Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delightful meals. Food becomes more than just nourishment on this day; it’s a memory-maker.
Whether it’s Grandma’s fluffy rolls or the honeyed scent of a roasting ham, every dish carries a story.
Let’s explore some that make the holiday truly unforgettable.
1. Glazed Spiral Ham
Thick-cut slices catch the light, each glistening with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze. The scent of cloves and pineapple fills the kitchen before the first bite even lands.
Basting every 15 minutes keeps it juicy and deeply flavorful. Serve warm, with a touch of tangy mustard on the side for contrast.
2. Scalloped Potatoes With Fresh Thyme
Thin rounds of golden potatoes bake slowly in a creamy, garlicky sauce. A sprinkle of thyme adds a light herbal note that lifts the richness. The edges crisp just enough to make everyone fight for a corner piece.
Make it ahead and reheat gently to save time on the big day.
3. Deviled Eggs With Dill And Mustard
The filling pops with sharp mustard and a whisper of fresh dill. They’re the first thing to vanish at any Easter gathering in my family.
Use a piping bag to swirl the yolk mixture for a polished look. A tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika on top seals the deal.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots
Bright orange spears roast until just tender, then tumble in a warm honey-butter bath. A dash of sea salt balances out the sweetness.
The natural sugars caramelize slightly at the edges, giving every bite a soft snap. Try tossing in a few whole sprigs of thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
5. Hot Cross Buns
Spiced with cinnamon and dotted with currants, these soft buns carry centuries of tradition. A sweet cross of icing glides over the top, making them as pretty as they are nostalgic.
I like to eat mine slightly warm, slathered in good butter. If there are leftovers, they make amazing French toast.
6. Asparagus Tart With Puff Pastry
An asparagus tart with puff pastry is both elegant and simple. The flaky crust holds tender asparagus spears and a hint of lemon zest. It’s light yet satisfying, offering a fresh taste of spring.
Serve it as an appetizer or a side dish to add sophistication to your Easter celebration.
7. Roasted Leg Of Lamb With Garlic And Rosemary
Rubbed generously with garlic, olive oil, and chopped rosemary, the meat roasts slowly until it’s tender and aromatic. The outside develops a beautiful crust, while the center stays juicy and rosy.
Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices where they belong. Serve alongside pan drippings or a quick red wine reduction.
8. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t get more nostalgic than this. Steamed broccoli tucks into a blanket of melted cheddar and creamy béchamel, topped with buttery cracker crumbs for that essential crunch.
Even veggie-haters usually circle back for seconds. Bake it until the top bubbles and turns a rich golden brown.
9. Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, warmly spiced, and packed with shredded carrots, this cake is Easter’s quiet hero. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds balance and richness without overpowering the spice.
Toasted walnuts give a little crunch to every bite. I’ve never seen a slice survive more than ten minutes on the dessert table.
10. Pea And Mint Spring Salad
Fresh green peas, tender and sweet, mix with ribbons of mint and sharp slivers of red onion. A quick lemon vinaigrette pulls everything together with brightness and snap.
It tastes like the garden woke up just for the occasion. Chill it for an hour so the flavors mingle beautifully.
11. Pineapple Baked Ham Sliders
Pineapple baked ham sliders offer a sweet and savory twist to traditional ham dishes. Tender ham is glazed with pineapple, creating juicy, flavorful bites.
Served on mini buns, they’re ideal for a casual Easter gathering. These sliders are easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults alike.
12. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Roasting with garlic, lemon slices, and fresh herbs makes this bird deeply flavorful and juicy. The skin turns golden and crisp while the citrus seeps into every bite.
I like to tuck rosemary sprigs under the skin for even more aroma. It pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or simple rice.
13. Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans
Smooth mashed sweet potatoes meet brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla before being topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. It tastes like dessert disguised as a side dish.
The contrast of creamy base and crisp topping keeps every forkful interesting. I sometimes sneak a scoop cold from the fridge.
14. Classic Potato Salad
Chopped boiled potatoes are tossed in a creamy mayo-mustard dressing, dotted with pickles, celery, and hard-boiled eggs. The texture walks the line between soft and snappy.
A dash of paprika on top always reminds me of potlucks past. Letting it chill a few hours makes all the difference.
15. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, cloud-like rolls with golden tops and pillowy centers bring warmth to any holiday spread. Brushed with melted butter right out of the oven, they smell like everything good.
I like to tear them apart by hand—no knife feels worthy. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy or just melting in your mouth.
16. Strawberry Spinach Salad With Poppyseed Dressing
Fresh baby spinach meets juicy strawberries, thin red onion slices, and crunchy candied pecans in this colorful spring salad. A creamy, tangy poppyseed dressing ties everything together with just the right touch of sweetness.
I always add a handful of crumbled feta for a salty pop. It’s light, bright, and totally refreshing.
17. Easter Bunny Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies cut into bunny shapes get dressed up with pastel icing, coconut “fur,” or little candy tails. The decorating part is half the fun—especially with kids around.
I like adding almond extract to the dough for that old-fashioned bakery scent. They disappear almost as fast as they’re baked.
18. Deviled Egg Chicks
These are just your classic deviled eggs—only cuter. The yolk filling gets piped into little “hatched chick” shapes, with olive eyes and carrot beaks peeking out.
They’re always the first to be snapped up at the table. I use Dijon for extra tang and mash the yolks until silky smooth.
19. Lemon Bars With Shortbread Crust
A buttery, crumbly crust holds a tart lemon filling that’s equal parts zing and sweetness.
Once baked and cooled, they get dusted with powdered sugar like a fresh spring snowfall. I keep mine slightly underbaked for a creamier center. Every bite tastes like sunshine in dessert form.
20. Resurrection Rolls (Crescent Rolls With Marshmallows)
A single marshmallow wrapped in cinnamon-sugar coated crescent dough puffs into something magical. As they bake, the marshmallow melts, leaving a sweet hollow center—soft, buttery, and lightly spiced.
They’re a favorite storytelling treat for Easter morning. Warm from the oven, they feel like a hug in pastry form.