30 Easter Dinner Ideas for the Ultimate Holiday Feast

Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham next to sides of vegetables and potato dish
Photo: Chris Simpson

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.

01 of 30

Wild Salmon with English Peas and Mustard Beurre Blanc with Maple-Mustard Glaze and Pan Gravy

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Johnny Miller

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.

02 of 30

White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

White-Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
Chris Simpson

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.

03 of 30

Deviled Eggs with Relish

deviled eggs with relish
Emily Laurae

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.

04 of 30

Pomegranate-Glazed Ham with Jammy Cipollinis

pomegranate glazed ham with jammy cipollinis
Justin Walker

A spectacular ham, this elegant main dish is glazed with a two-ingredient combination of pomegranate molasses and brown sugar.

05 of 30

Sweet Peas with Shallots and Gem Lettuce

sweet peas with shallots gem lettuce
Anson Smart

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.

06 of 30

Crown Roast of Lamb with Pilaf Stuffing

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Aya Brackett

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.

07 of 30

Asparagus with Almonds, Goat Cheese, and Basil

asparagus-with-almonds-goat-cheese-basil-103271924
Johnny Miller

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.

08 of 30

Roast Beef with Shallots

Roast Beef with Shallots
Aya Brackett

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.

09 of 30

Egg Noodles with Asparagus and Grated Egg Yolks

egg noodles with asparagus and grated egg yolks
Ryan Liebe

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.

10 of 30

Creamy Ginger-Asparagus Soup

Creamy Ginger-Asparagus Soup recipe
Chris Simpson

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.

11 of 30

Lemon-Herb Turkey with Bay Butter and Gravy

lemon-herb turkey with bay butter
Paola + Murray

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.

12 of 30

Feta-and-Dill-Stuffed Artichokes

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Christopher Testani

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.

13 of 30

Glazed Ham with Horseradish Cream

glazed ham
Jonathan Lovekin

A pungent cream sauce made with crème fraîche, freshly grated horseradish, thyme leaves, and chopped shallot just might be the ultimate pairing with baked ham.

14 of 30

Spice-Rubbed Fresh Ham with Citrus Glaze

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Bryan Gardner

A fresh ham is coated with a spice rub made with fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and whole black peppercorns a day ahead of rosating. Then roasted 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.

15 of 30

Quick Carrots and Snap Peas with Lemony Mustard Dressing

Quick Carrots and Snap Peas with Lemony Mustard Dressing
Chris Simpson

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.

16 of 30

Spiced Beef Stew with Carrots and Chickpeas

Spiced Beef Stew with Carrots and Chickpeas
Con Poulos

While a classic beef stew might seem too hearty for spring, this lightened-up version is just right for Easter dinner. It's packed with chickpeas, carrots, red bell pepper, and berbere seasoning (an Ethiopian spice blend made from ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom).

17 of 30

Pepper-Crusted Lamb with Roasted Vegetables

Pepper-Crusted Lamb with Roasted Vegetables
Chris Simpson

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.

18 of 30

Saffron Risotto with Shrimp and Peas

saffron risotto shrimp peas
Sidney Bensimon

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!).

19 of 30

Cheesy Asparagus Pasta

cheesy asparagus pasta in red pot
Chris Simpson

Perfect for vegetarians, this rich pasta dish celebrates asparagus and will be a welcome addition to your Easter dinner table.

20 of 30

Roasted Leg of Lamb with Asparagus and Herbs

roasted leg of lamb with asparagus and herbs
Dana Gallagher

Instead of the usual mint jelly, make use of garlicky ramps in a flavorful pesto to serve with roasted lamb, roasted asparagus, and spring onions.

21 of 30

Pea and Parsley Soup with Golden Caviar

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Jonathan Lovekin

This smooth, sophisticated pea and parsley soup is an homage to the season. It gets its body from crème fraîche and a salty snap from orbs of golden caviar. If you skip the caviar, garnish with with chopped chives or more parsley.

22 of 30

Virginia Ham with Honey-Mustard Glaze

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Anna Williams

There's no need for a centerpiece when you place this honey-baked ham on the table. It's brushed with a couldn't-be-simpler four-ingredient glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, and ground cloves before baking.

23 of 30

Beet-and-Dill-Roasted Wild Salmon

beet dill wild roasted salmon
Anson Smart

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.

24 of 30

Carrot-Lemon Risotto

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Need Easter dinner ideas for vegetarians? Try this deeply satisfying risotto. Carrot juice adds a vivid orange hue and slightly sweet flavor.

25 of 30

Buttery Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme

Buttery Leeks with Parmesan and Thyme recipe
Marcus Nilsson

This recipe takes a hands-off approach to cooking leeks, one of our favorite spring vegetables. We roast them with a little white wine, vegetable broth, a few sprigs of thyme, and a scattering of cubed butter. Then sprinkle them with Parmesan and finish the dish under the broiler.

26 of 30

Roast Chicken with Vegetables and Potatoes

Roast Chicken With Vegetables and Potatoes
Marcus Nilsson

A classic main course that's perfect for Easter. Loaded with fresh carrots, shallots, and potatoes, it's a grand one-dish that's sure to please.

27 of 30

Miso Salmon with Asparagus and Carrots

Miso Salmon with Asparagus and Carrots recipe
Ren Fuller

If you're hosting Easter dinner for four, try this salmon entrée. It asparagus and—the Easter bunny's favorite—carrots—over cous cous.

28 of 30

Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham

Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham
Chris Simpson

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.

29 of 30

Carrot-and-Lentil Salad

carrot-lentil-salad-artichoke-hearts-frontfocus-183-d111830.jpg
Christopher Testani

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.

30 of 30

Slow-Cooker Persian Lamb Stew

slow cooker persian lamb stew
Stephen Kent Johnson

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.

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