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Celebrate Easter Dinner with these simple and festive Easter Dinner recipes so you can spend more time doing what you love!
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Simple and Festive Easter Dinner ideas: The gathering of friends and family around a spring table, heavy with delicious, seasonal offerings, will linger in memories for years.We’ve gathered delicious and simple ideas to celebrate Easter, whether that be following church on Sunday morning or later in the day.
Easter Dinner Menu
There are more than 35 recipe ideas below, but here is an idea of what to serve on Easter.
- Smoked Salmon Crostini with Fennel
- Caesar Salad Wonton Cups
- Asparagus Gruyere Tart
- A Spring Pea Salad with Radishes and Goat Cheese
- Spring Pea Salad
- Hot Cross Buns
- Ham with Lemon Honey Glaze
- Honey Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
- Fruited Rice Pilaf
- Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks
- Spring Pound Cake Cupcakes
- Lemon Pudding Cakes
Recipes for these and more Easter Dinner ideas are linked at the bottom of this post.
But before we get to the recipes, be sure to read easy pro tips for a great Easter dinner, as well as how much ham to plan per person for Easter.
How to Plan an Easy Easter Dinner
Easter signals spring. And we’ve all been anticipating this warmer season, with longer days, all winter.
Can you feel it? That buzz in the air, that hint of sunshine peeking through the clouds? That’s right, folks, Easter is just around the corner, and it’s bringing spring along for the ride!
Now, we all know that Easter dinner is more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of the changing seasons, a time to gather with loved ones, and, of course, indulge in some seriously delicious food. But let’s be honest, hosting any dinner party can come with its fair share of stress.
But let’s be honest, hosting any dinner party can bring a little stress. Here are some simple hostess tips you can employ before Easter… or anytime you’re entertaining!
4 Pro Tips for Hosting Easter Dinner
Let’s dive into some of my favorite tips for hosting holidays, dinner parties, and gatherings. ot
1. Addressing the Stress
Any entertaining can be stressful. Holiday entertaining is more so. Think back to previous dinners and make note of what went right and what went awry. Literally, make notes for this year, and you’ll have a handy resource for all the years to come.
Rethink any pitfalls so you can address them prior to Easter. For instance, did you run out of side dishes, did children attend that you weren’t planning on, did you have a gluten-free guest?
2. Potlucks are Perfect
Don’t be shy about enlisting the help of your guests and family. Trust me, they’ll be more than happy to contribute some of their favorite dishes to the feast. Just be sure to jot down your menu in advance and let them know what’s needed. This way, you’ll avoid ending up with three green bean casseroles and a whole lot of confusion!
3. Set the Table Ahead
Setting the Table Ahead is key to creating a picture-perfect Easter dinner spread. Start by laying down a beautiful tablecloth as your canvas, then let your creativity do the rest!
Layer your favorite spring-time dishes and special serving pieces, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of springtime flair.
Need a pro tip? Use sticky notes to assign specific dishes to specific serving pieces. It’s a simple yet genius way to keep things organized and ensure a stress-free serving experience for all.
For more inspiration, visit my Amazon store for some of my favorite Easter table decor.
4. Plan for the Kids
Children make Easter so much fun. Plan extra kid-friendly goodies and snacks. And if possible, set up their own table with whimsical and fun Easter elements like Easter eggs, chicks, etc.
Last but certainly not least, let’s not forget about the little ones. After all, Easter wouldn’t be the same without those them!
Plan ahead by stocking up on extra kid-friendly goodies and snacks to keep those tummies happy. And if you want to make it even more special and fun, set up their own table with whimsical decorations, fun Easter elements, and enough treats to keep them entertained for hours on end.
So there you have it, dear friends! With these tips up your sleeve, you’ll be well on your way to hosting the Easter dinner of your dreams. So get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your nearest and dearest family and friends. After all, Easter only comes once a year, so let’s make it a celebration to remember!
How Much Ham Per Person for Easter Dinner
I like to plan about 1/2 pound per person for a bone-in ham. For a boneless ham, which weighs less, I plan on 1/3 pound per person.
It’s hard to estimate how much ham guests will eat, but having leftover ham is always a good thing! So many delicious leftover ideas ranging from ham sandwiches to quiches, pasta, soup, and more.
Erring on the ample side of ham always serves me well!
Easter Dinner Tablescape Ideas
Some beautiful inspirations for the Easter table.
Easter Centerpiece: victoriamag.com
Outdoor Easter Table: victoriamag.com
Simple Brunch Easter Table: my100yearoldhome.com
Simple and Festive Easter Dinner Recipes and Ideas
Simple and Festive Easter Dinner ideas: Following church on Sunday morning, there isn't a better or more festive way to celebrate Easter than with a feast.
