43 Easter Dinner Menu Ideas – 2025 is a one-stop curated collection of the best menu ideas and recipes for your Easter meal.
Whether you celebrate Easter with brunch, lunch, or dinner, I’ve included options for traditional and not-so-traditional Easter food, including entrées, main dishes, salads, side dishes, bread, and desserts.
You will also find simple to sophisticated choices for everything from a formal sit-down Easter dinner to casual Easter picnics outside and everything in between for this beloved family meal. We have choices even your picky eaters and kids will enjoy, and lots of choices whether you are feeding two or a crowd.
I have teamed up with my sister Chula at the Pudge Factor Blog to bring you these top-rated recipes and menu ideas, which are the best of the best, to make planning and preparing an unforgettable Easter meal easy.
And, because we know you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, I have marked the dishes that can be made ahead of time so you can enjoy the day with your family!
If you need even more dinner menu ideas and recipes for Easter, check out these other updated collections: 53 Easy Easter Desserts and Treats Recipes for 2025 and 36 Best Easter Side Dishes for your Easter Feast 2025.
And finally, because many of you have asked, I have included our traditional family menu at the bottom of this post.
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Best Easter entrées and main dish recipes
1. Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
Nothing says Easter like glazed ham! Lots of it! And I know you and your family or guests will love my oven-baked, old-fashioned glazed ham with its brown sugar bourbon glaze!
*This dish is best made the day you plan to serve it.
2. Roasted Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs
Surprisingly easy to make, Roasted Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs is an impressive, crowd-pleasing main dish full of herbaceous deliciousness. Traditionally served at Easter, this lamb recipe has the best of everything.
*This dish is best made the day you plan to serve it, although you can make the herb rub ahead to save time.
3. New York Strip Roast – Oven Roasted
New York Strip Roast is quite possibly the most delicious and tender roast beef you will ever taste, and it’s a perfect entrée for your holiday dinner! And did I mention that this flavorful roast beef is incredibly easy to prepare?
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
4. Bacon Wrapped Beef Tenderloin – Grits and Pinecones
It’s hard to imagine that anything could make tender, juicy, and flavorful beef tenderloin any better. But wrapping sweet and smoky bacon around it elevates it to a melt-in-your-mouth main dish perfect for Easter, Christmas, and other special occasions.
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
5. Smoked Turkey with Herb and Garlic Butter
Smoked Turkey with Herbs and Garlic Butter is a delicious choice for any holiday when your oven is space-challenged! And, if you have never smoked a turkey before, you will be surprised at just how easy it is.
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
6. Grilled London Broil – Grits and Pinecones
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Grilled London Broil! This recipe transforms an affordable cut of beef into a succulent and flavorful delight, that’s perfect for a casual Easter dinner.
*You can partially make this dish the day before and grill it the day you plan to serve it.
7. Cast-Iron Roast Chicken
Cast-Iron Roast Chicken has deliciously crisp skin with flavor-packed, tender, and juicy meat. This main dish, roasted whole chicken, is easy enough for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough for company or a special occasion like Easter dinner!
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
8. Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce
Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce is the perfect entrée for your Easter Dinner or an excellent appetizer for any party. It’s elegant and easy to make, and everyone will love it!
*Make the gorgonzola sauce the day before, then cook the tenderloin the day you plan to serve it.
9. Mushroom Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Bacon
This Bacon and Mushroom Stuffed Pork Tenderloin is a delicious and elegant entree! It’s the perfect main dish for the holidays, special occasions, dinner parties, or Sunday dinners.
*Make the stuffing the day before, butterfly the meat, stuff it, roll it, and tie it. Roast the day you plan to serve it.
10. Double Smoked Ham with Spicy Peach Glaze
My Double Smoked Ham with Spicy Peach Glaze is outrageously delicious. It features a double-smoked spiral-cut ham, topped with a smoked ham rub that infuses it with a flavorful, sweet taste, and a two-ingredient, luscious, spicy peach glaze transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary.
*You can smoke this the day before you plan to serve it and reheat it before serving or serve it at room temperature.
