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Looking for the best Easter dinner ideas? Whether you’re planning a traditional ham dinner, hosting a crowd, or putting together a simple holiday meal, we’ve rounded up our favorite tried-and-true recipes all in one place. From classic Easter mains like glazed ham and roast beef to easy side dishes, fresh spring salads, and crowd-pleasing desserts, this guide will help you build the perfect Easter menu from start to finish.
From top left: Crockpot Spiral Ham, Creamy Peas and Potatoes, Sweet Sautéed Asparagus, Easter Bread, Lemon Meringue Pie, Bunny Cake.
⭐ Best Easter Dinner Ideas (Quick List)
If you’re short on time, here are our must-have Easter favorites:
As family and friends start to gather, we like to set out an appetizer or two. We’ve handpicked some of our favorites to set out before Easter dinner.
Best Deviled Eggs Recipe
4.99 from 96 votes
Deviled eggs are one of the most popular party appetizers. Learn how to make deviled eggs to take to a holiday party or family gathering. They’re quick to prepare and easy to serve to a crowd.
A smooth and creamy dip with a hint of citrus. It complements the flavor of every kind of fruit. I love it with apples, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, grapes, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, and any other fruit that is in season.
Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is an easy and delicious side dish that will complement any meal. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, but tastes like a gourmet dish!
Charcuterie Boards are a popular appetizer, usually made up of meats and cheeses. With this Vegan Charcuterie Board, plant-based eaters can still get in on the fun.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to Easter salads. It’s fun to incorporate fresh spring flavors at Easter dinner. We find ourselves using the following salads time and time again.
Classic Potato Salad Recipe with Eggs
5 from 90 votes
Our best potato salad recipe comes straight from Mom's recipe box. Tender chunks of potatoes and eggs covered in creamy dressing is tried and true and a hit at any gathering!
This Layered Cold Pasta Salad is a colorful side dish for BBQ’s and potlucks. With layers of ham, eggs, salami, veggies, and cheese, it is hearty and delicious!
This Nuts About Berries Salad is colorful, flavorful, and refreshing in the spring and summer months when you can pick or purchase delicious, fresh berries.
This strawberry spinach salad is made with fresh strawberries, spinach and candied nuts. Combine these ingredients and more to create a mouth-watering salad.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad is a long time family favorite! The crunchy pretzel crust is layered with a smooth cream cheese filling, and a fresh strawberry gelatin layer on top.
Blueberry Jello Salad layers berry gelatin, blueberry pie filling, and a fluffy cream cheese topping. An easy, no-bake side or dessert that’s perfect for potlucks and holidays.
This Strawberry Fluff Salad is a retro favorite that combines classic ingredients like Jell-O, Cool Whip, and mini marshmallows for a sweet, creamy side dish (or dessert) that is perfect for family picnics or potlucks.
Whip up this nostalgic Pistachio Salad in 5 minutes! A sweet, creamy blend of pistachio pudding, pineapple, and marshmallows that everyone loves at potlucks.
According to marthastewart.com, ham became the meat of choice for Easter dinner because it was more readily available than lamb. However, if ham isn’t your main dish of choice, a roast lamb, pork roast, roast beef, or fish can be served for your Easter feast.
Honey Baked Ham
4.99 from 86 votes
Honey Baked Ham is a Christmas and Easter tradition everyone looks forward to! Sweet, smoky with succulent spices, this copycat recipe tastes just like your favorite holiday ham, but made right at home.
Crockpot Ham sweetened with maple and brown sugar is a favorite for holidays, Sundays and more! This spiral ham is never dry, always flavorful, always a hit.
These Grilled Ham Steaks are perfect for if you are craving cooked ham but don’t want to purchase a huge spiral ham. The sweet teriyaki glaze is tangy and delicious and super easy to make. You will love the little pieces of pineapple mixed in to every bite!
