Easter dinner is a cherished celebration, but not all side dishes are worthy of the occasion.
Some are best left off the table, while others deserve a place of honor.
Let’s explore seven sides that fall short and eight that delight the senses, making your Easter meal truly special.
1. Canned Green Bean Casserole
Canned green bean casserole often disappoints with its mushy texture and overpowering saltiness. The lack of fresh ingredients gives it an unappealing appearance and taste.
Instead of this canned concoction, try using fresh green beans to create a vibrant, crispy, and flavorful side dish that complements the main course beautifully, adding a touch of homemade love to your meal.
2. Jello Salad
With its erratic texture and surprising combination of ingredients, jello salad frequently causes more confusion than enjoyment.
This dessert-side hybrid struggles to find its place on the table. Opt for fresh, simple salads that bring out the best in seasonal produce, leaving the jello for more suitable dessert occasions where it can truly shine.
3. Store-Bought Potato Salad
Store-bought potato salad lacks the love and flavor of a homemade version. Its often bland and uninspiring taste can leave guests unsatisfied. Alternatively, make your own potato salad for a tasty side dish using freshly chopped herbs, zesty mustard, and roasted potatoes.
Potato salads cooked at home provide unique flavors and textures to the meal.
4. Frozen Mashed Potatoes
Frozen mashed potatoes, no matter how much gravy is poured over them, often fall flat. Their lack of creaminess and flavor makes them a poor substitute for real, fluffy mashed potatoes.
Prepare your mashed potatoes from scratch with butter and cream for a rich, comforting side that warms the heart and satisfies the palate perfectly.
5. Canned Cranberry Sauce
With its jelly-like consistency and excessively sugary flavor, canned cranberry sauce frequently falls short.
Instead, fresh cranberry sauce made with whole berries and a touch of orange zest provides a tangy and vibrant complement to your Easter ham, adding a burst of color and flavor that canned versions simply can’t match.
6. Overcooked Carrots
Carrots that are overcooked become mushy and lose their inherent taste and vivid color. Carrots require just the proper amount of cooking to maintain their delicious flavor.
Roasting them brings out their natural sugars and enhances their color, making them a bright and flavorful addition to any Easter feast.
7. Gelatinous Gravy
Gelatinous gravy, often made from powders or jars, lacks the depth and flavor of a homemade version. Its unappealing texture can detract from the entire meal.
Whip up your gravy from pan drippings and fresh ingredients for a silky, flavorful sauce that enhances rather than detracts. Homemade gravy is the mark of a delicious feast.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delightful addition to any Easter table, with their crispy edges and caramelized flavor.
Their vibrant green color and nutty taste make them a favorite among vegetable lovers. Simply roast them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, and watch them disappear from the plate as guests savor every bite.
9. Homemade Potato Salad
A timeless dish that never goes out of style is homemade potato salad. It’s tasty and filling, with creamy potatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of mustard.
Unlike store-bought versions, it bursts with personalized flavors that can be adjusted to taste. It’s perfect for any Easter gathering, adding a comforting and familiar touch to the meal.
10. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Because of their rich, buttery flavor and creamy texture, garlic mashed potatoes are the definition of comfort food. They are elevated to a whole new level with a tinge of garlic.
Everybody looks forward to having these potatoes on their plate since they go well with practically any main course. A real hit with the masses!
11. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots bring a sweet and flavorful twist to your Easter feast. Their tender texture and vibrant color make them a visual and taste sensation.
The natural sweetness of carrots, enhanced by honey, creates a perfectly balanced side dish that delights both young and old, making it a must-have for your holiday celebration.
12. Stuffing
A popular side dish that provides a delicious combination of flavors and textures is stuffing. Stuffing goes well with the main dish, whether you want it savory with herbs or a little sweet with dried fruits.
This dish, which is a mainstay of many holiday feasts and is always in style, is hearty and satisfying.
13. Mac And Cheese
The greatest comfort dish that everyone enjoys is mac and cheese. Its cheesy, creamy taste is gratifying and nostalgic. The gooey middle is delightfully contrasted with the crunchy topping.
As a side, it complements any dish on the table, bringing smiles and a sense of warmth to every gathering. A timeless favorite!
14. Deviled Eggs
A traditional option for every Easter lunch, deviled eggs have a creamy, tangy filling that pleases the tongue. Part of their allure is their simplicity, and they are easily customizable with different toppings and seasonings.
Deviled eggs add flavor and nostalgia to the party and are ideal as an appetizer or side dish.
15. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is an elegant side that brings a touch of sophistication to the Easter table. Lightly seasoned and perfectly roasted, its tender yet slightly crunchy texture delights the senses.
The fresh, earthy flavor of asparagus pairs well with any main dish, making it a versatile and healthy choice that elevates the entire meal.