17 Easy Easter Recipes for a Stress-Free Holiday

Easter is a fun holiday, but planning dinner can be a lot of work. You can make it easier by using simple recipes like deviled eggs and hot cross buns. These yummy foods are easy to make and everyone will love them.

Want to make your Easter dinner even simpler? Try using a few more easy recipes to make your holiday stress-free. You can find lots of great ideas to make your Easter dinner easy and fun for everyone!

1. Delicious Easter Ham Recipes

Savor a classic Easter ham with a sweet and sticky glaze.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the sugar and spice mixture evenly over the ham.
5. Pour pineapple and cherry juice into the bottom of the roasting pan.
6. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until the ham is caramelized and cooked through.
7. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Easy Deviled Eggs to Make Ahead

Easy deviled eggs are a classic Easter appetizer.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. Mash the yolks in a bowl with a fork until they're well broken up.
3. Stir in the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
4. Stir in the chopped chives.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg white halves, mounding it slightly in the center.
6. Cover and refrigerate the deviled eggs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve the deviled eggs chilled, garnished with additional chives if desired.

3. Spring Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted spring vegetables bring a burst of flavor and color to any Easter table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed spring vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, asparagus)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse and chop the spring vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
6. Remove the vegetables from the oven and serve hot.

4. Simple Easter Basket Cupcakes

Colorful Easter basket cupcakes are a delightful dessert for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Food coloring
• Frosting
• Sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
7. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating with sprinkles to resemble Easter baskets.

5. Quick and Easy Hot Cross Buns

Sweetly spiced hot cross buns are a classic 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 fruit
• 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Combine warm milk and yeast, stirring to dissolve.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture, stirring to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape into buns.
7. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush the tops with melted butter and make a cross on each bun using a knife or pastry bag.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

6. Classic Glazed Carrot Recipes

Sweet and sticky glazed carrots perfect for Easter.

Ingredients

• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, and melted butter.
3. Add sliced carrots to the bowl and toss to coat with the glaze.
4. Season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

7. Best Easter Breakfast Casseroles

Delicious Easter breakfast casserole with sausage and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sausage
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and diced bell peppers to the bowl and stir to combine.
5. Add cooked sausage to the bowl and mix well.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Fresh Fruit Salads for Easter

Vibrant fresh fruit salads perfect for Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 apple, diced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, halved grapes, diced pineapple, and orange segments.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Pour the honey and lemon juice mixture over the fruit and toss to coat.
4. Add the diced apple to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the fruit salad chilled, garnished with fresh mint leaves if desired.

9. Homemade Easter Bread Recipes

Traditional Italian Easter bread filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups 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 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds
• 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the bowl, mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the dough, shape it into a round or oblong loaf, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush the top with melted butter, sprinkle with anise seeds and raisins.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

10. Easy Easter Cookie Decorating

Decorate Easter cookies with ease using this simple recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles.
8. Use frosting or piping gel to attach decorations, if needed.

11. Make-Ahead Easter Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes perfect for Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash.
2. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
4. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.

12. Healthy Easter Salad Ideas

Fresh spring vegetables come together in a light and invigorating Easter salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

13. Beautiful Easter Cake Designs

Delicious Easter cake with beautiful designs to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• Food coloring
• Decorating tools and toppings

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and eggs, then add to the dry mixture and mix until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before decorating with food coloring and desired toppings.
7. Use decorating tools to create beautiful Easter designs, such as bunny shapes or egg patterns.
8. Serve and enjoy your beautifully decorated Easter cake.

14. Easy Easter Dinner Rolls Recipes

Soft and sweet Easter dinner rolls perfect for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and shape into rolls.
7. Place rolls on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

15. Tasty Easter Brunch Ideas

Delicious quiche perfect for Easter brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a tart pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese and diced ham evenly over the pie crust.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and ham.
6. Bake the quiche for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool before serving.

16. Simple Easter Dessert Recipes

Delicious Easter bunny cake pops for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 1 box of cake mix
• 1 can of frosting
• 1 bag of candy melts
• 1 bag of sprinkles
• 10 lollipop sticks

Instructions

1. Bake the cake according to the box instructions and let it cool.
2. Crumb the cake and mix it with frosting to create a sticky dough.
3. Shape the dough into small balls and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Dip the end of each lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert into each cake ball.
6. Dip each cake ball into the melted candy, using a fork to fully coat.
7. Decorate with sprinkles immediately after coating with candy.
8. Place the cake pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy.

17. Creative Easter Menu Ideas

Delicious Easter dishes to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, combine grated carrots, zucchini, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and chopped walnuts.
4. Add softened butter to the sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.

Conclusion

You'll be stressed on Easter, but not about food, thanks to these 17 easy recipes. Ironically, the holiday just got less hectic, and you'll actually enjoy hosting, with delicious ham, deviled eggs, and hot cross buns at your fingertips. Now, go relax and savor the celebration with family and friends!