Easter Dinner Menu

Best Easter Dinner Ideas

I love Easter, and all the wonderful ways it celebrates spring and new beginnings. So many of my favorite foods are in season, making it the perfect time to cook a big family Easter brunch or dinner.

I make my Easter dinner menu in advance and then I can prep or make ahead recipes! From fun appetizers to new sides dishes and stunning mains, planning an Easter feast doesn’t need to be intimidating or hard.

Use these recipes to create your own memorable Easter dinner menu or download my hosting guide for my tried and true dishes!

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Planning an Easter Dinner Menu

Let’s talk about what goes into an Easter dinner menu and how to plan one.

• Number of guests. This simple question actually decides quite a bit. If there are only 4 of you, you won’t need quite as many side dishes or as big of an entree.
• Dietary preferences. Always plan on having a few options for those who might have any allergies or intolerances.
• Main entree. This is the first thing I like to plan when making an Easter dinner menu as the entree will end up dictating a lot of what I serve. Traditional honey baked ham is a great option or try something that isn’t ham!
• Make ahead. I like to make sure I have a good balance of recipes I can make prior to the holiday and ones that can be prepped in advance. The holiday can be so busy with everything else, I want to make sure I am not in the kitchen all day.

Appetizers for Easter Dinner

The best way to kick off a fantastic Easter dinner menu is with a small bite, or two, of something delicious to snack on while dinner is being prepped.

• Easy Deviled Eggs. These are the classic Easter appetizer, and for very good reason. They are must on the menu for Easter dinner!
• Fruit and Cheese Platter. This beautiful board is endlessly adaptable and sets the stage for a lovely meal.
• How to Make the Best Charcuterie Board. I love a charcuterie board, overflowing with a variety of delightful nibbles.
• Easy Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs. A slight twist on the beloved recipe.
• Italian Antipasto Platter. If you love pickled and cured, this is the platter for you.
• Knorr Spinach Dip. There is something about a spinach dip that screams spring to me.
• French Onion Dip. The perfect dip when serving something a bit heartier for dinner, like the beef tenderloin.
• Veggie Cups. These individual cups make walking and snacking a dream.
• Bruschetta Caprese. The brightness of this recipe works so well with almost any entree.
• Easy Cheese Ball Recipe. I love a cheese ball, and so does everyone else.
• Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip. This does require use of the oven, but is worth making a little extra room.
• Skinny Dill Dip. Load up the plate with all the veggies because this dip tastes great with everything.
• Cheese Ball Bites. A cheese ball without any slicing and in just one bite. Perfection.
• Caprese Kabobs. These look so pretty and taste even better.

Traditional Entrees for Easter Dinner

Whatever you choose as the star of the dinner, you really can’t go wrong whether it’s a formal sit-down Easter meal or casual family gettogether.

• Honey Baked Ham. The name says it all. This sweet and savory ham is always a hit with the whole family.
• Crockpot Spiral Ham. I love to make this ham when I am in need of my oven. It turns out beautifully every time.
• Easy Baked Ham Recipe. Just 5 simple ingredients and about 5 minutes to prep for a show stopping entree.
• Beef Tenderloin. This beautiful cut of beef makes a wonderful non-ham main dish!
• One-Hour Oven Roasted Chicken. This chicken deserves a spot on a holiday menu as it is flavorful and juicy.
• Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin. This is great when hosting a smaller crowd!
• Roasted Pork Tenderloin. This flavorful entree comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Side Dishes for Easter Dinner

A well-planned side dish really can make or break a meal. I typically choose how many I will need based on the number of dinner guests, but I usually start with a fruit or vegetable, a casserole, a salad and a roll.

Fruits and Vegetable Side Dishes

• Easter Fruit Tray. This playful take on a traditional fruit tray deserves center stage on the dinner table.
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Ready in less than 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with a variety of recipes.
• Balsamic Roasted Carrots. Just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep, these caramelized carrots are always a hit. 
• Green Beans. You can never go wrong with this versatile vegetable.
• Glazed Carrots. Another family favorite that can be made on the stove, in the oven, or in a crockpot.
• Parmesan Roasted Broccoli. Cheese and broccoli? What’s not to love?
• Roasted Asparagus. This simple recipe highlights the beauty of fresh asparagus.
• Roasted Zucchini and Squash. I love how simple and flavorful this dish is, and how it works so well with almost any entree.
• Crockpot Creamed Corn. The sweetness of this corn plays perfectly with ham.
• Oven Roasted Vegetables. Choose your favorite veggies and enjoy!

Salads

• 7 Layer Salad. This overnight salad is a tradition in our family, and should be in yours, as well.
• Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad. This sweet and tangy salad works beautifully with ham.
• Pear Salad. I love the sweetness of the pears mixed with pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, feta cheese and topped with a balsamic dressing. 
• Macaroni Salad. This may feel more casual, but tastes great with ham.
• Mandarin Orange Salad. The homemade citrus dressing is made for holidays.
• Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad. The colors of this salad add such a pretty element to the table, and the flavors are just a bonus.
• Rainbow Honey Lime Fruit Salad. Don’t be afraid to serve fruit as a side, as it adds a lovely sweetness to any Easter dinner menu.

Potatoes and Casseroles

• Potatoes au Gratin. This creamy and rich dish pairs perfectly with almost any Easter dinner menu entree.
• Corn Casserole. My family adores this sweet and creamy casserole, especially with ham.
• Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. This can definitely be a meal in itself, but works great as a side dish to an Easter dinner.
• Crockpot Green Bean Casserole. The classic casserole is traditionally served at Thanksgiving, but it deserves a spot on any holiday table.
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. This hearty side dish can be made the night before either fully cooked or uncooked.
• Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Don’t let the name scare you off, these potatoes are all about celebrating life.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes. A classic for the holidays!
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. This creamy, cheesy and absolutely delicious recipe is a fan favorite.

Rolls

• Resurrection Rolls. Both a roll and sweet treat, marshmallows disappear inside a cinnamon sugar crescent roll representing the empty tomb!
• The BEST Lion House Rolls. I love all of my rolls, but these are hands-down one of my very favorite homemade rolls to serve for Easter dinner.
• Parker House Rolls. These are so sweet and fluffy, and are spread with honey butter inside before baking and after while still warm.
• The BEST Dinner Rolls. All you need is 7 ingredients to make these fluffy rolls.
• Perfect Potato Rolls. These denser rolls are perfect with ham and go so well with an Easter dinner menu.