Easter is a lovely time to gather your closest family and friends to catch up and enjoy a day together. Even if you aren’t particularly religious, you can still take this opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and celebrate coming together.
For most families, delicious home-cooked food is typically at the center of Easter festivities. However, it can be challenging to decide on a menu that will please everyone’s palate. As a result, we’ve whipped up this quick list of six essential dishes for your Easter lunch or dinner. Read on to get some inspiration for your upcoming celebration today.
Deviled eggs
These simple yet delectable bite-sized eggs are always a crowd favorite. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also perfect for nibbling before the main course is served. You can also make them in advance so that you have one less item to prepare on the day of your Easter meal.
Fruit salad
Add a dash of healthy freshness to your table with a fruit salad. This sweet treat couldn’t be easier to make, requiring only a few different in-season fruits from the grocery store. Aim for a mix of different fruit types, including melons (cantaloupe, honeydew), berries (strawberries, blueberries), and stone fruits (peaches, nectarines).
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a trendy addition to any dinner table, and Easter is the perfect time to cook them up for your hungry guests. They’re particularly tasty when roasted to crispiness and mixed with other ingredients like bacon, walnuts, or cranberries. For more savory sprouts, add in a healthy dose of garlic or Parmesan cheese.
Potatoes au gratin
Every great Easter meal needs a potato-based side dish, and potatoes au gratin fills that role perfectly. These thinly sliced potatoes are rich, creamy, and cheesy – so they’re sure to be a hit with your loved ones. Kick the potatoes up a notch by layering in slices of bacon or ham or by adding multiple types of cheese, like Gruyere or Parmesan.
Honeybaked ham
This is the one you’ve been waiting for! Easter simply wouldn’t be complete without a plump and juicy ham at the center of your dinner table. This year, break away from your traditional recipe and try something new. Many fruits pair well with ham, including pineapple, apricot, mango, and apple – so get creative and wow your guests with your main course this year.
Vanilla or carrot cake
Thanks to bountiful Easter baskets and egg hunts, chocolate is always associated with this springtime holiday. There’s always plenty of chocolate to go around, which is why it’s important to offer your guests some variety when it comes to their after-meal sweets. Rather than send them into chocolate overload, serve up other flavors of dessert, like vanilla, red velvet, caramel, or carrot.
For many people, Easter is one of the most memorable times of the year. If you’re preparing Easter lunch or dinner, you can use these recipe ideas as a starting point for your holiday menu. Cater the individual dishes to your family’s taste, and you’ll be sure to have a meal that everyone will remember for years to come.
