21 of the Best Easter Recipes: From Appetizers to Desserts
Easter weekend is just around the corner – and whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, sitting down to a full holiday dinner, or bringing a dish to share at a friend or family member’s home, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up 21 of the best Easter recipes to help you plan a celebration that’s as delicious as it is memorable.
Food, recipes, and party planning are truly my jam. As a culinary school graduate and former cooking instructor, I’ve spent years collecting cookbooks, filling recipe binders, and helping people bring great meals to the table. So when it comes to menu planning for a special occasion like Easter, I take it seriously.
For this roundup, I scoured Pinterest, dug into dozens of recipes, and evaluated each one for interesting approaches, quality ingredients, and clear instructions. (Because even a great recipe can miss the mark if it isn’t accurate or easy to follow – and those didn’t make the cut.)
What you’ll find here is a complete Easter menu from start to finish: appetizers to kick things off, a fresh salad, show-stopping main courses, beautiful side dishes, irresistible desserts, and even a few festive cocktails. Whether you’re planning an intimate family lunch or a larger holiday gathering, these 21 best Easter recipes have you covered.
Ready to start planning your Easter menu? Let’s dig in! It’s never too early to plan an Easter dinner.
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What are my Favorite Dishes for Easter?
What foods speak of Easter and spring to you? Here are the foods that evoke the most blessed of celebrations to me:
- deviled eggs
- ham
- lamb
- asparagus
- peas and mint
- roasted potatoes
- light, fluffy rolls
- a cocktail to toast
- a beautiful cake
- fun cupcakes
Let’s jump in and see all the delicious Easter recipes that you could share with family and friends.
Spend a few hours this weekend reading through these yummy recipes. Decide on your menu. Make your grocery list. Get ready early so you can enjoy Holy Week, prepare the recipes, and enjoy hosting your Easter dinner.
Easter Recipes: 21 Menu Ideas from Appetizers to Desserts
Now, let me share the recipes that I found. Pretend you are sitting down with your favorite spring cookbook or recipe magazine.
Let’s start with appetizers that guests can nibble as they arrive, visit, and sip your drink of the day (at the end of this list) while you put the finishing touches on your Easter meal.
Then we’ll look at main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and cocktails. Of course, I had to include a delicious (and cute) dinner roll.
Super Southern Deviled Eggs
I didn’t love deviled eggs for the longest time. (Southern girl hangs her head in shame.) Now I can’t get enough of them. Sweet Shark and I often order them as an appetizer on Friday date night. Of course, they are always on our Kentucky Derby menu. Believe me, there are hundreds of deviled egg recipes online. I like the thorough instructions and seasoning for this traditional Southern iconic dish from Tracey of The Kitchen is My Playground.
Cutest Stuffed “Carrot” Appetizer
Aren’t these “faux carrots” the cutest Easter appetizer? When it comes to “cute” food, it better TASTE better than it looks. If it just “looks” cute, really why bother? When it comes to these baby stuffed orange peppers, Aleka of Aleka’s Get Togethers guarantees they are flavorful and delicious! These adorable little orange peppers with a creamy herb filling that you can take with you on your Easter egg hunt! And they can be made ahead of time because a special day is no time to prepare food at the last minute.
Yummy Fried Mac ‘n Cheese Balls
I rarely make mac ‘n cheese. (The cheese and pasta are on my no-list.) However, if you let her, my granddaughter Lilah would eat mac ‘n cheese for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I was in Atlanta last time, we went to a Southern-style restaurant, and the server recommended the fried mac ‘n cheese balls. They were delicious. When I found this recipe from Sam and Dan of Ahead of Thyme, I had to include it as the perfect little Easter bite.
Cream Cheese “Carrot”-Filled Crescent Rolls
When I saw these cute little “carrot” crescent rolls filled with a savory cream cheese mixture, I couldn’t resist. I can just hear guests oohing and aging at how cute and yummy they are. Thanks to Leslie of Leslie W Graham for steering me to this Easter appetizer from Pillsbury.
Spinach Dip Easter Bunny
One more super cute Easter appetizer. I’ve seen a similar dish at a Christmas party (formed as a Christmas tree) and it was delicious. Autumn of It’s Always Autumn shows you how to make this fun Easter appetizer with a yummy spinach dip
Easter Asparagus and Pea Salad
Asparagus and peas are a match made in spring heaven. This Easter salad is what you make when you want a special dish that feels fresh and spring-like without spending an hour in the kitchen. The asparagus stays crisp, the goat cheese adds a nice creamy tang, and the honey-mustard dressing ties it all together without being too heavy. It’s perfect for Easter brunch or dinner from Molly of Molly’s Home Guide.
