
The Best Recipes for Easter (50+ Ideas!)
Looking for the perfect Easter menu ideas? You’re in the right place! Take the guesswork out of planning your Easter feast with 50+ handpicked recipes—from Easter brunch favorites to traditional holiday dinners and easy make-ahead dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a big holiday celebration, this guide will help you build the perfect Easter menu with delicious, crowd-pleasing recipes.

How Do You Plan an Easter Menu?
Cooking an Easter feast can feel overwhelming, but the hardest part is often just deciding what to make.
That’s why I’ve gone through my recipe archives and selected 50+ tried-and-true Easter recipes, categorized by course, to make menu planning effortless.
Easter Menu Planning Tips: Selecting the Best Recipes
- Start with the must-haves. Choose your family’s traditional Easter recipes first.
- Fill in the gaps. Once you’ve decided on staples like glazed ham or scalloped potatoes, look for complementary dishes to round out your menu.
- Try something new. Easter is the perfect time to add a fresh dish to your table—maybe a new side dish or a festive spring dessert.
- Balance flavors and colors. A variety of proteins, starches, and vegetables ensures a well-rounded menu. A colorful spread also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Decide who’s cooking what. Will you be making everything yourself, or would you rather share the cooking with guests and go potluck-style?
No matter how you celebrate, this collection of Easter recipes will help you create a memorable meal your family will love.
Make a Binder or Digital Folder for Your Easter Recipes
Staying organized is key when planning a holiday meal. One of the best ways to keep track of your Easter menu ideas is by creating a recipe binder or digital collection with all the recipes you plan to use.
- Create a Recipe Binder: Print out all the recipes you plan to make, punch holes in the sheets, and store them in a binder or a folder with brackets. Label it “EASTER RECIPES” so you can easily reference it year after year.
- Use Pinterest for Digital Organization: Prefer a digital approach? Create a Pinterest board titled “EASTER RECIPES” to save and organize your favorite dishes. Check out my Easter Recipes Pinterest Board for inspiration and follow me on Pinterest for more holiday recipe ideas.
Take Inventory Before Prepping Your Easter Recipes
Before you start cooking, take stock of your pantry, fridge, and freezer to ensure you have all the essentials on hand.
- Check your spice cabinet. Download and print my Spice Cabinet Checklist to see what you need to restock before Easter.
- Make a grocery list. Take note of any ingredients you’re running low on so you can shop early and avoid last-minute grocery store crowds.
- Stock up on non-perishables. Buy pantry staples ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need for your Easter menu without the stress of sold-out items.
Easter Dinner Recipe Prep
The more prep work you do ahead of time, the easier and more enjoyable your Easter celebration will be.
- Chop veggies in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for easy access.
- Defrost meat ahead of time. Follow these three easy methods for defrosting meat safely.
- Make-ahead recipes. Some dishes, like casseroles or desserts, can be prepared the day before and reheated when needed.
Cooking together can also be part of the celebration. Now that my kids are older, they love helping out in the kitchen, and it has become a cherished family tradition to cook together on the holidays.
Fun Kid-Friendly Easter Celebration Ideas
Looking for ways to keep kids entertained beyond raiding their Easter baskets? Here are some fun, engaging activities to add to your Easter celebration.
Easter Book Bingo
Turn reading into a game with Easter-themed Book Bingo! You can easily adapt my Book Bingo Game for Easter.
When someone gets a bingo, pretend they “caught the Easter Bunny” and reward them with a small prize.
Use Peeps or other Easter candy as bingo markers while reading Easter-themed books.
More Easter Ideas for Kids
- Set an Easter Bunny Trap the night before for some festive fun.
- Make Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs for decorating and dyeing.
- Read Easter-themed books like these Best Read-Aloud Books for Easter.
- Learn about Easter traditions and the meaning behind symbols like eggs and bunnies.
- Host an Easter egg hunt—indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather.
- Get creative with Easter crafts featuring bunnies, chicks, and spring flowers.
