25 Must-Have Easter Recipes for a Traditional Dinner
Planning your Easter dinner can be fun, but it can also be a little tricky. You have to choose between two yummy main dishes: glazed ham and spring lamb. Both are very tasty, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
Easter is a special time to spend with family and friends, and food plays a big role in it. When you sit down to eat, you want everything to be perfect, and that's why choosing the right recipes is important. You'll find lots of delicious ideas to make your Easter dinner unforgettable.

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1. Glazed Ham Recipes
Sweet and sticky glazed ham perfect for Easter.
Ingredients
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup cherry juice
- 1/4 cup chopped pineapple rings
- 1/4 cup cherry slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Score the fat layer on the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Place the ham in a baking dish and brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some in the scored lines.
- Pour pineapple and cherry juice into the baking dish.
- Arrange pineapple rings and cherry slices on top of the ham.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and sticky.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Spring Lamb Dishes
Delicious spring lamb dishes perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 leg of lamb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the lamb until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the lamb reaches desired doneness.
- Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
3. Deviled Egg Variations
Classic deviled eggs with a twist, perfect for Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks to a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with a fork until they're well broken up.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the chives and cheese.
- Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
- Sprinkle with additional chives and cheese if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
4. Scalloped Potato Recipes
Creamy, tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large saucepan, combine the sliced potatoes and enough cold water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the melted butter, cheese, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the cheese sauce over medium heat until it's smooth and hot.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, create a layer of potatoes.
- Pour some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
5. Hot Cross Buns
Sweet, spiced Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve the yeast.
- Add the sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, stirring to form a shaggy dough.
- Add the melted butter, egg, currants, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough, mixing until a sticky ball forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a ball.
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each bun.
- Use a sharp knife or pastry brush to create a cross on the top of each bun.
- Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Remove the buns from the oven, and let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Coconut Cake Delights
Moist and flavorful coconut cake perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.
7. Easter Brunch Ideas
Delicious quiche perfect for Easter brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the pie crust and place in a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the grated cheese and diced ham to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Traditional Ham Glazes
Sweet and sticky ham glazes are a classic Easter tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Place the ham in a baking dish and brush the glaze all over the ham.
- Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes during cooking.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
9. Roasted Vegetable Sides
Delicious roasted vegetable sides perfect for Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red bell peppers.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly with the oil and spices.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Remove the vegetables from the oven and serve hot.
10. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish perfect for Easter.
Ingredients
- 3-4 large potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Gradually add milk, stirring to combine, until the potatoes reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the mashed potatoes hot.
11. Spring-Inspired Salads
A fresh mix of spring greens and vegetables, topped with a zesty vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the top of the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
12. Homemade Dinner Rolls
Soft and fluffy homemade dinner rolls perfect for Easter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast, stir to dissolve yeast.
- Add butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and shiny.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape into rolls.
- Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
13. Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy baked macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk to combine, cooking for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with additional grated cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
14. Carrot Cake Recipes
Classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
15. Fresh Fruit Salads
A rejuvenating and healthy fruit salad perfect for Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, halved grapes, diced pineapple, and sliced kiwi.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the honey and lemon juice mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the fruit salad chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.
16. Green Bean Casseroles
Classic green bean casserole with crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch green beans for 5 minutes.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Add sautéed onion and mushrooms to the soup mixture and stir well.
- Add green beans to the soup mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle French-fried onions over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
17. Sweet Potato Casseroles
Sweet potato casserole, a classic Easter side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake sweet potatoes for 45 minutes, or until tender.
- Scoop out the flesh and mash in a bowl.
- Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl.
- Stir in melted butter, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown.
18. Egg Strata Recipes
Delicious egg strata perfect for Easter morning.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups cubed bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced ham, shredded cheese, bell peppers, and onion to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Add cubed bread to the bowl and stir until the bread is well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
19. Quiche Lorraine Variations
Classic French quiche with a rich egg custard and savory bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a tart pan.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese and cooked bacon evenly over the pie crust.
- Pour the cream and egg mixture over the cheese and bacon.
- Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
20. Grilled Asparagus Sides
Grilled asparagus is a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for Easter.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Rinse the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the asparagus to the bowl and toss to coat with the oil mixture.
- Grill the asparagus for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
21. Lemon Bars Desserts
Lemon bars are a classic and tangy dessert perfect for Easter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners' sugar.
- Add softened butter to the bowl and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the dish.
- Cut into bars and serve.
22. Raspberry Tarts
Miniature pastry tarts filled with sweet raspberry filling and topped with fresh raspberries.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Cut out small squares of pastry, about 3 1/2 inches per side.
- Spoon a small amount of raspberry filling onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Fold the other half of the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
- Brush tops of tarts with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow tarts to cool before dusting with confectioners' sugar and serving.
23. Chocolate Bunny Treats
Delicious chocolate treats shaped like Easter bunnies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Food coloring
- Edible eyes and whiskers
Instructions
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments.
- Stir in the shortening and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate into a bunny-shaped mold.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
- Melt the white chocolate chips and use to create eyes and a nose.
- Attach edible eyes and whiskers to the bunny.
- Serve and enjoy.
24. Peach Cobbler Recipes
Classic peach cobbler with a crispy crust and sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh peaches
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Peel and slice the peaches, then mix with granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add unsalted butter and mix until crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into a baking dish and top with peach mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
25. Banana Pudding Delights
Creamy banana pudding with a sweet touch of vanilla and caramel.
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until melted.
- In a large bowl, slice the bananas and fold them into the pudding mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the banana pudding mixture.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the pudding.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with additional whipped cream and caramel sauce, if desired.
Conclusion
You'll have a million options to impress your guests with these 25 must-have Easter recipes. From glazed ham to peach cobbler, you'll find the perfect mix of sweet and savory dishes to make your Easter dinner unforgettable. With these recipes, you'll create a truly epic feast that will leave everyone talking for years to come.