red wine jus or gravy for added depth of flavor.
13. Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter
A Fresh and Zesty Side
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Butter is a fresh and zesty side dish, featuring asparagus spears grilled until crisp-tender and topped with a lemony butter sauce.
Great for a Spring Vegetable Option
This asparagus dish is great for adding a light and healthy vegetable option to your Easter dinner.
Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese
Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
14. Mushroom Risotto
A Creamy and Earthy Dish
Mushroom Risotto is a creamy and earthy dish, perfect for those who want a rich and satisfying vegetarian option at their Easter table.
Ideal for a Gourmet Vegetarian Entree
Serve this risotto as a gourmet vegetarian entrée, ensuring everyone at your table has a delicious option.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the flavors.
15. Deviled Eggs
A Classic and Popular Appetizer
Deviled Eggs are a classic and popular appetizer, perfect for Easter. They feature halved boiled eggs filled with a creamy and tangy yolk mixture.
Perfect for an Easter Gathering
These deviled eggs are ideal for serving at an Easter gathering, as they’re a favorite among guests of all ages.
Experiment with Various Toppings
Try various toppings like paprika, bacon bits, or chives for different flavors and presentations.
16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
A Crispy and Flavorful Side
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze offer a crispy and flavorful side dish, with the sprouts roasted until golden and drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze.
Great for Adding a Gourmet Touch
Add these Brussels sprouts to your Easter dinner for a gourmet touch that’s both healthy and delicious.
Top with Toasted Nuts
Garnish with toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for added crunch.
17. Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
A Sweet and Festive Main Dish
Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries is a sweet and festive main dish, featuring a juicy ham baked with a glaze of pineapple juice and adorned with pineapple rings and cherries.
Ideal for a Centerpiece Entrée
This ham makes for a beautiful centerpiece entrée at your Easter table, offering a classic holiday flavor with a festive presentation.
Baste Frequently for Flavor
For the best results, baste the ham frequently with its glaze to enhance its flavor and ensure it stays moist and succulent.
18. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A Cheesy and Comforting Pasta Dish
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a cheesy and comforting pasta dish, perfect for Easter. Large pasta shells are stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, and herbs.
Perfect for a Vegetarian Main Course
This dish is an excellent vegetarian main course option, offering a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Top with Marinara Sauce
Serve with a homemade or quality store-bought marinara sauce for added zest and color.
19. Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
A Light and Flavorful Alternative
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a light and flavorful alternative to heavier meats, with the turkey marinated in a citrus and herb mixture, then roasted to tender perfection.
Great for a Smaller Gathering
This turkey breast is ideal for smaller Easter gatherings, providing a delicious and lean protein option.
Serve with Citrus Gravy
Prepare a citrus-infused gravy to complement the turkey’s bright flavors.
20. Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
A Simple and Savory Side
Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes are a simple and savory side dish, featuring crispy potatoes roasted with garlic butter, perfect for accompanying any Easter meal.
Ideal for a Crowd-Pleasing Side
These potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a universally loved dish that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Garnish with Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added flavor and a pop of color.
21. Spring Pea Risotto
A Creamy and Seasonal Delight
Spring Pea Risotto is a creamy and seasonal delight, combining arborio rice with fresh spring peas, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon for a bright and satisfying dish.
Perfect for an Elegant Side or Main
Serve this risotto as an elegant side or as a vegetarian main course to showcase the freshness of spring ingredients.
Stir in Fresh Mint
Add freshly chopped mint at the end of cooking for a refreshing twist.
22. Maple Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
A Sweet and Earthy Side Dish
Maple Glazed Carrots and Parsnips is a sweet and earthy side dish, featuring these root vegetables glazed with maple syrup and roasted until caramelized.
Great for Adding Sweetness to Your Meal
This side dish is perfect for adding a touch of natural sweetness to your Easter meal, complementing both meat and vegetarian entrees.
Top with a Sprinkle of Thyme
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
23. Green Bean Almondine
A Classic and Elegant Vegetable Dish
Green Bean Almondine is a classic and elegant vegetable dish, featuring fresh green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and slivered almonds.
Ideal for a Light and Healthy Side
This dish is an excellent choice for a light and healthy side that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Add Lemon Zest for Freshness
Incorporate lemon zest for an added burst of freshness and tang.
Read also: 28 Easter Recipes
24. Easter Egg Bread
A Sweet and Decorative Bread
Easter Egg Bread is a sweet and decorative bread, often braided and adorned with colored eggs, making it both a delicious and festive addition to your Easter table.
Perfect for a Holiday Centerpiece
Use this bread as a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter dinner, offering both a treat and a decoration.
Serve with Honey Butter
Accompany the bread with honey butter for a delightful sweet and savory experience.
25. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
A Vibrant and Refreshing Starter
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad is a vibrant and refreshing starter, perfect for Easter. It combines roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and mixed greens, dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Ideal for a Light and Flavorful Beginning
This salad is ideal for a light and flavorful beginning to your Easter meal, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Top with Toasted Nuts for Crunch
Garnish with toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor.
26. Crown Roast of Lamb
A Majestic and Tender Main Dish
Crown Roast of Lamb is a majestic and tender main dish, perfect for Easter. The lamb is arranged in a crown shape and roasted to perfection, making it both visually impressive and deliciously succulent.
Great for a Special Occasion Meal
This dish is perfect for a special occasion, serving as a stunning centerpiece that is sure to impress your guests.
Fill the Center with Seasonal Vegetables
For added elegance, fill the center of the crown roast with roasted seasonal vegetables or a stuffing of your choice.
27. Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
A Light and Healthy Seafood Option
Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs is a light and healthy seafood option for Easter, featuring flaky cod fillets seasoned with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, baked until tender.
Ideal for a Lighter Easter Dinner
This dish is perfect for those seeking a lighter option for Easter dinner, providing a delicious and healthy alternative to heavier meats.
Serve with a Side of Roasted Asparagus
Pair with a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh spring salad for a complete meal.
28. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna
A Vegetarian Delight
Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna is a vegetarian delight, layering noodles with a rich mixture of mushrooms, spinach, cheeses, and béchamel sauce.
Perfect for Accommodating Vegetarian Guests
Serve this lasagna as an excellent option for vegetarian guests or anyone looking for a meatless main course that is both hearty and satisfying.
Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
Finish with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.
29. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
A Sweet and Savory Salad Combination
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad is a sweet and savory combination, perfect for Easter. It features fresh pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and crisp greens, tossed in a light vinaigrette.
Great as a Sophisticated Starter or Side
This salad is great as a sophisticated starter or side, adding a touch of elegance to your Easter meal.
Garnish with Candied Walnuts
Add candied walnuts for a delightful sweetness and extra crunch.
Conclusion
These 29 Easter dinner ideas provide a wide array of choices to celebrate the holiday with your loved ones. From traditional dishes like roast lamb and glazed ham to vegetarian options and light salads, each recipe is designed to honor the spirit of the season with delicious, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or enjoying a more intimate meal, these Easter dinner ideas will help create a memorable and joyful occasion. So, gather around the table, share in the bounty of these delightful dishes, and enjoy the warmth and happiness of Easter dining.