- Make Recycled Crayons in pastel colors for a fun, eco-friendly activity.
- Print Easter coloring pages for a quiet yet festive activity.
Easter Menu Ideas
Planning the perfect Easter menu is all about balancing tradition with fresh spring flavors. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back Easter brunch or a formal holiday dinner, this collection of tried-and-true recipes will help you create a delicious and memorable celebration.
Easter Brunch Recipes
A well-planned Easter brunch menu brings together fresh, seasonal flavors, bright citrus, and comforting baked goods. Whether you prefer classic Easter breakfast dishes or lighter spring-inspired options, these recipes will help you create a festive and delicious holiday spread.
Scones and Sweet Breads
No Easter brunch menu is complete without warm, buttery scones and sweet breads fresh from the oven. These baked treats bring together spring flavors like lemon, coconut, and berries, making them the perfect addition to your holiday table. Whether you serve them with fruit curds, whipped butter, or a drizzle of glaze, these recipes are sure to be a hit.
Toasted Coconut Scones with Almonds
These buttery, flaky scones are topped with toasted almonds and coconut for a crisp, nutty crunch. Hints of lemon and coconut make them a perfect addition to your Easter brunch menu.
Blueberry Lemon Scones
These light and flaky scones combine sweet blueberries with bright lemon juice and glaze. Perfect for a spring gathering, they pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
Lemon Poppy Seed Scones
A classic Easter brunch recipe, these scones are soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus flavor. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang, while poppy seeds provide the perfect crunch.
Strawberry Scones with Meyer Lemon
Sweet strawberries and fragrant Meyer lemons come together in this tender scone recipe. Serve them warm with a smear of butter or fresh curd for a bright and cheery brunch treat.
Curds and Fruit Spreads
Bright, tangy, and bursting with spring flavors, these fruit curds and spreads are the perfect complement to scones, toast, or pancakes. Whether you prefer the sweetness of raspberry, the zesty tang of citrus, or a tropical twist with coconut, these homemade spreads will add a vibrant, flavorful touch to your Easter brunch menu.
Orange Curd
A bright and creamy citrus curd that’s perfect for spreading on scones, toast, or biscuits. A great way to use up extra oranges and bring fresh flavors to your brunch table.
Raspberry Curd
This beautifully colored curd has a slightly tangy bite that balances the sweetness of baked goods. Delicious on scones, pancakes, or yogurt parfaits.
Grapefruit Curd
If you’re making Easter desserts or need a way to use up leftover egg yolks, this tart and creamy grapefruit curd is a fantastic option.
Coconut Lemon Curd
For a unique twist on a classic, this Coconut Lemon Curd brings together the tangy brightness of lemon with creamy coconut. A fantastic spread for scones or muffins.
Muffins, Pancakes, and Coffee Cakes
Looking for a sweet and satisfying addition to your Easter brunch spread? These muffins, pancakes, and coffee cakes bring together seasonal flavors like carrot cake, blueberry, and lemon for the ultimate springtime treat. Serve them alongside fresh fruit and coffee, and your guests will be coming back for seconds.
Coconut Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins
A delightful balance of sweet coconut and tangy lemon, these muffins have a wonderful texture from the poppy seeds. A must-have for a spring brunch menu.
Carrot Cake Pancakes with White Chocolate Pecan Butter
These Easter-inspired pancakes take the flavors of carrot cake and turn them into a brunch-worthy treat. The white chocolate pecan butter adds a decadent finishing touch.
Blueberry Lemon Curd Coffee Cake
With layers of lemon curd, juicy blueberries, and a buttery streusel topping, this coffee cake is perfect for Easter brunch or spring celebrations.
Meyer Lemon Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing
For a spring twist on cinnamon rolls, these Meyer Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, sweet, and perfectly tangy. Topped with cream cheese icing, they’re sure to be a brunch favorite.
Salads and Lighter Bites
Balance out your Easter brunch menu with fresh, crisp salads and light appetizers that celebrate seasonal produce. From citrus salads with homemade dressings to tea sandwiches and berry-filled lettuce cups, these refreshing options add a bright and flavorful contrast to heartier brunch dishes.
