Easter Dinner Ideas: Delicious Recipes for a Memorable Holiday

Introduction:

Easter is a time for celebration, family, and delicious food. Whether you’re planning a big family gathering or a small, intimate meal, having the right Easter dinner ideas can make your holiday extra special. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of recipes that are perfect for your Easter dinner, from traditional favorites to new, creative dishes.

Table of Contents:

• Glazed Ham
• Roast Lamb
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Deviled Eggs
• Spring Vegetable Salad
• Carrot Cake
• Lemon Bars
• Easter Bunny Bread

Glazed Ham

Glazed ham is a classic centerpiece for any Easter dinner. The sweet and savory glaze complements the rich flavor of the ham perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Cloves (optional, for studding)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. If desired, stud with cloves.
3. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
5. Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.
6. For more ham recipes, visit Glazed Ham Recipe.

Roast Lamb

Roast lamb is a traditional Easter dish that’s both elegant and delicious. The tender meat is flavored with garlic, rosemary, and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Lamb: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the lamb.
3. Roast the Lamb: Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
4. Serve: Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables or potatoes.
5. For more lamb recipes, visit Roast Lamb Recipe.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for Easter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes and onion.
3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake the Potatoes: Pour the sauce over the potatoes and onion. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
5. For more potato recipes, visit Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that’s perfect for any Easter gathering.

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggs: Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl.
2. Make the Filling: Mash the yolks with a fork and stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill the Eggs: Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
4. Serve: Arrange the deviled eggs on a platter and serve chilled.
5. For more egg recipes, visit Deviled Eggs Recipe.

Spring Vegetable Salad

This spring vegetable salad is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s a great light side dish for Easter dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
4. For more salad recipes, visit Spring Vegetable Salad Recipe.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy frosting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the vegetable oil and eggs. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
5. For more dessert recipes, visit Carrot Cake Recipe.

Lemon Bars

Lemon bars are a tangy and sweet dessert that’s perfect for an Easter treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, butter, and powdered sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
4. Bake the Bars: Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let cool before cutting into squares.
5. For more dessert recipes, visit [Lemon Bars Recipe]