1
Smoked Salmon Crostini with Fennel
“Simple yet sophisticated, crostini are a perfect appetizer to pass around before sitting down to dinner. Reserve a few fronds from the fennel bulbs to use as a garnish on top of the smoked salmon.”
2
Caesar Salad Wonton Cups
“Everything tastes better in miniature form! These are made using wonton wrappers as the cups.They bake crispy and golden with just a light spray of oil. A great shortcut for appetizers!”
3
Roasted Asparagus with Dill Yogurt Sauce
Roasted Asparagus with Dill Yogurt Sauce is a 5 minute side dish that's crisp, tender, and amazingly delicious with an equally quick and easy sauce that makes this side dish pretty enough to serve for holidays and guests.
4
Steamed Artichoke with Lemon Butter
This delicious Steamed Artichoke recipe with lemon butter infused with fresh thyme is a perfect appetizer for spring gatherings. The tender petals seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic are a treat you won’t want to miss.
5
Roasted Antipasto Salad with Artichokes, Beets, and Asparagus
This roasted Antipasto Salad with baby artichokes and asparagus is a delicious seasonal salad platter filled with the season’s best vegetables. Pretty and colorful, it's a perfect side for the Easter dinner table.
6
Spring Pea Salad with Radishes and Goat Cheese
“When winter is finally over and the farmers’ markets are bursting with spring produce, celebrate by making this seasonal salad, which features two different types of peas as well as pea shoots, the delicate leaves and tendril that grow from the vines of a pea plant. Tender pea shoots won’t last long in the fridge, so serve them within a few days of purchase.”
7
Asparagus Gruyere Tart - Featured on The TODAY Show
“Gorgeous and impressive, this Asparagus Gruyere Tart makes for a delicious appetizer or main dish. It’s also super EASY to make! You’ve got to try this!”
8
Asparagus Tart: Easy Brunch Recipe
An Asparagus Tart so easy, it's hard to believe. Incredibly delicious for brunch season with tender asparagus, grated cheese on puff pastry.
9
Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs
Photo Credit:www.southernliving.com
"Spring’s bright, fresh vegetables don’t need heavy sauces to dress them up—they are best served with a light adornment so that their natural tastes can shine through."
10
Ribbon Vegetable Salad
Photo Credit:www.southernladymagazine.com
"Fresh veggies and a zesty buttermilk mayonnaise dressing create a delicious Ribbon Vegetable Salad."
11
Spring Pea Salad
"The key to a really great salad is variety – a little bit of farmers market lettuce, some salty cheese, a few crunchy veggies and ALWAYS AVOCADO!"
12
Deliciously Easy Asparagus and Cheese Mini Tarts
TheseAsparagus and Cheese Mini Tartsare an easy, favorite treat for afternoon tea, brunch, or any time asparagus is in season. A simple tart that’s minutes in the making.
13
21 Easy Easter Side Dishes
Easter Side Dishes:When it comes to Easter, festively bright and delicious side dishes make the meal. While we will always love an Easter ham or leg of lamb, these sides may even rival the main event.
14
Quick Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
TheseQuick Cloverleaf Dinner Rollsare flaky, soft, ready in no time, and are decidedly beautiful for the dinner table. Simple to make with 5 or 6 ingredients, they’re irresistibly delicious and perfect for holidays.
15
Easter Hot Cross Buns
"While exact origins of hot cross buns are unclear, it is generally agreed they go back to a12th-centuryAnglican monk. Who baked sweet buns for the poor on Good Friday, and etched a crossin each bun to celebrate the Easter holiday."
16
Ukrainian Kulich Easter Bread Recipe
Kulich is a traditional Ukrainian Easter bread, served between Easter and Pentecost. A delicious sweet bread with fruit and nuts and decorated for the holiday.
17
Paska: Ukrainian Easter Bread Recipe
This Paska Ukrainian Easter Bread recipe is a traditional Eastern European bread made especially for the holiday. A delicious, lightly sweetened yeast bread, much like sweet dough, with beautiful Easter symbols and a sweet, tender crumb.
18
Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread, also known asPane di Pasqua, is a rich and festive yeasted bread braided and decorated with colorful dyed Easter eggs. It’s utterly delicious and bursting with spring flavors of citrus and vanilla.
19
Ham with Lemon Honey Glaze
“Studded with cloves, this whole ham makes a beautiful centerpiece for a large Easter gathering. Since ham is quite rich, an accompanying glaze that offers bracing acidity—such as this one containing lemon juice, honey and shallots—makes a great counterpoint.”