This oven roast beef recipe results in a tender, juicy, classic Sunday roast. It has been a Sunday tradition in our family for years. Cook low and slow for fall-apart slices and flavorful drippings for gravy.
This zesty Lemon Salmon is such a light, fresh meal. Try our creamy tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt as an optional topping to the salmon. It really puts it over the top!
This Herb Crusted Salmon always turns out amazing. You will love the perfectly cooked flaky fish crusted in fresh herbs and drizzled with a tangy sauce.
This Baked Cod in Cream Sauce is hands-down, my favorite fish dish. It turns out perfectly flaky every time. The flavorful, creamy sauce puts it over the top!
The side dishes are what truly make an Easter dinner feel special. From cheesy potatoes to bright, fresh vegetables, these tried-and-true favorites are the recipes our family comes back to year after year.
Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
4.99 from 197 votes
Our Cheesy Potato Casserole is sure to please a crowd! You'll love the tender potatoes, lots of cheese and a unique crunchy topping.
Red potatoes are ideal for roasting because their thin skin crisps up beautifully, and their naturally buttery flavor makes them absolutely delicious. This simple, versatile dish is a must-try for any roasted vegetable fan!
This bright, zesty Lemon Rice Recipe is the perfect Mediterranean side dish! Easy to make, fluffy, and full of flavor. Pairs beautifully with chicken, pork, or fish.
Make this Italian classic yourself, a fresh and flavorful pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes. Budget friendly and made with pantry staples, this is the perfect weeknight meal!
Learn how to cook frozen peas so they turn out perfectly every time—sweet, tender, and vibrant green, never mushy or bland. This quick and easy stovetop method takes just 10 minutes and uses simple ingredients you already have on hand.
Honey-glazed carrots are such an easy side dish to throw together, and they go with everything! We have got a traditional recipe, plus two variations with flavors you will love!
Make Oven Roasted Vegetables that caramelize beautifully in about 30 minutes. Learn the best temp, seasoning options, veggie swaps, and tips for perfect results.
Nothing quite compares to the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread. Homemade rolls are always a good idea. Our classic Easter bread also looks beautiful on the table.
Easter Bread
5 from 4 votes
This festive Easter Bread is similar to a brioche bread, the flavor is just a little sweeter. The dyed eggs are raw and will cook in the oven along with the loaves of bread.
Celebrate the season with desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These Easter treats feature fresh spring flavors, soft pastel colors, and just the right amount of indulgence to make your holiday feel extra special.
Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
4.86 from 28 votes
This Classic Carrot Cake is perfectly moist and delicious, with fluffy cream cheese frosting, a true classic recipe passed down in our family for years. If you're looking for the perfect carrot cake, look no further!
This easy Bunny Cake is the perfect Easter dessert. Made with cake mix, frosting, strawberries, and blueberries, it is simple, cute, and fun for kids to help decorate.
This Carrot Bundt Cake recipe has all the flavors of classic carrot cake, with a lighter texture that is more like the Nothing Bundt Cake's Carrot Cake. Light, fluffy, so delicious!
This Coconut Cake Recipe is layer upon layer of coconut flavor in every bite! Coconut cake, coconut cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with toasted coconut. A coconut lover's dream!
This chessmen banana pudding is stacked with bananas, a pudding cheesecake filling, and crunchy cookies. This Paula Deen recipe is one of our favorite desserts and we're so excited to share it with you.
This easy Oreo Dirt Cake recipe is a nostalgic no-bake dessert made with creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms. Perfect for Easter, Halloween, or just for fun!
This from-scratch Coconut Cream Pie uses canned coconut milk for bold coconut flavor and half-and-half for a silky, sliceable custard — no pudding mix needed.
Lemon Meringue Pie is one of my all-time favorites. Smooth, tart lemon filling with light and fluffy meringue that melts in your mouth. The best lemon pie you will ever taste!
These Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a MUST for carrot cake lovers! You will love the frosting. So many delicious flavors in one little cookie!
