Our comprehensive collection of Easter dinner ideas has all the recipes you need for the holiday meal. Showstopping entrée options include ham (spiral-cut, smoked, or fresh), roast lamb, roast turkey, and vegetarian mains, too. Start the meal with deviled eggs, a much-loved choice, or a spring soup. For sides, take advantage of colorful spring vegetables, like asparagus, leeks, and English peas—and don't forget carrots, the Easter bunny's favorite. Read on for all the recipes you should plan your Easter dinner around.
17 Easy Easter Desserts, Including Cheesecake, Shortcakes, Cookies, and More
01of 32
Wild Salmon with English Peas and Mustard Beurre Blanc with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Pan Gravy
Simple to prepare yet spectacular, this Easter entrée features a side of roasted wild salmon served with English peas. The beurre blanc is served on the side. It's like a warm vinaigrette made with butter instead of oil.
View Recipe
02of 32
Asparagus-and-Potato Gratin
Is this a side dish or a main? We're not sure, but we know it is delicious. Adding asparagus to that old favorite, the potato gratin, is such a genius idea we can't believe we didn't think of it before. There's also prosciutto, goat cheese, and Pecorino Romano.
View Recipe
03of 32
Deviled Eggs with Relish
Is there an appetizer better suited to Easter than the deviled egg? We love them so much we've developed many variations from ones with smoked salmon to ones with watercress. This easy, zesty take with relish is a favorite.
View Recipe
04of 32
Test Kitchen’s Favorite Buttermilk Biscuits
Biscuits are a great partner for Easter ham, but they also pair wonderfully with all kinds of holiday dishes. These buttermilk biscuits have long been our test kitchen’s go-to. We always cut them into squares—it’s quicker and easier than using a biscuit cutter and works the dough less (so the biscuits can rise taller!).
View Recipe
05of 32
Quick Carrots and Snap Peas with Lemony Mustard Dressing
A 30-minute side dish that's bright and lively and just right to go with Easter ham, lamb, or just about any spring entrée.
View Recipe
06of 32
Pomegranate-Glazed Ham with Jammy Cipollinis
A spectacular ham, this elegant main dish is glazed with a two-ingredient combination of pomegranate molasses and brown sugar.
View Recipe
07of 32
Asparagus with Almonds, Goat Cheese, and Basil
A dish fit for the holiday table, tender asparagus stalks are tossed with an irresistible mustard-lemon dressing, made with soft-cooked egg yolk, and topped with almonds and goat cheese.
View Recipe
08of 32
Crown Roast of Lamb with Pilaf Stuffing
For all who think it's not Easter dinner without a stellar lamb entrée, this is our go-to recipe when we want a real showstopper. Two racks of lamb are rubbed with an earthy spice mixture made from ground coriander, lemon zest, garlic, and thyme.
View Recipe
09of 32
Sweet Peas with Shallots and Gem Lettuce
This warm and tender salad is so very springlike. You can cook the peas ahead and let them sit on the stovetop, then toss in the lettuce and butter right before serving.
View Recipe
10of 32
Warm Spinach Salad With Shiitake Mushrooms and Red Onion
Spinach is sautéed with shiitake mushrooms, then paired with quick pickled red onions and some raw spinach for a deliciously fresh take on salad that should be part of your Easter dinner menu.
View Recipe
11of 32
Roast Beef with Shallots
In this easy roast beef recipe, bottom round is rubbed with a combination of chopped garlic and Dijon mustard before being cooked on a bed of shallots.
View Recipe
12of 32
Egg Noodles With Asparagus and Grated Egg Yolks
Whether you serve it as a side dish or a vegetarian main, this spring pasta recipe is apt for Easter. The simple sauce is made with a combination of mascarpone cheese, the zest and juice of a lemon, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
View Recipe
13of 32
White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Our latest and greatest scalloped potatoes recipe uses white cheddar for a cheesy topping. It's a streamlined take on the classic that you'll want to make for Easter and other holidays.
View Recipe
14of 32
Creamy Ginger-Asparagus Soup
Though we call it creamy, this is a silky vegan soup with no actual cream. The smooth, pleasing texture comes via a combination of russet potatoes and olive oil. While the base is asparagus, we add some baby spinach to get the vibrant green color.