11. Crown Roast of Pork – Pudge Factor
Are you looking for a replacement for the traditional ham for your Easter dinner? Try Crown Roast of Pork. It is an elegant entrée for your special holiday dinner.
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
12. Stuffed Cornish Game Hens
Easy Stuffed Cornish Hens with Cornbread Stuffing features roasted, juicy Cornish game hens filled with perfectly seasoned stuffing with dried cranberries and roasted pecans.
*I don’t recommend cooking or stuffing your Cornish Hens ahead. You can, however, prepare the cornbread stuffing and stuff and bake them just before you plan to serve them.
Best Easter Side Dish Recipes:
1. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese is synonymous with Southern entertaining. You would be hard-pressed to find any holiday or celebration involving food in the South without a macaroni and cheese casserole front and center on the table.
*Can be made ahead without the topping and refrigerated for several days or frozen for several weeks. Add the topping and bake it the day you plan to serve it.
2. Southern Baked Pineapple Casserole
A quintessential Easter side dish in the South, Southern Baked Pineapple Casserole is the epitome of a quick and easy recipe! You will be saying yes, please, to a serving of this popular pineapple cheese casserole full of sweet pineapple chunks and blanketed with a crisp, buttery Ritz cracker topping.
*This is an easy dump-and-go casserole and is best made the day you plan to serve it.
3. Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup
Discover a delightful twist on the classic Southern Green Bean Casserole. This easy-to-make recipe is crafted with fresh ingredients without canned cream of mushroom soup.
*Can be made 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge without the topping. Add the topping and bake when you are ready to serve it.
4. Southern Style Scalloped Potatoes
Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender potatoes baked in an ultra-decadent and cheesy bechamel sauce. Easy-to-make creamy scalloped potatoes make an incredible side dish for holidays and special occasions; even your pickiest eaters will love it.
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
5. Southern Potato Salad
A classic Southern Potato Salad and a must-have Easter side dish like Grandma used to make, this easy old-fashioned side dish is creamy, tangy, and delicious. And it’s full of crunchy dill pickles, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and must-have hard-boiled eggs!
*Can be made 2-3 days before you plan to serve it. It travels well and is a perfect dish to take to a potluck.
6. Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin
Perfect for special occasions and Easter, with thinly sliced, tender Russet potatoes nestled in a thick and decadent cream sauce and nutty parmesan cheese, this thoroughly indulgent side dish might edge out your dinner entrée and become the star of the show!
*Can be made ahead; check the recipe for details.
7. Ultimate Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin
Are you looking for a delicious side dish for your Easter dinner? How about something just a little different from traditional mashed potatoes? Hold on to your chef’s hat because Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin will rock your world.
*Best made the day you plan to serve it.
8. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
With just a handful of ingredients and a cast iron skillet, you will have an awesome addition to a busy weeknight meal, which is also special enough to shine on your Easter table.
*Can be made ahead; check the recipe for details.
9. Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon
Delicious Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon lend an elegant touch to your Easter dinner table. These divine little packages of tender green beans, wrapped in smoky bacon with a touch of brown sugar, will surely be a favorite of your family and friends.
*You can blanch the green beans, partially cook the bacon and wrap them 24 hours ahead of time, then refrigerate and cook the day you plan to serve them.
10. Roasted Carrots with Lemon Vinaigrette
Roasted Carrots with Lemon Vinaigrette are delicious roasted, crisp-tender, sweet carrots topped with a yummy lemon and fresh herb vinaigrette. This elegant side dish would be a stunning and flavorful addition to your Easter dinner table.
*Roast the carrots and make the vinaigrette the day before; reheat and add the dressing before serving.
11. Easy Spicy Southern Corn Casserole
Easy Spicy Southern Corn Casserole is a fiesta for the senses with luscious corn deliciousness, spicy chilies, jalapenos, bacon, and decadent cream cheese filling that brings it all together.
*Can be made 24 hours ahead and reheated before serving.
12. Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole
When you see a recipe with the name Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole, you expect it to be something pretty spectacular, and this popular Easter casserole loaded with cheesy goodness lives up to its name!
