This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
33 Easter recipes for your dinner menu – Easter is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your menu. Want to add some excitement to your table this year? Look no further than these mouthwatering springtime recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. Whether you’re in charge of appetizers, mains, desserts, or sides, these Easter recipes have got you covered.
Table of Contents
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some tasty food!? These easy Easter recipes are made with seasonal spring ingredients, all delicious and guaranteed to bring some flavor to your table.
Whether you are planning a big sit-down meal or just want to enjoy a few treats with your family, there’s lots of inspiration for you here! From appetizers to desserts, you’ll find something worth trying
Tips for cooking & preparing for Easter Dinner
- Plan ahead. Make a shopping list and prepare dishes in advance, so you’re not scrambling on dinner day.
- Choose some make-ahead recipes. When planning your day, choose some recipes that can be made a day or two ahead of time so that you don’t feel like you are spending all your time cooking. Choose make-ahead dishes like soups and desserts to give yourself a break.
- Consider dietary restrictions. If you have guests with dietary restrictions or preferences, make sure you have options for them. Consider making a gluten-free side dish or a vegetarian main course.
- Ask guests to bring a dish. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a dish or help with the cooking. This will take some of the pressure off you and bring everyone that much closer when they feel like they contributed to the meal.
- Use seasonal and fresh produce. If you can, buy your seasonal veggies, like carrots and asparagus, from your local farmers’ market. Seasonal vegetables also tend to be more budget-friendly as there is more availability.
- Variety is key! If you are planning food for the whole day, plan a mix of sweet and savory dishes with a variety of ingredients – not everything has to contain carrots :).
- Finally, don’t stress too much! Easter dinner is about spending time with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. As long as you have a few crowd-pleasers on the menu, everyone will have a great time.
how to plan a dinner menu for easter
Planning a dinner menu for Easter can be exciting and fun, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start. Here are some steps you can take to plan a delicious Easter dinner menu:
- Decide on your main course. Lamb is a popular choice for Easter dinner, but you may also want to consider chicken, turkey, shepherd’s pie, or lasagna. You can also pick a vegetarian main dish for a lighter meal.
- Choose your sides. Consider traditional Easter side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and glazed carrots. You can also add some seasonal flair with dishes that feature springtime vegetables, like asparagus and peas.
- Add some appetizers. Start the meal with easy and flavorful appetizers like deviled eggs, spinach artichoke dip, or a charcuterie board.
- Don’t forget about dessert. What better way to end your meal than with a sweet dessert? Try carrot cake, lemon bars, or a fresh fruit cocktail. There are so many options!
best Easter recipes
Whether you’re throwing a big Easter dinner, celebrating with just a few guests, or having a small family gathering, you’ll find my favorite easy Easter recipes including appetizers, main dishes, sides, and even a few desserts!
Appetizers for easter dinner
- Avocado Deviled Eggs – This avocado deviled egg recipe is Mayo-free, tastes amazing, and is just as creamy as the original!
- Traditional Deviled Eggs – You only need 4 main ingredients to make them: eggs, mayo, Dijon mustard, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. A little salt, pepper, and paprika added to taste, and you’ve got a delicious plate of eggs ready to eat.
- Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip – Serve this vegan spinach dip with some fresh veggies or whole-grain crackers, for a cheesy, gooey appetizer that everyone will love
- Smoked Salmon Platter – This smoked salmon platter is the perfect appetizer! The presentation is stunning and each ingredient is paired to go together in the most delicious way!
- Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese – Topped with crumbled blue cheese and drizzled with a creamy tangy dressing, it’s great to serve as an appetizer or side dish.
- Beet Pickled Eggs – These colorful beet pickled eggs are easy to make and perfect for your Easter table as an appetizer or salad addition.
- Veggie Tray with Homemade Ranch Dip – This homemade ranch dip is all you need for dipping your fresh vegetables made with sour cream, Greek yogurt, with simple herbs and seasoning.
- Green Hummus Dip – This avocado hummus is a modern twist on plain hummus and guacamole – a healthy, vegan, easy snack or appetizer with pita or veggie chips!
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta – This delicious tomato basil bruschetta is so quick and easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. This vegan appetizer will be a hit at any gathering!