View Recipe
15of 32
Lemon-Herb Turkey With Bay Butter and Gravy
If you want to serve turkey for Easter dinner, try this springy recipe: The bird is roasted with a herb mixture made from crushed bay leaves, rosemary, lemon zest, and plenty of garlic.
View Recipe
16of 32
Leek Gratin
A cheesy side dish that showcases leeks deliciously. This gratin makes a great supporting player for all kinds of roast ham, lamb, and other Easter main dishes.
View Recipe
17of 32
Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
New potatoes are mashed with buttermilk for a pleasingly creamy yet also tangy flavor that’s a fresh addition to your Easter dinner menu.
View Recipe
18of 32
Feta-and-Dill-Stuffed Artichokes
A special-occasion dish, streamlined just for Easter dinner. Trim and steam the artichokes in advance, then fill them just before baking. The five-ingredient stuffing includes bread, feta cheese, and dill, moistened with chicken broth and olive oil. Another drizzle of oil helps the dish brown in the oven.
View Recipe
19of 32
Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham
An easy centerpiece for your Easter dinner, spiral ham gets a simple glaze before baking and is pre-sliced, making serving at the table more streamlined.
View Recipe
20of 32
Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham With Citrus Glaze
A fresh ham is coated with a spice rub made with fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and whole black peppercorns a day ahead of roasting. Then, it's cooked low and slow for 4 1/2 hours. Paired with a bright citrus garnish, it's a colorful and flavorful centerpiece for an Easter dinner.
View Recipe
21of 32
Spiced Beef Stew With Carrots and Chickpeas
While a classic beef stew might seem too hearty for spring, this lightened-up version is just right for Easter. It's packed with chickpeas, carrots, red bell pepper, and berbere seasoning (an Ethiopian spice blend made from ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom).
View Recipe
22of 32
Pepper-Crusted Lamb With Roasted Vegetables
If you're hosting a smaller Easter dinner, consider making lamb loin chops instead of the usual crown roast. This recipe comes together in just over an hour and serves four.
View Recipe
23of 32
Saffron Risotto With Shrimp and Peas
Cozy up with a super creamy, satisfying bowl of risotto for Easter dinner. This recipe calls for saffron, which makes the dish feel extra special (and smell extra special, too!).
View Recipe
24of 32
Cheesy Asparagus Pasta
Perfect for vegetarians, this rich pasta dish celebrates asparagus and will be a welcome addition to your Easter dinner table.
View Recipe
25of 32
Roasted Red Potatoes
Add a little color to your holiday dinner with these easy-to-make roasted potatoes. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that always goes fast.
View Recipe
26of 32
Beet-and-Dill-Roasted Wild Salmon
Dramatic and delicious, this salmon recipe is also straightforward to make. Grated red beet gives the fish a deep purple-red hue, while fresh dill and horseradish bring intense flavor.
View Recipe
27of 32
Carrot-Lemon Risotto
Need Easter dinner ideas for vegetarians? Try this deeply satisfying risotto. Carrot juice adds a vivid orange hue and slightly sweet flavor.
View Recipe
28of 32
Roast Chicken With Vegetables and Potatoes
Here's a classic main course that's perfect for Easter. Loaded with fresh carrots, shallots, and potatoes, it's a grand one-dish recipe that's sure to please.
View Recipe
29of 32
Miso Salmon With Asparagus and Carrots
If you're hosting Easter dinner for four, try this salmon entrée. It features spring all-stars—asparagus and carrots—over cous cous.
View Recipe
30of 32
Virginia Ham With Honey-Mustard Glaze
There's no need for a centerpiece when you place this honey-baked ham on the table. Before baking, it's brushed with a couldn't-be-simpler four-ingredient glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, and ground cloves.
View Recipe
31of 32
Carrot-and-Lentil Salad
Use a vegetable peeler to make ribbons of carrot for this salad. They top black lentils in a vegan dish that's colorful, light, and packed with protein. A generous sprinkling of parsley leaves and a vinaigrette with grated ginger give the salad freshness and zip.
View Recipe
32of 32
Slow-Cooker Persian Lamb Stew
Lamb shoulder, white wine, orange juice, thyme, and garlic come together in this hands-off stew. Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on setting the Easter table and making appetizers.
View Recipe