20
Simple Crockpot Lamb Roast with Leeks and Gravy
"Make a holiday-worthyCrockpot Lamb Roastwith this simple recipe. Tender and juicy meat slow-cooked with savory sauce and aromatic herbs."
21
Roasted Leg of Lamb with Lemon-Herb Salt Recipe
Photo Credit:www.southernliving.com
"A meat thermometer will ensure that the center of the lamb is just the right shade of pink. We recommend serving withRoasted Beets, Carrots, and Sweet Onions."
22
Orange Marmalade Ham
A showstopping Easter Ham that "we glaze it with a sweet and tangy mixture that includes orange marmalade, honey, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard."
23
Spinach- and Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Loin
Photo Credit:www.southernladymagazine.com
"This Spinach-and Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Loin with Lemon Herb Sauce will dazzle your family" at Easter.
24
Easy Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb
ThisHerb Roasted Leg of Lambis an easy, fool proof recipe with few ingredients and easy preparation. Tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious, it’s perfect for holidays and dinner parties!
25
Pizza Rustica: Italian Easter Pie
Pizza Rustica,also known asItalian Easter Pie, is a traditional savory dish enjoyed during the Easter season. This double-crusted pie is packed with a rich, cheesy filling including cured meats, and spring greens. Impressive, utterly delicious, and quite simple to make!
26
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon is an easy weeknight pasta dinner that's ready in 30 minutes or less. Packed with flavor, requiring few ingredients, it's a pasta standby recipe you'll love.
27
Honey Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots
“Tender honey brown sugar roasted carrots seasoned and baked to perfection make the perfect Easter holiday or everyday easy side dish.”
28
Sautéed Asparagus (Stovetop Asparagus Recipe)
Nothing says spring quite like asparagus.Sauteed Asparagus, ready in minutes, is a super easy spring skillet side dish you’ll love. This easy stovetop asparagus recipe is infused with spring flavors of lemon, roasted garlic, and butter, caramelized until crisp-tender.
29
Easy Creamed Spinach
This decadent creamed spinach recipe with toasted panko is an easy and elegant side dish that's ready in minutes. Made with fresh spinach, butter, garlic, and cheese.
30
Phyllo Quiche with Leeks and Parmesan
Photo Credit:williams-sonoma.com
Filled with caramelized leeks and onion and lots of Parmesan, this savory quiche makes an impressive centerpiece for Easter dinner.
31
Braised Spring Peas with Lettuce and Mint: A Beautiful Side
This Braised Spring Peas with Lettuce and Mint is the essence of the season. Its fresh flavors complement just about any other dish you serve with it. Beautiful and vibrant.
32
A Favorite Tradition: Instant Pot Fruited Rice Pilaf
I don't remember the last Easter when this rice wasn't on the table -- in this bowl. It's just that good! And tastes like Easter in every bite.
33
Scalloped Potatoes with Leeks
“Thinly sliced potatoes and leeks soak up a mixture of milk, cream and broth in this recipe, an easy-to-assemble but luxurious accompaniment to a ham or other roast meats. If you have a mandoline, it’s useful for quickly slicing the potatoes into uniform slices.”
34
Easy Classic Spinach Quiche
This easy Classic Spinach Quiche, in the tradition of Quiche Florentine, is a soft and custardy quiche that's simple to make, utterly delicious, and perfect for brunch or tea.
35
12 BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipes
A hallmark side dish for any holiday table is a creamy delicious mash. The question then is how to make the “best” mashed potatoes recipe ever.
36
15 Colorful Easter Salads for Your Spring Table
Easter Salad recipes add a colorful, festive array to your spring table. They’re light, bright, and beautiful. We’ve gathered some gorgeous salad recipes for your Easter table.
37
Cream of Parsnip Soup: Irresistibly Easy, Velvety, and Comforting
Cream of Parsnip Soup is a rich and velvety soup, perfect for Easter. This root vegetable soup is quick and easy, slightly sweet, with a nutty flavor that pairs well with the rich cream.
38
French Pea Soup
This French Pea Soup recipe, otherwise known as Potage Saint Germain, is an easy, classic dish, filled with the flavors of fresh peas and mint.
39
Creamy Carrot Soup with Leeks and Ginger
Creamy Carrot Soup with leeks and ginger is a velvety soup that is incredibly healthy and perfect for Easter dinner. This soup cooks in 10 minutes in an Instant Pot or in 15 minutes on the stovetop.