Main Dishes
- Baked Lamb Chops – Oven-roasted lamb chops marinated in fragrant rosemary, fresh lemon, earthy garlic, and olive oil. It’s an easy yet elegant main protein that makes any dinner feel special.
- Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken – This Lemon Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken has the best crispy, buttery skin and juicy meat cooked over shallots for an easy chicken dinner prepared in one pan.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly meal, this meatless Shepherd’s Pie is a twist on the classic comfort dish loaded with mushrooms, quinoa and colorful veggies in a rich gravy.
- Pan-seared Salmon or Halibut – The fish is seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, parsley, and garlic, then pan seared for the perfect crispy skin and flakey fish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!
- Ground Beef Casserole – Everything you want in a baked pasta dish – savory browned beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and a cheesy layer of mozzarella. Perfect for feeding a crowd!
- Honey Butter Chicken Thighs – The rich brown butter sauce with honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes coat the crispy seared chicken and is so juicy and savory. A family-friendly chicken dinner recipe that everyone will love.
- Eggplant Lasagna – Simple to make and delicious to eat, this vegetarian gluten-free low carb eggplant lasagna is a tasty dinner that’s loaded with flavor.
Easter dinner sides
- Oven Roasted Carrots – Made with a handful of ingredients, these healthy baked carrots are so simple and quick to cook in the oven.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls – So easy to make, these are seriously the best homemade dinner rolls! Made from scratch with a few simple ingredients, they are slightly sweet and wonderfully soft and fluffy.
- Roasted Smashed Potatoes – Mashed roasty-toasty potatoes with the best herby garlic flavors – they’re crispy on the outside with soft fluffy potatoes on the inside.
- Strawberry Spring Salad – A vibrant fun salad to incorporate seasonal spring produce, feta cheese, and tossed in a fresh bright pink vinaigrette.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – An oh-so-creamy, indulgent potato side dish with fresh thyme, earthy garlic, rich gouda, parmesan, and thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes.
- Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese – This classic recipe is easy to make & topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. It’s a kid favorite but sophisticated enough for adults!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorite side dishes to serve during the holidays! Plus, they’re low-carb, vegan, and loaded with all kinds of nutrients and vitamins!
- Air Fried Green Beans – Fresh green beans topped with lemon wedges make for a nice and refreshing side dish choice. Perfect to pair with any main entrée.
Snacks and Desserts
- Carrot Cake Cookies – Carrot cake cookies are soft, chewy, and cakey, matching your favorite classic spiced dessert with a sweet and tangy cream cheese drizzle.
- Carrot Cake Muffins – Prepare a delightful treat by baking a batch of these carrot cake muffins that are both delicious and healthy. These muffins are free from artificial sugar, making them an excellent choice for the whole family to enjoy.
- Carrot Banana Bread – This quick loaf of carrot banana bread is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly tasty with its delightful texture and rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese Vanilla Cupcakes – This recipe uses low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of butter to make a fluffy frosting without the extra fat. It’s a versatile recipe for any occasion, all year round, and with any decorations or toppings.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs – Peanut butter eggs with puffed rice are coated in rich chocolate and make for an easy and fun recipe, and perfect for Easter or any sweet craving.
- Layered Vanilla Cake with Homemade Frosting – Try this simple and irresistibly delicious classic Vanilla White Cake recipe with a tender, moist crumb and best vanilla flavor perfect for special occasions.
- Chocolate Nests – For a fun and festive kid-friendly Easter treat, try these Chocolate Nests made from vermicelli noodles and chocolate!
- Healthy Rice Krispie Treats – Healthy Rice Krispie Treats skip the marshmallows by using almond butter, honey, and brown rice cereal. They’re light, crispy, and so good!
- Olive Oil Cake – This simple yet delicious olive oil cake is a must-try for all olive oil lovers. The cake is moist, light, and has a delicate flavor.
- Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft and chewy with a delicious chocolate coating to add a special touch. Bake up a batch to share with friends and family,
- Pecan Pie – This easy pecan pie recipe is made without corn syrup and with dates instead. It’s a healthier version of a traditional pecan pie but just as tasty!