*This casserole can be made 24 hours ahead or frozen for a few weeks without the topping. Add the topping and bake the day you plan to serve it.
13. Sweet and Sour Green Beans
Sweet and Sour Green Beans is one delicious green bean recipe that deserves a place of honor on your Easter table.
*It can be made 24 hours ahead and reheated before serving it. It also travels well and is a great dish to take to a potluck.
14. Southern Sweet Onion Casserole
Perfect for Easter, this easy Southern Sweet Onion Casserole is the best side dish ever! Caramelized sweet onions, Vidalia, if you can find them, are meltingly tender and paired with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers, sour cream, and cheese.
*You can make this casserole 24 hours ahead but do not add the topping. Before serving, add the topping and bake it.
15. Easy Southern Cornbread Pudding
Southern Cornbread Pudding is a beloved traditional holiday and potluck side dish in the South! You would be hard-pressed to find a holiday dinner table without some version of this decadent and creamy corn casserole front and center.
*For the best results, bake and serve this casserole on the same day.
16. Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes
Mouth-watering Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes with their creamy texture are the answer to your prayers for a perfect side dish and an amazing, easy-to-make, make-ahead mashed potato recipe.
*Can be made ahead; see recipe for details.
17. Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing
There are so many things to love about my holiday classic, Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing, which includes hard-boiled eggs. In addition to the taste, which is divine, you can make this southern-style, old-fashioned recipe ahead, and it freezes beautifully.
*Can be made several months ahead and frozen; then bake before serving.
Best Easter salad recipes
1. Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Pecans
If you are looking for a delicious, healthy, low-calorie salad recipe, you are in the right place! Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Pecans with my homemade poppy seed dressing is a great choice when you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea.
*You can prep all ingredients and make the dressing 24 hours ahead, then combine them when ready to serve.
2. Cucumber Dill Salad – Pudge Factor
Cucumber Dill Salad, or Gurkensalat is an incredible salad that is easy to make. It’s tasty and refreshing, making it perfect for your holiday get-together.
*Can be made 24 hours ahead of serving.
3. Spinach Apple and Cranberry Salad
Are you short on time but still want a healthy and satisfying meal on your Easter table that your family will enjoy? Today, I have an easy and healthy Spinach, Apple, and Cranberry Salad with delicious homemade Poppy Seed Dressing.
*You can prep all ingredients, except the apples, and make the dressing 24 hours ahead. Before serving, slice the apples, combine all ingredients, and add the dressing.
4. Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
This delicious and healthy Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad is the very essence of springtime entertaining! Perfect for Easter, it is light, cool, and refreshing to eat.
*Can be partially made 24 hours ahead, but wait to add the avocado right before serving.
5. Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Salad
Make-Ahead Frozen Fruit Salad is an easy, quick, and delicious fruit salad full of pineapple, cherries, and pecans, and it would be perfect for serving for your Easter or Mother’s Day brunch, lunch, or dinner, or anytime for that matter.
*Should be made 24 hours ahead and frozen prior to serving.
6. Classic Seven-Layer Salad – Pudge Factor
When planning the perfect make-ahead dish for your holiday gathering, look no further than Classic Southern Seven-Layer Salad. It’s as versatile as it is delicious and always receives rave reviews!
*Can be made 24 hours ahead of time.
7. Easy Southern Broccoli Salad
This fresh, colorful, crunchy, make-ahead, veggie-filled salad is the perfect side or salad for your Easter Dinner. It will pair beautifully with just about any main course you serve.
*Can be made 24 hours ahead of time.
8. Old-Fashioned American Coleslaw
This American classic southern-style coleslaw has it all: fresh, crunchy green cabbage, shredded carrots, and a homemade coleslaw dressing with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar.
*Can be made 24 hours ahead.
Best Easter bread recipes:
1. Easy Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk
Easy Southern Cornbread with Buttermilk has rich corn flavor and texture with a deliciously crunchy crust. Made with stone-ground cornmeal, this moist, savory cornbread is a true reflection of Southern goodness!
