Easter is a special time for family gatherings and delicious meals.

Planning the perfect Easter menu can be fun and exciting. You can mix classic recipes with new favorites to create a memorable feast.

These 15 best Easter recipes will help you make a tasty holiday meal.

From main dishes to sides and desserts, you’ll find options to please everyone at your table.

Whether you prefer traditional ham or want to try something different, these recipes offer great choices for your Easter celebration.

1. Honey-Glazed Ham

Honey-glazed ham is a classic Easter favorite. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start with a fully cooked bone-in ham, about 8-10 pounds.

Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create a sweet and tangy glaze. Add a touch of cinnamon for warmth.

Bake the ham covered with foil for about 90 minutes, basting every 30 minutes. Then turn up the heat and remove the foil for the last 15-30 minutes.

This creates a juicy, tender ham with a perfectly caramelized exterior. The glaze adds a delicious sweetness that pairs well with the salty meat.

2. Deviled Eggs with Dill

Deviled eggs with dill are a tasty twist on a classic Easter favorite. You’ll love the fresh, herby flavor that dill brings to these creamy bites.

To make them, start with hard-boiled eggs. Cut them in half and scoop out the yolks.

Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped fresh dill.

Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle extra dill on top for garnish.

These eggs are sure to be a hit at your Easter gathering.

You can prepare them ahead of time and keep them chilled until serving. They’re perfect for brunches, appetizers, or as a side dish.

3. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that will delight your guests. You’ll love its moist, spiced layers and tangy cream cheese frosting.

To make the cake, mix eggs, sugar, and oil in a bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and other dry ingredients.

Blend the wet and dry mixtures together, then fold in grated carrots.

Bake the cake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out clean.

While it cools, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting between layers and over the top and sides. For extra flair, decorate with chopped pecans or walnut pieces.

4. Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat you can easily make at home. These sweet, spiced buns are marked with a cross on top and packed with raisins or currants.

To make hot cross buns, you’ll need warm milk, sugar, butter, flour, yeast, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix the ingredients to form a dough, let it rise, then shape into buns.

Before baking, pipe a flour paste cross on each bun. Once golden brown, brush with a sweet glaze for shine.

Serve your homemade hot cross buns warm with butter for a tasty Easter breakfast or snack.

5. Asparagus Tart

A savory asparagus tart is a great addition to your Easter menu. This elegant dish combines crisp asparagus with creamy cheese and flaky pastry.

To make it, start by rolling out puff pastry on a baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of mustard for extra flavor.

Arrange blanched asparagus spears on top.

Sprinkle with Gruyère or your favorite cheese.

Bake until the pastry is golden and puffy. The cheese will melt and the asparagus will become tender.

Serve your asparagus tart warm as a side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with ham or roasted lamb.

You can prepare components ahead of time for easier assembly on Easter day.

6. Lamb Stew

Lamb stew is a perfect Easter dish. You can make it with tender chunks of lamb and hearty vegetables.

Add potatoes, carrots, and peas to your stew for classic flavors. Season it with rosemary and thyme to complement the lamb.

Cook the stew low and slow to let the meat become tender. This also allows the flavors to blend nicely.

Serve your lamb stew with crusty bread to soak up the rich gravy. It’s a comforting meal that your guests will love.

7. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a tasty Easter side dish. You’ll love the layers of tender potatoes in a creamy sauce.

To make them, slice potatoes thinly and layer them with cheese. Pour a rich cream sauce over the top. Bake until golden and bubbly.

These potatoes go well with ham or turkey.

You can prepare them ahead of time and bake before serving. Add extra cheese on top for more flavor.

For the best results, use starchy potatoes like russets. They’ll absorb the sauce and become nice and creamy.

8. Roast Leg of Lamb

Roast leg of lamb is a classic Easter dish that’s sure to impress your guests. You can create a memorable meal with this flavorful centerpiece.

Start by seasoning the lamb with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest. These flavors complement the meat perfectly.

Rub the seasoning all over the surface for maximum flavor.

Roast the lamb in a hot oven until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).

Let it rest before carving to keep the juices in.

Serve your roast leg of lamb with traditional sides like roasted potatoes and spring vegetables.

The tender, juicy meat will be the star of your Easter table.

9. Easter Egg Bread

Easter Egg Bread is a festive treat that combines soft, sweet bread with colorful dyed eggs. This eye-catching bread is perfect for your Easter table.

To make it, you’ll need basic bread ingredients plus whole raw eggs. The eggs are dyed before being nestled into the dough.

As the bread bakes, the eggs cook inside their shells. The result is a beautiful braided loaf with eggs peeking out.

You can enjoy this bread as part of your Easter brunch or dinner. It’s tasty on its own or paired with ham.

Try making Easter Egg Bread this year for a fun holiday tradition. Your family will love the festive look and delicious taste.

10. Potato Salad with Herbs

Potato salad with fresh herbs is a tasty addition to your Easter menu. You can make it with red baby potatoes for a colorful twist.

Add parsley, dill, and chives for a burst of flavor.