These soft, chewy Cadbury Egg Cookies are the perfect Easter treat! Packed with mini Cadbury Eggs and melty chocolate, they’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
These Chocolate Bird Nests are a favorite for Easter in our family. My kids love helping to make the little nests and adding little chocolate eggs to the middle.
These buttery soft Italian Easter Cookies are perfect for Easter, tea parties, or anytime you want a sweet treat! Decorate them with colorful icing and festive sprinkles for a beautiful and delicious Easter dessert.
Here is a sample menu plan for an easy traditional Easter dinner. Slow Cooker Ham, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Sautéed Sweet Asparagus, and a Chessman Banana Pudding for dessert. This is a basic, simple Easter dinner. Add in appetizers, salads, rolls, and additional side dishes from our ideas above, or invite guests to contribute. Follow our preparation and timing guidelines for an stress-free Easter Sunday that you can enjoy cooking and eating with your family and friends.
Click on the images below for the full recipe of each dish and follow preparation timing for a relaxing and enjoyable Easter meal.
Day before: Prepare the banana pudding and refrigerate overnight.
Three hours before dinner time: Prepare the ham to cook in the slow cooker. This will take about 10 minutes. The ham will slow cook on low for about 2 1/2- 3 hours and your house will smell amazing.
One and a half hours before dinner time: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Make the cheesy potato casserole. Prep time will be approximately 15 minutes and cook time will be one hour.
Prepare the asparagus: While the casserole is cooking, rinse and cut the asparagus, set the table, and make any other final preparations for the meal. The asparagus is best when it is hot and fresh out of the skillet, so prepare it about 10 minutes before you are ready to sit down and eat.
Happy Easter!
For more Easter planning, take a look at more of our Easter sweet and savory recipes!
We hope you’ve found ideas and recipes here that will make your Easter celebrations memorable and special this year. Please let us know if there are traditional Easter dishes you make that you would like to see featured with our ideas. We would also love to hear what you made for your Easter dinner. Thank you! 🌷
Erica lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and their three daughters. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and has a passion for travel and adventure. Whether kayaking, hiking, or scuba diving, she loves exploring the world—and bringing her family along for the ride.
I love these cheesy potatoes!! They are sooo delicious warm or cold! I fix them for almost all family gatherings they are always a family favorite! I also make the deviled eggs and hope that there are enough on the plate for others to enjoy! I am not the only one who likes to “taste “ them before hand. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Linda
Ham is always a favorite! I love this crockpot recipe because it keeps the ham moist, has a nice flavor from the sauce on the outside and of course it is prepared while you are at church!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Linda
We as everyone else had the t radio nap ham. We definitely had potatoes we had potatoes every nie. Of course we had several vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and corn. The dessert had to be pie for my dad, but the real star was the bunny cake. My mom had a mold for the bunny and it was all decked out in white icing and covered in coconut. The best part of dinner was having all of us together. My four brothers and one sister, my grandmother/( who I miss every day for the past53 years), and sometimes Sister Christina my cousin and Monsigner? Herman Brieght. Now we each have our own traditions but I do miss the family get togethers. Hope your Easter holiday holds A lot of good memories.
I love banana pudding and I adore the King Chessmen cookies. I lived in Greece for many years and it would not be Easter without sweet cheese pies, lamb, goat, and a sweet braided bread with a red egg in the middle as a decoration. Easter is the best time of the year in Greece and I don’t think there is a Greek food I don’t like. I try, since moving back to the states, to always have a few Greek dishes at Easter such as an egg lemon soup and fried sweet cheese pies.
I want to try all your recipes! Each looks like a winner 100%. Being disabled, I will pick at least 2 to add to my husband’s menu.
Growing up, our Great Aunt had at least 7 or more families over after church. Mother’s always contributed, but what a feast she had! A huge table and non stop food passing of everything. I was a big girl when I got to sit at the big table.
I have 2 crock pots. So I’m going to try the slow cooker ham with glaze and the potatoes au gratin. Winners for sure.