Citrus Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This refreshing citrus salad combines juicy oranges, grapefruit, and tangy poppy seed dressing. A light and vibrant addition to your Easter brunch table.
Balsamic Berry Salad Lettuce Cups
A fresh, fruit-forward salad served in crisp lettuce cups. Add grilled chicken for a heartier option, or serve as a light appetizer before the main meal.
Cucumber Tea Sandwich with Radish and Watercress
These elegant tea sandwiches are a classic springtime recipe, perfect for an Easter brunch menu or afternoon gathering.
Eggs and Savory Options
Eggs are a staple of any Easter brunch, and these recipes take them to the next level. From classic quiches to baked eggs with fresh greens and sausage, these savory options are perfect for feeding a crowd. Pair them with freshly baked bread or a simple salad for a well-rounded Easter meal.
Arugula and Chive Baked Egg Cups
Simple yet elegant, these baked eggs are nestled in a bed of fresh arugula and topped with Parmesan and chives.
Quiche Lorraine
A timeless brunch favorite, this Quiche Lorraine is made with leeks, bacon, and gruyere cheese for a rich and savory bite.
Chard, Bacon, and Gouda Quiche
This hearty spring quiche is loaded with chard, smoky bacon, and creamy Gouda—a perfect brunch showstopper. Serve it at your next spring brunch gathering and wow your guests!
Mini Crustless Kale and Broccoli Quiches
These mini quiches are easy to prepare and a healthier alternative to traditional quiche. Perfect for Kid-friendly Easter meals!
Caramelized Onion Quiche
Rich and flavorful, this caramelized onion quiche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light Easter dinner.
Baked Eggs with Kale and Sausage
A savory baked egg dish that works well for both Easter brunch and a weekday breakfast.
Brunch Basics and Cooking Techniques
Master the essentials of Easter brunch with these foolproof cooking techniques. Whether you’re perfecting scrambled eggs, baking crispy bacon, or making easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs, these guides will help you prep like a pro and serve up a stress-free holiday feast.
How to Cook Scrambled Eggs
Soft and fluffy scrambled eggs are easy to make so long as you use the right method. Learn the best way to make soft, fluffy scrambled eggs, plus whether to use milk or water for the best texture.
Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
If you’re making deviled eggs or Easter egg decorating, use this foolproof method for perfect, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs.
How to Bake Bacon
Bacon is a brunch essential, and this method ensures crispy, mess-free bacon for your Easter Brunch.
Easter Drink Recipes
No Easter celebration is complete without a refreshing drink to sip alongside your meal. Whether you're looking for bubbly spring cocktails, light citrus spritzes, or a sweet-tart whiskey sour, these Easter drink recipes are perfect for toasting to the season. Featuring bright citrus, floral notes, and fresh fruit flavors, these drinks are a festive addition to your holiday menu.
Floradora Cocktail
With its blush pink hue and sweet-tart flavor, the Floradora cocktail is a perfect fit for your Easter menu ideas. This simple yet elegant gin cocktail requires just four ingredients but delivers a showstopping taste—ideal for a spring brunch or afternoon gathering
Strawberry Aperol Spritz
A festive twist on the classic spritz, this Strawberry Aperol Spritz infuses Aperol with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of sweet-tart flavor. Topped with prosecco and club soda, this bubbly cocktail is a refreshing addition to your Easter brunch menu and a perfect way to toast the arrival of spring.
Limoncello Spritz
Bursting with citrus flavor, the Limoncello Spritz is a sweet yet refreshing prosecco cocktail perfect for a springtime toast. This light and bubbly drink pairs beautifully with Easter brunch, garden parties, or holiday gatherings.
Lillet Spritz
Light, fruity, and floral, the Lillet Spritz is a bubbly spring cocktail that pairs beautifully with Easter brunch or an alfresco celebration. The orange blossom water and bitters enhance the citrus and floral notes, making it a refreshing addition to your holiday menu.