*You can measure out all dry ingredients the day before, but combining the ingredients and baking right before serving is best.
2. Crusty French Bread – Pudge Factor
The awesome aroma of freshly baked bread by itself will inspire you to make this Crusty French Bread time and time again. However, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. It only has five ingredients, and the bread machine does most of the work!
*Can be made ahead.
3. Hoecakes, AKA Cornmeal Pancakes
No matter what you call it, this staple of early America is a type of cornmeal pancake that is quick and easy to make and would make a great addition to your Easter table.
*For best results, make this recipe right before serving it.
4. Cornmeal Biscuits with Orange Butter
If you have never had super simple Cornmeal Biscuits, you are in for a real treat! And, if you have never had super delicious Orange Butter, oh my goodness, you don’t know what you are missing. Serve them this Easter for a special treat.
*These are best when made the day of, although you can prepare the butter, and dry ingredients ahead.
5. Sweet Potato Biscuits
Get ready to fall in love with the fluffy, golden perfection of Southern Sweet Potato Biscuits made with buttermilk!
*Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
This is such a simple recipe that you will wonder why you haven’t tried it before. Broccoli Cheddar Cornbread Muffins combine three of my favorite foods, cheese, cornbread, and broccoli, into one flavor-packed parcel.
*Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
7. Amish Potato Rolls – Pudge Factor
Amish Potato Rolls are the quintessential soft dinner roll. Because they stay fresh-tasting for several days, they’re the perfect make-ahead roll for your special holiday feast.
*Can be made ahead.
8. Southern Cheddar Biscuits
Southern Cheddar Biscuits are light, flaky, tender, Southern-style cream biscuits with sharp, gooey cheddar cheese with just three ingredients. Eaten hot right out of the oven with a pat of butter. These delicious cheddar biscuits fairly melt in your mouth.
*These biscuits should be made just before serving for the best results.
My traditional Easter dinner menu
These traditional Easter dishes are my family’s favorites, and they grace our dinner table every year with very little change. All of them can be made ahead and scaled up or down depending on how many folks are joining us. What are your favorites?
Best dish to take to an Easter potluck
For a potluck, you want a sturdy make-ahead dish that travels well and can be served warm or at room temperature. Some ideal dishes include ham, potato salad, sweet and sour green beans, a bundt cake, broccoli salad, mac and cheese, and broccoli cheddar cheese cornbread muffins.
Uses for leftover ham
Every year I get this question, and it’s one of my favorites. Leftover ham can be utilized in so many ways.
Ham sandwiches or sliders immediately come to mind. But my favorite is Easy Au Gratin Potatoes and Ham or Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot. These popular recipes are hearty, stick-to-your-ribs main dishes, and make terrific leftovers.
And, of course, there is also my Devilishly Delicious Deviled Ham which is also a family favorite. Don’t forget to save your ham bone for soup and ham scraps for seasoning Southern peas and greens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This varies and depends on what part of the country you live in and where you grew up. At our house, our traditional Easter meal is pretty casual. Usually, it includes Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries, Southern Potato Salad or Southern Scalloped Potatoes, Sweet and Sour Green Beans or Broccoli Cheese, Casserole, and Deviled Eggs.
For dessert, it’s either Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, Strawberry Pie, or Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
A Rack of Lamb is a trendy traditional main dish. Other excellent options include Beef Tenderloin, Smoked Turkey, Crown Roast of Pork, or Prime Rib.
Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries is always a popular choice, as is Southern Potato Salad or Southern Scalloped Potatoes, Sweet and Sour Green Beans or Broccoli Cheese Casserole, and Deviled Eggs. These dishes can be scaled up or down, and most can be made ahead.
Grilled Ham Steak, Rustic Mashed Potatoes for Two, and Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette would make a lovely Easter meal for two.
Easter treats recipes for your big and little kids:
Easter is such a fun time for families to gather. For more menu ideas, here is a link to all of my Easter recipes.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐If you make any of these recipes please leave a comment and give the recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!
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Eileen P.
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Gritsandpinecones
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! You made my day!
Sharon