Wishing all a Blessed Easter.
My traditional Easter meal is ham. I like corn casserole, yams, grandpas party potatoes, and some good macaroni and cheese. I like this banana pudding recipe. I’ll try it. I am not much on desserts. But my family enjoys them!
BAKED HAM, MASHED POTATOES, TORTILLA PINWHEELS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND SWEET PEPPERS, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CINDY’S 4 BEAN CASSEROLE, FRESH ROLLS, DEVILED EGGS, FRESH FRUIT SALAD, CARROT CAKE, CHOCOLATE LAYERED PUDDING DESSERT– WE USED TO GATHER WITH LOTS OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND HAD EVEN MORE CHOICES. SOMEONE ALWAYS BROUGHT A NEW RECIPE THEY WERE TRYING OUT. SO FUN.
We usually have a spiral ham with deviled eggs glazed carrots mashed potatoes and fresh hot rolls. Then we have hot apple pie Al a mode. We use the ham bone to make ham and beans for another meal.
I love Ham, Potato Salad, Baked Beans , corn pudding, Rolls, Coconut cream pie and a coconut cake. Usually have peas, deviled eggs, pickled beets, and a few other sides .
My traditional Easter meal is a ham, mashed potatoes with corn on the cob and fresh green oh and homeaid biscuits n gravey. Mmmmmmyummy for my tummy good stuff.
I have ham, potato salad macaroni and cheese, string beans and deviled eggs. I color the eggs with food coloring. I have brown sugar pie for dessert
This year I will make yeast rolls from the recipe you had
They are easy and delicious 😋 Happy Resurrection Day❤️✝️
I don’t have many traditional Easter memories regarding food, but my grandmother used to always make deviled eggs. Oreo delight is also an amazing thing down here in the south, it’s always gone too quick!
I’ve never heard of 4 layer banana pudding but sounds delicious, I must try it!
My family Easter celebrations have been hit and miss throughout my life so I can really say I have am absolute favorite, but I do like spiral ham and I must be pretty original because I’ve only thought of wrapping it with tin foil and heating it in the over, lol.
My favorite is the Honey Baked Ham in the Crock pot, the 4 layer banana pudding is the BEST as is all your reciepes. I love the homemade bread and of course the kids and babies enjoy making the cookies and Easter treats. Thank you for sharing all your homemade receipes for me to share with my children and as they grow up, they will share them with their children. Happy Easter & May God Bless You All.
I love a glazed ham with some lovely veggie sides like root vegetables, green beans and Brussels sprouts! Also, some fresh, warm rolls. Dessert can be anything from lemon squares to cheesecake or pavlova!
I love these cheesy potatoes!! They are sooo delicious warm or cold! I fix them for almost all family gatherings they are always a family favorite! I also make the deviled eggs and hope that there are enough on the plate for others to enjoy! I am not the only one who likes to “taste “ them before hand. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Linda
Thanks Linda! It seems like deviled eggs are always the first to go, they are so pop-able!
Ham is always a favorite! I love this crockpot recipe because it keeps the ham moist, has a nice flavor from the sauce on the outside and of course it is prepared while you are at church!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Linda
We as everyone else had the t radio nap ham. We definitely had potatoes we had potatoes every nie. Of course we had several vegetables like green beans, broccoli, and corn. The dessert had to be pie for my dad, but the real star was the bunny cake. My mom had a mold for the bunny and it was all decked out in white icing and covered in coconut. The best part of dinner was having all of us together. My four brothers and one sister, my grandmother/( who I miss every day for the past53 years), and sometimes Sister Christina my cousin and Monsigner? Herman Brieght. Now we each have our own traditions but I do miss the family get togethers. Hope your Easter holiday holds A lot of good memories.
