Ham Is Just the Beginning for Easter DinnerRyan Liebe
Easter is the perfect opportunity to gather, celebrate, and dig into a delicious meal. If you’re hosting everyone for dinner on Sunday, whether it’s for a large group of loved ones or your immediate family, you might be feeling the pressure to come up with a menu that feels just as special as the holiday. But with these Easter dinner ideas, your feast is bound to be memorable!
This collection of Easter recipes has everything you’ll need to make your Sunday dinner a guaranteed hit: tasty entrées, cozy sides, and decadent desserts. For the main course, take your pick between ham or lamb before rounding out the table with classic Easter side dishes, including asparagus, carrots, and peas. Of course, no Easter dinner table is complete without warm rolls, refreshing pasta dishes, crispy potatoes, and mouthwatering Easter desserts. There are also plenty of crowd-pleasing casseroles if you need to feed a crowd!
Ahead, you’ll find plenty of traditional Easter foods, from scalloped potatoes to Ree Drummond’s famous glazed ham. But if you’re hoping to mix it up a little this year, there are plenty of creative twists to try, too—think carrot cake cookies or green goddess deviled eggs for a fresh take on the classics. Whether you opt for a classic roast, a spring-inspired pasta, or a vegetarian Easter dinner, these Easter dinner ideas will make the day extra special!
1) Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
Photo credit: Ryan Liebe
Give classic deviled eggs a new spin by sprinkling candied bacon on top. The caramelized garnish will make this dish look pretty and taste even better!
Get Ree’s Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon recipe.
2) Roasted Asparagus
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Seasonal asparagus is a must for Easter dinner. Coating the spears in olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper before popping them into the oven for 10 minutes might just be the easiest method yet!
Get Ree’s Roasted Asparagus recipe.
3) Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham
Photo credit: Ryan Liebe
A big, glazed ham makes a striking Easter centerpiece—and this one is packed with flavor to match. Apricot preserves give the glaze a lovely sweetness while whole-grain mustard adds a tangy touch.
Get Ree’s Apricot and Mustard Glazed Ham recipe.
4) Coconut Cream Pie
Photo credit: Will Dickey
A silky slice of coconut cream pie is a dreamy way to round off your Easter dinner plate! You simply can’t beat the combination of flaky pie crust, creamy coconut filling, and whipped cream topping.
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
5) Roasted Carrots with Vinaigrette
Photo credit: Kate Sears
Every Easter dinner table needs a pop of color, and these colorful roasted carrots are just the thing! They’re tossed in an earthy vinaigrette that perfectly complements the naturally sweet flavor of the carrots.
Get Ree’s Roasted Carrots with Vinaigrette recipe.
6) Green Goddess Deviled Eggs
Photo credit: David Malosh
Loaded with parsley, tarragon, and lemon zest, these herby deviled eggs taste like spring on a plate! They also happen to be a favorite on Ree’s Easter dinner menu.
Get Ree’s Green Goddess Deviled Eggs recipe.
7) Paska Bread
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Trust us: There are very few things that make a bigger impression than traditional Easter bread. The braided loaf might look fancy, but if you can do a basic three-strand braid, you’re already well on your way.
Get the Paska Bread recipe.
8) Glazed Easter Ham
Photo credit: The Pioneer Woman
Take it from Ree: “Ham is just regular ole ham until you top it with a sweet, sticky glaze.” Her fan-favorite Easter ham is coated in an irresistible glaze that’s the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory.
Get Ree’s Glazed Easter Ham recipe.
9) Asparagus Salad
Photo credit: Courtesy of C.W. Newell
Spring and asparagus go hand in hand, so why not embrace the fresh flavors of the seasonal veggie for Easter dinner? This salad gives asparagus a crunchy upgrade with bacon, parmesan, walnuts, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Get the Asparagus Salad recipe.
10) Carrot Gratin
Photo credit: David Malosh
Give classic gratin an Easter-inspired twist by adding colorful carrots to the mix. This dish has all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the original, but the carrots give it a hint of natural sweetness. You can’t beat the breadcrumb topping, either!
Get Ree’s Carrot Gratin recipe.
11) Pasta with Peas
Photo credit: Will Dickey
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side for Easter dinner, consider this spring pasta dish. It has crispy pancetta, freshly grated cheese, and juicy peas. Bonus: No need to thaw the peas first—you can toss them in from the freezer!
Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.
12) Pizza Rustica
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
This savory Italian Easter pie is packed with sliced meats and cheeses that are wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. After taking just one bite, you’ll want to put this dish on every Easter dinner menu going forward!
Get the Pizza Rustica recipe.
13) Carrot Ribbon Salad
Photo credit: David Malosh
Carrots are a must for any Easter table and this colorful salad shows them off beautifully. The ribbons look so pretty piled high, and the creamy lemon-tahini dressing makes it feel extra special. A sprinkle of pistachios adds just the right salty crunch!
Get Ree’s Carrot Ribbon Salad recipe.
14) No-Bake Easter Cheesecake
Photo credit: Gordon Sawyer
This festive cheesecake is all about springtime fun. It has a coconut-graham cracker crust, a creamy filling with crushed chocolate eggs, and cute chocolate-coconut nests on top. Best of all, there’s no baking involved—just chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
Get the No-Bake Easter Cheesecake recipe.
15) Roast Leg of Lamb
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Talk about a showstopper! This beautiful roast has a garlicky, herb-packed crust and tender, juicy meat. Drizzle it with the rich pan gravy and serve it front and center at your Easter table.
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
16) Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Your Easter bread basket just got even better! These light, fluffy biscuits have the rich flavor of buttermilk and a hint of ranch seasoning baked right in.
Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.
17) Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto
Photo credit: David Malosh
This silky carrot soup feels like pure sunshine in a bowl. It’s paired with a fresh, vibrant pesto made from carrot tops, roasted almonds, and parmesan. Swirl it all together for a springy lunch that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Get Ree’s Carrot Soup with Carrot Top Pesto recipe.
18) Easter Egg Cookies
Photo credit: Gordon Sawyer
These festive cookies are loaded with melty chocolate chips and colorful candy eggs. They’re rich, fudgy, and perfect for making with the kids. Press a few extra candy eggs on top before baking for the cutest touch!
Get the Easter Egg Cookies recipe.
19) Deviled Eggs
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Deviled eggs are a must on any Easter table! This version sticks to the basics with a perfectly creamy filling of egg yolks, mayo, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
20) Asparagus Pasta
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Looking for a lighter main dish? This lemony, creamy pasta has everything you need: crispy bacon, bright asparagus, and just enough richness to feel special.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
21) Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Photo credit: Stacy Allen
These cupcakes are a sweet spin on Sigrid’s famous carrot cake, a family favorite Ree has loved since childhood. They’re tender, nostalgic, and truly spectacular.
Get Ree’s Carrot Cake Cupcakes recipe.
22) Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Photo credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Ree has a few tips for making perfect mashed potatoes. For starters, she uses half-and-half, cream cheese, seasoning salt, and plenty of butter. She also likes to make them ahead!
Get Ree’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
23) Slow Cooker Brisket
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Brisket is a great main course for holiday occasions, especially when you don’t have to take up any oven space to make it! This recipe uses a slow cooker for the tender meat, potatoes, and veggies.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
24) Candied Carrots
Photo credit: David Malosh
Move over, chocolate bunnies! These candied carrots are the sweet treat everyone will want. The buttery glaze and fresh herbs make them a hit with kids and grownups alike.
Get Ree’s Candied Carrots recipe.
25) Popovers
Photo credit: Beatriz da Costa
Popovers are like dinner rolls, but they’re even lighter and fluffier! Serve them alongside ham, lamb, or even quiche.
Get the Popovers recipe.
26) Air Fryer Green Beans
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Add an easy side dish to your holiday feast! These green beans come together quickly in just 15 minutes and they won’t take up any of your precious oven space.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
27) Carrot Cake Cheesecake
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Why choose between carrot cake and cheesecake when you can have both? This two-in-one dessert has a spiced carrot cake bottom and a silky cheesecake top.
Get the Carrot Cake Cheesecake recipe.
28) Slow Cooker Ham
Photo credit: Beatriz da Costa
Making your holiday ham in a slow cooker is a great way to save space in the oven. Plus, it helps to keep the ham extra moist. Oh and did we mention there’s a brown sugar glaze that’s so good!
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Ham recipe.
29) Spinach Casserole
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
This comforting side will have everyone eating their greens on Easter, especially since it’s topped with crispy fried onions and panko breadcrumbs!
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
30) Hummingbird Cake
Photo credit: Will Dickey
A show-stopping cake is a great way to wrap up your holiday meal. You can get as creative as you want with the decorations or keep things simple with cream cheese frosting and pecans.
Get the Hummingbird Cake recipe.
31) Creamed Peas
Photo credit: Ralph Smith
Yes, you can make a delicious holiday dish using frozen peas! Thanks to the creamy sauce and crispy fried onions, it’s anything but boring.
Get Ree’s Creamed Peas recipe.
32) Rack of Lamb
Photo credit: Will Dicky
This simple method for cooking lamb skips the searing step so you don’t have to dirty up an extra pan. Instead, the lamb is cooked on a foil-lined baking sheet entirely in the oven. It’s hands-free and delicious!
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
33) Lemon Tart
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Add a pop of color and flavor to your Easter table with this light and bright lemon tart. It’s delicious on its own but can also be served with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Get the Lemon Tart recipe.
34) Arugula and Three-Pea Salad
Photo credit: Beatriz da Costa
There are a lot of heavier dishes when it comes to holiday feasts, so starting your meal off with a light salad is a great way to kick things off. This one has fresh peas, radishes, and tons of herbs.
Get Ree’s Arugula and Three-Pea Salad recipe.
35) Carrot Cake Cookies
Photo credit: Will Dickey
If you’re a fan of classic carrot cake, you’ll love this fun and easy cookie variation! It has all the same flavors you know and love, plus that cream cheese frosting you can’t do without.
Get the Carrot Cake Cookies recipe.
36) Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Slow cooker mac and cheese is a game-changer for holiday meals. It’s creamy, cheesy, and frees up your oven for the ham, the biscuits, and everything else!
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
37) Cream of Asparagus Soup
Photo credit: con poulos
It doesn’t get much prettier than this creamy, spring soup. The green color will make everyone at the table smile.
Get Ree’s Cream of Asparagus Soup recipe.
38) Baked Sweet Potatoes
Photo credit: Will Dickey
You can dress these baked potatoes up with either sweet or savory toppings—heck, you can even serve a few of each! Try sour cream and crispy bacon on half and a drizzle of honey on the rest.
Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
39) Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Photo credit: con poulos
Spring is peak asparagus season! This simple preparation lets the vegetable shine.
Get Ree’s Lemon Roasted Asparagus recipe.
40) Crash Hot Potatoes
Photo credit: Ralph Smith
Potatoes are a great side dish for just about any holiday. This twist on baked potatoes, takes the spuds to new levels. Plus, they’re so easy to make!
Get Ree’s Crash Hot Potatoes recipe.
You Might Also Like
Dining and Cooking