Strawberry Basil Shrub Cocktail
The fresh strawberry and basil combination makes this a bright, herbaceous spring cocktail that pairs well with Easter brunch or a light spring meal. The use of gin and club soda keeps it refreshing yet sophisticated.
Mango Raspberry Sangria
A fruit-filled sangria is always a crowd-pleaser for spring gatherings. The cheerful colors and fresh fruit flavors make it a beautiful and festive Easter drink, perfect for serving in a pitcher for a group.
Easter Dinner
A beautifully prepared Easter dinner brings together family, tradition, and fresh spring flavors. Whether you’re serving slow-cooked ham, smoked turkey, or a perfectly roasted prime rib, the right combination of main courses and side dishes will make your meal feel special. From classic holiday favorites to fresh twists on tradition, these recipes will help you create an unforgettable Easter feast.
Easter Dinner Vegetable Recipes
No Easter dinner menu is complete without a selection of vibrant, seasonal vegetables. From roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus to savory green bean dishes and glazed carrots, these Easter vegetable recipes highlight the best of spring produce and add the perfect balance of freshness and flavor to your holiday meal.
Traeger Grilled Asparagus
Grilling asparagus on a Traeger pellet grill infuses it with smoky depth and enhances its natural flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy and elegant spring side dish is a perfect pairing for Easter brunch or dinner. No pellet grill? No problem—this recipe works on a traditional grill too.
Roasted Honey Balsamic Carrots
These oven-roasted carrots are coated in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze, making them a simple yet elegant Easter side dish. Keeping the carrots whole gives them a beautiful presentation on your holiday table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
A crowd-pleasing side dish for Easter dinner, these Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection with crispy bacon and a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar. The caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to your Easter menu ideas.
Garlic Bacon Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Mushrooms
For a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic green bean dish, these sautéed green beans with roasted mushrooms and crispy bacon are a fantastic alternative to green bean casserole. They’re easy to make and full of savory goodness, perfect for a holiday feast.
Balsamic and Thyme Roasted Portabella Mushrooms
These roasted portabella mushrooms are packed with earthy, savory flavor and enhanced by balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme. A simple yet sophisticated Easter side dish, they pair beautifully with roast lamb, ham, or poultry.
Dinner Side Dishes
A well-rounded Easter dinner menu isn’t complete without a selection of flavorful, festive side dishes. From creamy potatoes and cheesy casseroles to fresh spring vegetables and homemade dinner rolls, these recipes add color, texture, and balance to your holiday table. Whether you’re serving glazed ham, roast lamb, or a vegetarian main course, these Easter side dishes will complement your meal beautifully.
Asparagus Risotto
Celebrate spring’s best flavors with this creamy asparagus risotto, made with fresh asparagus, peas, leeks, mascarpone cheese, and a touch of lemon. This dish brings a bright, seasonal twist to your Easter dinner table.
Asparagus Tart with Gruyere (Puff Pastry Crust)
This savory asparagus tart features a light, flaky puff pastry crust filled with cheesy goodness, making it a perfect Easter brunch or dinner side dish. Showcasing fresh spring asparagus, it’s a beautiful and flavorful addition to any holiday spread.
Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes simmered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked to perfection with grated Parmesan cheese—this elegant holiday side dish is a must-have for any Easter menu. The golden, bubbly top makes it a crowd favorite alongside ham or roast lamb.
Fontina, Spinach, and Bacon Shells and Cheese
This gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese features buttery Fontina cheese, smoky applewood bacon, and tender baby spinach, creating a rich and indulgent side dish. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy family meal.
Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crispy crust, this white cheddar mac and cheese is made even better with kale and smoky bacon. A bit indulgent, but absolutely worth it for a special Easter celebration.
Potato Dinner Rolls
These light and airy potato dinner rolls are brushed with butter and lightly scented with fresh rosemary. They pair beautifully with any Easter main course and are also great for dipping into soups or stews.
Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
With a hint of natural sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture, these sweet potato dinner rolls are a wonderful Easter side. Serve them warm with honey butter, or use them as buns for leftover ham sandwiches the next day.
Easter Dinner Entrees
Traeger Prime Rib
Smoking prime rib on a Traeger ensures a tender, juicy roast with incredible depth of flavor. Perfect for a special occasion like Easter dinner, this showstopping cut of beef pairs beautifully with classic Easter side dishes like roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes, and dinner rolls.
Slow Cooker Ham with Honey Marmalade Mustard Glaze
This slow cooker ham is a stress-free, make-ahead Easter main dish that’s sweet, savory, and incredibly flavorful. The honey marmalade mustard glaze creates a caramelized crust, making this ham a delicious and effortless centerpiece for your holiday table.
How To Roast a Turkey
A perfectly roasted Easter turkey is all about technique. This guide walks you through proven roasting tips to ensure a moist, flavorful turkey that’s worthy of a holiday feast. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a full Easter spread, these expert tricks will help you get it just right.
How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger
For a rich, smoky alternative to traditional roast turkey, this Traeger smoked turkey recipe delivers juicy meat and deep, wood-fired flavor. Follow my tried-and-true smoking method, along with eight expert tips, for the most flavorful, foolproof smoked turkey you’ll ever make.
Easter Desserts
End your Easter celebration on a sweet note with festive spring desserts. Whether you love classic carrot cake, fruit-filled tarts, or rich, creamy cheesecakes, these Easter dessert recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. With flavors like lemon, berry, coconut, and chocolate, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
Lemon Curd Pavlova with Raspberries
Light, airy, and beautifully elegant, this lemon curd pavlova is a showstopping Easter dessert. Top it with fresh raspberries and serve as individual mini pavlovas or one stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This ultra-moist pineapple carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, it’s loaded with crushed pineapple, warm spices, and a tangy cream cheese frosting—a must-have for your Easter menu.
Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Nothing says spring baking like a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie! Made with three pounds of fresh fruit and a flaky all-butter crust, this classic Easter dessert highlights the best flavors of the season.
Fresh Strawberry Galette
This rustic galette showcases the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries in a flaky almond crust. With minimal added sugar, it’s a light and fresh Easter dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings.t flavors of the season.
Cheesecake Mousse with Lemon Curd and Strawberries
This no-bake dessert layers silky lemon cheesecake mousse, tart lemon curd, and fresh strawberries for a bright and refreshing spring treat. It’s easy to prepare but fancy enough for an Easter celebration.
Lemon Layer Cake
For a bright and tangy Easter dessert, this lemon layer cake delivers moist, citrusy layers topped with a rich lemon cream cheese frosting. A perfect centerpiece for a spring celebration.
Strawberry Fool
This simple yet delicious strawberry dessert is a light, whipped blend of fresh strawberries and cream, perfect for an Easter brunch or dessert table.
No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Bars
These easy no-bake cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping. This recipe is great if you're looking for make-ahead Easter dishes for a stress-free Easter dessert.
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Classic vanilla bean panna cotta gets a springtime upgrade with a sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb compote. A simple yet fancy dessert for any Easter gathering.
White Chocolate Pudding
Rich, creamy, and made from scratch, this white chocolate pudding pairs beautifully with whipped cream, chopped pistachios, or fresh fruit, making it a luxurious Easter dessert option.
Lemon Panna Cotta with Blueberries
This smooth and creamy lemon panna cotta is infused with lemon zest, vanilla bean paste, and fresh blueberries, making it an elegant yet simple Easter dessert.
Did you try any of these Easy Easter Menu Ideas?
I’d love to hear how your Easter menu turned out! If you tried any of these Easter recipe ideas, leave a comment below or visit the recipe post to leave a review—it helps others find and enjoy these dishes too.
Sharing on Instagram? Tag me @goodlifeeats and use #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can see which recipes made it to your Easter brunch or holiday dinner table!
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