I love banana pudding and I adore the King Chessmen cookies. I lived in Greece for many years and it would not be Easter without sweet cheese pies, lamb, goat, and a sweet braided bread with a red egg in the middle as a decoration. Easter is the best time of the year in Greece and I don’t think there is a Greek food I don’t like. I try, since moving back to the states, to always have a few Greek dishes at Easter such as an egg lemon soup and fried sweet cheese pies.
I want to try all your recipes! Each looks like a winner 100%. Being disabled, I will pick at least 2 to add to my husband’s menu.
Growing up, our Great Aunt had at least 7 or more families over after church. Mother’s always contributed, but what a feast she had! A huge table and non stop food passing of everything. I was a big girl when I got to sit at the big table.
I have 2 crock pots. So I’m going to try the slow cooker ham with glaze and the potatoes au gratin. Winners for sure.
Wishing all a Blessed Easter.
My favorite Easter dinner is leg of lamb with scalloped potatoes and asparagus. Then maybe chocolate pots de creme for dessert 🙂
Much as I love Ham and Roast Beef, I would go for Leg of Lamb for Easter. It was my family tradition growing up and is still a favorite..
My traditional Easter meal is ham. I like corn casserole, yams, grandpas party potatoes, and some good macaroni and cheese. I like this banana pudding recipe. I’ll try it. I am not much on desserts. But my family enjoys them!
My usual Easter Dinner consists of Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Corn Casserole, Salad, Rolls and 2 or 3 Desserts.
This looks absolutely delicious and easy yo prepare.
BAKED HAM, MASHED POTATOES, TORTILLA PINWHEELS WITH CREAM CHEESE AND SWEET PEPPERS, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CINDY’S 4 BEAN CASSEROLE, FRESH ROLLS, DEVILED EGGS, FRESH FRUIT SALAD, CARROT CAKE, CHOCOLATE LAYERED PUDDING DESSERT– WE USED TO GATHER WITH LOTS OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND HAD EVEN MORE CHOICES. SOMEONE ALWAYS BROUGHT A NEW RECIPE THEY WERE TRYING OUT. SO FUN.
We usually have a spiral ham with deviled eggs glazed carrots mashed potatoes and fresh hot rolls. Then we have hot apple pie Al a mode. We use the ham bone to make ham and beans for another meal.
I love Ham, Potato Salad, Baked Beans , corn pudding, Rolls, Coconut cream pie and a coconut cake. Usually have peas, deviled eggs, pickled beets, and a few other sides .
My traditional Easter meal is a ham, mashed potatoes with corn on the cob and fresh green oh and homeaid biscuits n gravey. Mmmmmmyummy for my tummy good stuff.
I have ham, potato salad macaroni and cheese, string beans and deviled eggs. I color the eggs with food coloring. I have brown sugar pie for dessert
This year I will make yeast rolls from the recipe you had
They are easy and delicious 😋 Happy Resurrection Day❤️✝️
Ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and dinner rolls just that simple..
I love all these recipes. I especially love the banana pudding recipe and plan to make it for our Easter dessert
I don’t have many traditional Easter memories regarding food, but my grandmother used to always make deviled eggs. Oreo delight is also an amazing thing down here in the south, it’s always gone too quick!
I’ve never heard of 4 layer banana pudding but sounds delicious, I must try it!
My family Easter celebrations have been hit and miss throughout my life so I can really say I have am absolute favorite, but I do like spiral ham and I must be pretty original because I’ve only thought of wrapping it with tin foil and heating it in the over, lol.
My favorite is the Honey Baked Ham in the Crock pot, the 4 layer banana pudding is the BEST as is all your reciepes. I love the homemade bread and of course the kids and babies enjoy making the cookies and Easter treats. Thank you for sharing all your homemade receipes for me to share with my children and as they grow up, they will share them with their children. Happy Easter & May God Bless You All.
I love a glazed ham with some lovely veggie sides like root vegetables, green beans and Brussels sprouts! Also, some fresh, warm rolls. Dessert can be anything from lemon squares to cheesecake or pavlova!