Easter is a time for joy, family, and, of course, food. Whether you’re gathering for a big family feast or a small, intimate dinner, the food you serve plays an important role in making your celebration memorable. As Easter 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to try new dishes, revisit old favorites, and bring fresh seasonal flavors to your table. This collection of Easter recipes will help you prepare a delicious and festive spread for your loved ones. From savory mains to sweet treats, these dishes are sure to delight.
1. Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb
A centerpiece at many Easter tables, herb-crusted roast lamb is a classic dish that’s both tender and flavorful. The combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the succulent lamb.
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb (5–6 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the lamb with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the lamb for about 1.5–2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare.
- Let the lamb rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Optionally, deglaze the pan with red wine and serve as a sauce.
2. Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat, often served on Good Friday. These spiced buns are studded with raisins or currants and have a cross on top to symbolize the crucifixion of Christ. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup currants or raisins
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients and mix with warm milk, butter, and eggs. Add currants and mix to form dough.
- Let the dough rise, then shape it into buns and let rise again.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Pipe a cross with icing on top and serve warm.
3. Spring Vegetable Risotto
This light and creamy risotto is packed with fresh spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and leeks, making it a perfect side dish or light main course for Easter.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth, warm
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
- Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to absorb before adding more broth.
- After 15-20 minutes, add the asparagus and peas, and cook until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
4. Lemon Glazed Chicken
This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for an Easter dinner. The lemon glaze adds a zesty, tangy touch to tender roasted chicken, while fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring an aromatic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the chicken for 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the pan juices.
5. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of flavor. The combination of grated carrots, warm spices, and cream cheese frosting makes this cake a crowd favorite.
Ingredients for the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and oil until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and walnuts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cakes and serve.
6. Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
This fresh and vibrant fruit salad is a great way to balance the richness of Easter dishes. The honey-lime dressing adds a sweet and tangy finish to a colorful mix of seasonal fruits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple, cubed
- 1 cup watermelon, cubed
- 1 orange, segmented
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine all the fruit.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice.
- Drizzle the honey-lime dressing over the fruit and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh mint and serve chilled.
7. Chocolate Easter Eggs
These homemade chocolate Easter eggs are perfect for indulging your sweet tooth. Fill them with peanut butter, ganache, or candy to create a personalized treat for the holiday.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (optional)
- Sprinkles or small candies (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Coat the inside of Easter egg molds with a layer of melted chocolate. Freeze for 10 minutes.
- If desired, fill the center of the eggs with peanut butter or ganache before covering with more melted chocolate.
- Freeze the eggs again until set, then remove them from the molds.
- Decorate with melted dark chocolate, sprinkles, or candy.
8. Spring Pea and Asparagus Salad
This light and refreshing salad is a perfect side dish for your Easter meal. The combination of sweet peas, tender asparagus, and a tangy lemon dressing makes this salad both healthy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups fresh peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Blanch the asparagus and peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the vegetables with the dressing and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
9. Lemon Meringue Pie
This classic Easter dessert is a favorite for many. The tart lemon filling topped with fluffy, golden meringue is the perfect way to end your Easter feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in water and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Whisk in the egg yolks and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, and zest.
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pie and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
10. Roasted Spring Vegetables
Roasted spring vegetables like carrots, peas, and asparagus are a light and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Easter. They complement the richness of the main courses while adding a burst of color to your plate.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cups baby carrots, peeled
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.