- Vegan Lemon Bars – Made with an oatmeal walnut crust and fresh lemons, they are a true bite of sunshine and make the best lemon squares!
- Almond Cake – The semolina flour gives the cake a delightful texture, while almond flour, almond extract, and slivered almonds add a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Frozen Fresh Fruit Popsicles – Learn how to make popsicles from scratch and try these three fruit popsicle flavors: strawberry, mango and kiwi. It’s an easy healthy recipe that kids will love!
HOW TO keep food warm
- Oven: As long as you’re not cooking anything in the oven, you can set it to 200°F and store dishes in there to keep them warm.
- Aluminum Foil: If your oven is not free, you can simply use aluminum foil, which has reflective properties that protects the food from light and oxygen. The foil reflects the thermal energy back to the food which maintains the moisture, flavor and texture.
- Crock Pots and Instant Pots: Think of recipes that can be made in your crock pot or instant pot that will keep warm during the party. You can even use them to keep foods warm even if you don’t cook in them.
- Insulated coolers: You can use a cooler to keep food hot as well as cold. The insulation technology that keeps out the heat to maintain cold foods also works to trap heat in and keep food hot for hours at a time. You can even line the cooler with aluminum foil for even better results.
HOW TO store all the leftovers
If you’re like me, you always end up with leftovers after any big gathering. And while I’m not complaining (leftovers are the best!), it can be tricky to know how to store all of them. Here are a few tips:
- Cool it down. Make sure everything is cooled completely before storing.
- Label everything with the name and date. This will help you keep track of what’s what and also ensure that nothing gets lost in the back of the fridge.
- Use plastic containers or freezer bags. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Save or trash? If you have any perishable items (like meat or dairy), make sure to store them in the fridge. If they have sat out longer than 4 hours, it’s probably best to throw it out.
frequently asked questions
Traditional American Easter recipes depend on family tradtiions, but here are a few common recipes:
Deviled eggs
Roast lamb
Carrot Cake
Macaroni and Cheese
Green beans
You can prepare casseroles, desserts, and side dishes beforehand, which will save you some time and stress on the big day. Plus, you can also chop up any vegetables and make appetizers the day before to make things even easier.
There are so many ways to incorporate fresh seasonal produce into your Easter dinner menu. One idea is to use fresh asparagus or green beans as a side dish. You could also make a spring salad with peas, radishes, and strawberries. Rhubarb and strawberries are another excellent ingredient for a dessert, like a strawberry rhubarb crisp or pie.
Have you tried coloring Easter eggs with homemade dyes? Check out my fun and creative tutorial for dyeing eggs with natural dyes made from fresh produce and spices! Each ingredient is combined with vinegar or baking soda and hot water to give you the best rustic hues! Plus, they make an amazing center piece!
Well, there you have it! Easter is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your menu. With these easy Easter recipes and tips, you can make a delicious and diverse menu to impress your family and guests. Get creative and have fun! After all, Easter is a time for celebration, family, and most importantly, food. So let’s get cooking and enjoy the flavors of spring this Easter season!
full list of recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipes cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Smoked Salmon Platter
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Beet Pickled Eggs
Homemade Ranch Dip
Avocado Hummus
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Baked Lamb Chops
Lemon Rosemary Roasted Whole Chicken
Vegetarian Shepherds Pie
Pan Seared Salmon
Pan Seared Halibut
Ground Beef Casserole
Browned Butter Honey Chicken
Eggplant Lasagna
Oven Roasted Carrots
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Green Beans
Carrot Cake Cookies
Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
Classic Vanilla Cake
Easter Chocolate Nests
Healthy Rice Krispie Treats
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Vegan Lemon Bars
How to Make Popsicles
Carrot Cake Muffins
Carrot Banana Bread
Vanilla Cupcakes with Frosting
Olive Oil Cake
Almond Cake
How to Dye Easter Eggs
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Plant-based Dinner Recipes, Recipes for Ramadan, The Best Oat Recipes, and Labor Day Recipes.
If you found this recipe roundup for Easter Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
My son’s girl friend is vegan And why I will make vegan dishes when they visit ❤️
So thoughtful of you to include her preferences in your dinner!
I’d like this young woman to become my daughter in law 🙏