Easter is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a celebration of renewal, togetherness, and, of course, incredible food. It’s the season where kitchens fill with the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, vibrant spring vegetables, and sweet treats that bring smiles to every face at the table.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family brunch, a grand holiday dinner, or a fun Easter egg hunt with friends, the right recipes can transform your celebration into something unforgettable.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for crowd-pleasing dishes — from traditional Easter favorites to fresh, creative ideas for 2025. Every recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks, beautifully presented for the holiday, and bursting with flavor.
So, preheat the oven, set the table with your favorite pastel linens, and let’s make this Easter a feast to remember! 🐇🌷🥚
Main Dishes for Your Easter Table
1. Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb
A timeless Easter main course, tender lamb coated in fragrant herbs and roasted to perfection.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 whole leg of lamb (about 5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat lamb dry with paper towels and place on a roasting rack.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the lamb.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Tip: For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in the herb mixture.
2. Honey-Glazed Easter Ham
A sweet-and-savory showstopper with a sticky glaze that’s irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Serves: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- In a saucepan, combine honey, sugar, mustard, and cloves; heat until smooth.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour.
- Brush remaining glaze and bake for another hour, basting every 20 minutes.
Tip: Serve with roasted carrots and asparagus for a balanced Easter plate.
3. Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken
Bright, juicy, and perfect for smaller gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff chicken cavity with lemon halves and garlic.
- Rub skin with olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Roast until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 90 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use the pan drippings to make a quick lemon-herb gravy.
4. Vegetarian Mushroom & Spinach Wellington
A plant-based centerpiece with earthy flavors and flaky pastry.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread ricotta over puff pastry, top with mushroom mixture, and roll into a log.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
Tip: Serve with a light spring salad for a complete vegetarian Easter meal.
5. Baked Salmon with Dill & Lemon
Light, flavorful, and perfect for a spring celebration.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle dill, and top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until flaky.
Tip: Serve with roasted asparagus or baby potatoes for an elegant Easter plate.