40
Almond Cinnamon Babka Star Bread
Almond Cinnamon Babka Star Bread is an elegant, pull-apart sweet bread, intensely flavored with cinnamon, almonds, and raisins. Soft and tender, and addictive. A perfect holiday bread, like Christmas or Easter, or delicious with morning coffee!
41
Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread
Photo Credit:thecafesucrefarine.com
"With less than 10-minutes of hands-on time and no-kneading, the name Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread says it all! Almost. It's also ridiculously delicious!"
42
Easy Easter Cake Recipes
It’s not Easter without an Easter cake. Celebrate the holiday with one of these easy Easter cakes we know will dazzle your family and friends.
43
Coconut Nest Cake
Photo Credit:www.victoriamag.com
"Positioned alongside this timely arrangement, a whimsical Coconut Nest Cake adds sweet allure to the festive tableau. Buttercream frosting—tinted a familiar robin’s egg blue and decorated with flecks of artfully applied chocolate—emulates the crisp shell of candy eggs, and the tiny speckled treats top a mound of toasted coconut."
44
Easy Citrus Iced Orange Cake Recipe
This Orange Cake is a soft, moist, iced loaf cake with bright citrus flavors. Easy to make without a mixer, it’s a treat you won’t soon forget! Perfect for celebrations, gifting, or simply when craving an easy treat packed with delicious flavor.
45
Mini Chocolate Easter Brownie Bites
Chocolate Easter Brownie Bites are tiny bites of dense, fudgy, rich chocolate brownies. Topped with a layer of decadent chocolate buttercream shaped into nests, they are filled with Easter egg candies. Cute and easy, and perfect for Easter.
46
Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe
This easy Lemon Drizzle Cake is a beautiful recipe, perfect for days when you're craving a decadently tender dessert with abundant lemon flavoring. Or when you're looking for a traditional tea cake you know everyone will love.
47
Pound Cake Cupcakes
“A Thumbelina version of the tube-pan classic, these Pound Cake Cupcakes are pretty enough for a fairy-tale princess—and only a muffin tin away.”
48
Mini Lemon Pudding Cakes
Mini Lemon Pudding Cakes are a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth, lemony dream. Simple and quick to make, this dessert magically forms two layers when baked. A light and airy cake on top with a lemon pudding custard on the bottom.
49
Easy Carrot Cake Loaf
This Carrot Cake Loaf is packed with flavor and grated carrots. Warm spices make it incredibly delicious, topped generously with cream cheese frosting!
50
Egg Nest Easter Cupcakes
For a quick and easy Easter treat that's fun and whimsical and spring-like, try these Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes with our Simple Vanilla Cupcakes recipe posted here.
51
Lemon Cut Out Sugar Cookies
It’s spring, and Easter is around the corner. Which means it’s the perfect time to celebrate withLemon Cut Out Sugar Cookies! They are delicious, buttery, sunny and bright with lemon flavor, and super easy to make in any shape you want.
52
These Easter M&M Cookies are deliciously soft and chewy, bright with the pastel colors of Easter. With a vanilla sugar cookie base, they're easy to bake, no chilling, and perfect for Easter!
53
Lemon Pound Cake
This Lemon Pound Cake is velvety soft, moist, buttery, and tender. Flavored with fresh lemon zest and juice, it's an easy to make cake that's absolutely spring perfect.
54
Simple Almond Cake
This simple Almond Cake is an Almond Anytime Cake. Simple, incredibly moist, and delicious. A buttery, slightly sweet snacking cake perfect for teatime, breakfast, or midnight cravings.
55
Easter Kugelhopf (Central Europe Sunday Cake)
This Easter Kugelhopf is a German Austrian yeast cake that's much like a golden coffee cake with a rich buttery flavor. Baked in a Kugelhopf pan, or a Bundt pan, it's a special holiday or anytime cake you'll love.
56
18 Easy Easter Desserts to Make this Year
Perfectly complement Easter dinner with these easy Easter desserts.
57
Classic Strawberry Shortcake Made Easy
An easy but incredibly delicious Strawberry Shortcake always makes a beautiful dessert.
58
Butter Lemon Tea Cookies
Butter Lemon Tea Cookies are a delightfully simple, sweet and soft wafer-like cookie with a beautiful lemon flavor. All you need is a cup of tea and your afternoon just became a bit brighter. An easy, traditional recipe that keeps or freezes well.
More Easter Recipes and Ideas
- Easy Easter Breakfast Recipes
- Brunch Recipes for Easter
- Easter Bread Recipes from Around the World
- Easy Easter Cake Recipes
See all of our Easter recipes and ideas here >>