Mix in a creamy dressing made from vegan mayo or regular mayo. Add some Dijon mustard for extra tang.

This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings and picnics.

You can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Serve it chilled alongside your other Easter dishes.

Your guests will love this fresh take on a classic side dish.

11. Herb-Roasted Vegetables

Herb-roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish for your Easter meal. They’re easy to make and full of flavor.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Cut your favorite veggies into even-sized pieces. Mix them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Toss everything together.

Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. The vegetables should be tender and lightly browned.

This versatile dish works with many vegetable combinations. Try carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers. You can also add garlic for extra flavor.

12. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a classic Easter dessert that’s sure to brighten your holiday table. This sweet and tangy treat features a buttery crust, zesty lemon filling, and fluffy meringue topping.

To make the perfect lemon meringue pie, use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. The filling should be smooth and creamy, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.

For a picture-perfect meringue, make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the crust. This will help prevent shrinkage during baking.

Bake the pie until the meringue is golden brown and has a slight crunch on top.

Serve your lemon meringue pie chilled for a refreshing end to your Easter meal. Your guests will love this timeless dessert that captures the essence of spring.

13. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Strawberry spinach salad is a perfect Easter dish. It’s fresh, colorful, and easy to make.

You’ll need fresh spinach leaves and ripe strawberries as the base. Add some sliced red onions for a tangy crunch.

Top it with crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans. This adds great flavor and texture.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. Add a touch of mustard and poppy seeds. Shake it up in a jar for easy mixing.

Toss everything together just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and the strawberries fresh.

14. White Chocolate Cheesecake

White chocolate cheesecake is a decadent Easter dessert that will wow your guests. This creamy treat combines the rich taste of cream cheese with the sweet, smooth flavor of white chocolate.

To make it, you’ll need a graham cracker crust and a filling made from cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and melted white chocolate. Mix these ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Pour the mixture into your prepared crust and bake until set.

For extra flair, top your cheesecake with fresh raspberries. They add a pop of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet white chocolate.

No water bath is needed for this recipe, making it easier to prepare. Your Easter guests will love this indulgent dessert that’s perfect for spring celebrations.

15. Pineapple Glazed Carrots

Pineapple glazed carrots are a tasty side dish for your Easter meal. You can make them easily with a few simple ingredients.

Start by cooking carrots until they’re tender-crisp.

While they cook, prepare a glaze using pineapple juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Pour the glaze over the cooked carrots in a skillet.

Heat everything together until the carrots are coated and the glaze thickens.

Add some pineapple chunks for extra tropical flavor.

The sweet and tangy taste pairs well with ham or other Easter main dishes.

This colorful side brings brightness to your holiday table. It’s a fun twist on regular glazed carrots that your guests will enjoy.

Easter Recipe Traditions

Easter recipes blend religious symbolism with cultural heritage. Many dishes have special meanings tied to the holiday. Different regions put their own spin on traditional Easter foods.

The Symbolism of Foods

Eggs are a key Easter symbol. They represent new life and rebirth. People often dye eggs bright colors or use them in dishes like deviled eggs.

Hot cross buns have crosses on top to symbolize the crucifixion. The spices inside remind people of the spices used to embalm Jesus.

Lamb is another important Easter food. It represents Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” Many families serve roast lamb as the main dish.

Easter bread comes in various forms. Some are braided to look like a crown of thorns. Others have whole eggs baked into them as decoration.

Regional Variations Across the Globe

In Greece, you’ll find red-dyed eggs and tsoureki sweet bread. The red color represents the blood of Christ.

Italian tables often have colomba di Pasqua, a dove-shaped cake. It symbolizes peace and the Holy Spirit.

In Poland, people make babka, a sweet yeast cake. They also prepare a Easter basket with foods to be blessed at church.

British and Irish families enjoy hot cross buns on Good Friday. In the U.S., ham is a popular main dish instead of lamb.

In many Latin American countries, you’ll find capirotada. This is a bread pudding made with cheese and fruit.

Cooking Tips for Easter Meals

Making a great Easter meal takes some planning and know-how. These tips will help you create a delicious and stress-free holiday feast for your family and friends.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

Mix sweet and savory flavors in your Easter menu. Pair honey-glazed ham with tangy mustard sauce.

Add crisp veggies to creamy casseroles. Try these combos:

• Roasted carrots with herb butter
• Deviled eggs with bacon bits
• Green beans with almonds

Use fresh herbs to brighten dishes. Mint, dill, and parsley work well.

Don’t overdo spices – let natural flavors shine.

For dessert, balance rich chocolate with fruit. Lemon squares or berry tarts are good options.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prep as much as you can before Easter Sunday. Many dishes taste better when flavors meld overnight.

What to make ahead:

• Casseroles
• Pies and cakes
• Glazes and sauces
• Hard-boiled eggs

Set the table and do flowers the night before.

On Easter morning, just reheat dishes and add final touches.

Cook ham or lamb early, then let it rest. This makes the meat juicier and easier to carve.

Assign simple tasks to helpers. Kids can decorate cookies or set out candy dishes.