Savory Ham with Apricot Glaze
Ham is one of my two favorite Easter main dishes. I love the apricot-flavored glaze on this baked ham. Natasha of Natasha’s Kitchen also shares great information about buying, choosing, and prepping baked ham.
Iconic Roasted Leg of Lamb
We love lamb any way we can get it: rack of lamb, lamb chops, lamb loin. Leg of lamb is a classic spring and Easter main course. I thought the flavoring and preparation of this recipe by Jessica of Savory Experiments were a winner. She shares everything you need to know to prepare a delicious main entrée you will be proud to serve.
Roasted Greek Chicken with Lemon and Orzo
Chicken sometimes gets a bad rap, but this roasted chicken has a lovely golden-brown skin, a delicious lemony marinade, and is paired with one of my favorite sides: orzo. Stephanie of 31 Daily shows you how to roast a whole chicken until tender and golden with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and oregano, while orzo cooks in the flavorful pan juices. You can let this dish cook while you watch the kids hunt for Easter eggs.
Roasted Springtime Carrots
Carrots aren’t just for bunnies at Easter. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. I love serving them with greenery on top for a natural look. Jennifer of Carlsbad Cravings provides this delicious version of an Easter classic.
Spring Asparagus and Peas with Mint
I couldn’t pass on this vegetable dish. Asparagus and peas are quintessential spring vegetables. Combined with fresh herbs like mint, they make a delicious side dish for an Easter meal. Leigh Ann of My Story of Us provides helpful information about buying and preparing asparagus (From me: 1. Avoid the super skinny “pencil” asparagus, which doesn’t have much flavor and is easy to overcook. 2. If you buy thick asparagus, be sure to peel the stalks.)
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Want to include potatoes on your Easter menu? Try using fingerlings. They have a wonderful creamy texture. Look for the purple ones to mix in. Such an easy addition to an Easter meal from Erin of Well Plated.
Bunny Buns
You have to have some kind of dinner roll at Easter dinner. Why not make them cute? Kara of Creations by Kara shows you how to make this cute bunny dinner roll. This roll should keep the kids entertained so the grown-ups can enjoy the meal. Served with salted butter and honey makes them even better.
Bunny Head Roll
I couldn’t help myself. When I saw this version of another cute bunny roll, I had to share it so you’d have a choice of breads for your Easter meal. This made-from-scratch dough from Amanda of Amanda’s Cookin’ sounds so good, you can almost smell the rolls baking.
Sweet Easter Lamb Cake
Who doesn’t think this is one of the cutest Easter cake ideas ever? Thanks to the team at Taste of Home for sharing this “grandmother-approved” lamb cake. See my Easter supply list below for the lamb cake mold.
Easter Basket Cupcakes
Since I shared these darling Easter basket cupcakes a few years ago, they have been a blog favorite at Bluesky at Home. Kids and grown-ups will love the look and the yummy flavor.
Prettiest Polka Dot Easter Cake
If serving a beautiful cake is your favorite dessert, then this lovely confection is for you. Not only is it pretty on the outside, but it also has a surprise inside for the kids. Elizabeth of Sugar Hero shares the step-by-step instructions to deliver this Easter delight.
Cottontail Easter Cocktail
Yummy is all I can say about this smooth drink, perfect to serve guests for your Easter meal. Thanks to Michael of Inspired by Charm for another pretty celebratory drink. What’s not to like about a martini glass rimmed in coconut with a marshmallow for garnish?
Pink Lemonade Martini with Peeps Garnish
Peeps have become a popular ingredient in Easter decor and recipes. Would it be a fun way to use them in an Easter cocktail? Lisa of Mom on the Side shows you how to delight your guests with this drink. Leave out the vodka for the kiddos.
Spring Blossom Sangria
What makes this Easter sangria from The Recipe Bar so special? It’s light, floral, and perfectly balanced between crisp and sweet. The rosé base keeps it refreshing, while elderflower liqueur (which Sweet Shark keeps in his bar) adds a soft floral touch that pairs beautifully with the fresh fruit. Plus, those edible flowers? They turn a simple sangria into a stunning centerpiece. It’s a perfect Easter libation.
Easter Recipe Supplies to Check Out
Need some supplies to help you make these recipes and host an Easter meal? Here is your shopping list for Easter recipes:
Did you learn something new from these 21 best Easter Recipes? There is a lot to cover so be sure to PIN this post for reference.
I hope you will try some of these delicious Easter recipes. They are perfect for this special day.
“This is such a well-curated roundup! I especially love the idea of the stuffed ‘carrot’ pepper appetizers — festive, creative, and actually delicious-sounding. The Spring Blossom Sangria is going straight onto my Easter menu. Thank you for putting together a complete spread from apps to cocktails! Landman