Easter is a special time for families to come together, celebrate, and savor delicious food. It’s a time to create wonderful memories and enjoy a hearty Easter dinner. If you’re looking for inspiration on what to cook for Easter, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore 8 easy and mouthwatering recipes that will make your Easter dinner unforgettable.
Easter dinner isn’t just about the food; it’s about the joy of cooking and sharing a delightful meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a grand Easter gathering or having an intimate family dinner, these recipes are perfect for all occasions.
1. Classic Easter Ham
Ham Glaze：Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze；Honey and Dijon Mustard Glaze
Side Dishes：Garlic Mashed Potatoes；Green Bean Almondine
Easter dinner tradition often includes a succulent ham as the centerpiece. To prepare a classic Easter ham, you can choose between two delectable glazes: a sweet and tangy brown sugar and pineapple glaze or a savory honey and Dijon mustard glaze. Pair it with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and vibrant green bean almondine for a well-rounded meal.
2. Herb-Roasted Lamb
Seasoning Blend：Rosemary and Thyme；Garlic and Lemon Zest
Accompaniments：Roasted Root Vegetables；Mint Jelly Sauce
For those who prefer lamb, an herb-roasted lamb is a showstopper. A blend of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest infuses the lamb with irresistible flavors. Roasted root vegetables and a refreshing mint jelly sauce perfectly complement the tender lamb, creating a harmonious Easter dish.
3. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast
Filling：Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Side Salad：Lemon Parmesan Caesar Salad
If you’re craving something other than traditional meats, consider these creamy spinach and artichoke stuffed chicken breasts. Stuffed with a rich spinach and artichoke dip, these chicken breasts are baked to perfection. Serve them alongside a zesty lemon Parmesan Caesar salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.
4. Vegetarian Easter Quiche
Eggs and Cream：Assorted Vegetables
Brunch Option：Pair with Fresh Fruit Salad
For the vegetarians at your Easter dinner table, a vegetarian Easter quiche is a savory delight. Packed with eggs, cream, and an assortment of fresh vegetables, this quiche is a crowd-pleaser. Consider offering it as a brunch option and pair it with a refreshing fresh fruit salad.
5. Baked Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce
Salmon Preparation：Lemon Zest and Dill
Side Dish：Roasted Asparagus
If you prefer seafood, baked salmon with lemon-dill sauce is an excellent choice. The salmon is seasoned with zesty lemon and dill, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. Serve it alongside roasted asparagus for a healthy and flavorful Easter dinner.
6. Easter Vegetarian Wellington
Wellington Filling：Portobello Mushrooms, Spinach, and Cheese；Creamy Béchamel
A vegetarian twist on a classic dish, the Easter Vegetarian Wellington features a flavorful filling of portobello mushrooms, spinach, and cheese encased in flaky pastry. Drizzle it with a luscious creamy béchamel sauce for a luxurious Easter dinner option.
7. Lemon Butter Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Preparation：Lemon and Garlic
Pasta Option：Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta
For a quick and delightful Easter dinner, consider making lemon butter shrimp scampi. The shrimp are cooked to perfection with lemon and garlic, creating a mouthwatering dish. Pair it with linguine or angel hair pasta for a satisfying meal.
8. Easter Dessert Extravaganza
Sweet Treats：Carrot Cake；Lemon Bars；Chocolate Easter Eggs
No Easter dinner is complete without a sweet ending. Create an Easter dessert extravaganza with a variety of delectable treats. Indulge in carrot cake, savor zesty lemon bars, and enjoy the richness of chocolate Easter eggs. These desserts will leave everyone at the table smiling.
Fun and Festive Easter Dinner Ideas
1. Bunny-Shaped Rolls
Transform ordinary dinner rolls into adorable bunny-shaped delights. Simply shape the dough into rounds and add ears to create bunny heads. These whimsical rolls will not only add a touch of Easter magic to your table but also spark conversations and laughter.
2. Easter Egg Hunt Menu
Incorporate the thrill of an Easter egg hunt into your dinner menu. Hide small chocolate eggs or colorful candies in various dishes, like mashed potatoes, salads, or even inside hollowed-out vegetables. Your guests will have a blast searching for surprises as they enjoy their meal.
3. Decorate Your Table with Edible Centerpieces
Edible centerpieces not only look stunning but also serve as conversation starters. Create a colorful fruit bouquet, a vegetable garden, or a bread basket centerpiece that guests can nibble on throughout the meal.
4. Easter-Themed Cocktails
Craft Easter-themed cocktails to add a dash of festivity to your dinner. Think pastel-colored drinks garnished with mini marshmallow bunnies or jellybean-studded rimmed glasses. Non-alcoholic versions can be made for younger guests to enjoy as well.
5. Bunny Ear Napkin Folds
Fold your cloth napkins into bunny ear shapes to add a playful touch to each place setting. You can even tuck a small chocolate egg or a personalized note into the fold as a surprise for your guests.
6. DIY Easter Egg Decorating Station
Set up a DIY Easter egg decorating station as a pre-dinner activity. Provide plain hard-boiled eggs, paints, markers, and stickers, so everyone can unleash their inner artist. The decorated eggs can then double as charming table decorations.
7. Bunny Hop Game
After dinner, organize a friendly bunny hop race in your backyard. Create bunny ears and cotton tails for participants to wear and encourage some hopping competition. It’s a hilarious way to burn off those extra Easter dinner calories!
8. Easter-Themed Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props like bunny ears, Easter bonnets, and egg-shaped glasses. Encourage your guests to take goofy photos throughout the evening, creating lasting memories of your festive Easter dinner.
9. Egg Roulette Challenge
Turn the classic egg hunt into an egg roulette challenge. Some eggs are filled with whipped cream, while others are empty. Participants take turns selecting eggs and smashing them on their foreheads, with hilarious consequences!
