Easter Sunday is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal, often marked by joyful gatherings and family meals. In many cultures, Easter dinner is a cherished tradition that brings people together around the table to share food, laughter, and love.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 popular dishes for Easter, including main courses, side dishes, breads, and desserts. This comprehensive list will help you build a complete Easter dinner menu, from classic main courses to beloved side dishes.
🍽️ 25 Popular Dishes for Easter Dinner 2025
Here’s a breakdown of 25 classic and popular dishes, divided into main courses, side dishes, breads, and desserts.
🥩 Main Courses (1–6)
These centerpiece dishes are the stars of the Easter table. Choose one (or more) depending on your guest list and preferences.
1. Glazed Baked Ham
A quintessential Easter main, baked ham is often prepared with a sweet glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and mustard. The caramelized crust and tender interior make it a family favorite.
2. Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb
Lamb is a traditional Easter dish, especially in European and Mediterranean cultures. Rubbed with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil, it’s a flavorful and symbolic choice.
3. Roast Turkey with Stuffing
While more commonly associated with Thanksgiving, turkey is also a popular Easter option in larger gatherings. Pair it with a light, herbed stuffing to suit the spring season.
4. Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
Perfect for smaller groups, roast chicken is simple, elegant, and full of flavor. Stuff it with lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme or dill.
5. Honey-Mustard Pork Loin
Pork loin offers a leaner alternative to ham. A honey-mustard glaze brings a tangy sweetness that pairs well with roasted vegetables.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Vegetarian)
For vegetarian guests, stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, lentils, and spring vegetables are hearty and satisfying.
🥗 Side Dishes (7–18)
These side dishes bring color, texture, and seasonal freshness to your Easter spread.
7. Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy and cheesy, scalloped potatoes are a rich, indulgent side that pairs beautifully with ham or lamb.
8. Deviled Eggs
A must-have Easter appetizer or side, deviled eggs are made with boiled egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. You can also add bacon, chives, or avocado.
9. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Asparagus is one of spring’s earliest vegetables. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness, and lemon zest adds a bright finish.
10. Sauteed Green Bean
Sautéed green beans with garlic butter and a splash of lemon juice offer a crunchy, buttery side dish.
11. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Roasted or sautéed carrots in a honey-butter glaze are sweet, tender, and colorful—perfect for springtime.
12. Spring Pea Salad with Mint
Fresh or frozen peas tossed with radishes, feta, and mint in a lemon vinaigrette make a refreshing cold side.
13. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and savory mashed potatoes with roasted garlic are a classic comfort food that pairs with any protein.
14. Creamed Spinach
This rich and creamy dish adds a touch of indulgence to your table and is a great complement to roast meats.
15. Roasted Root Vegetables
A mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted with olive oil and herbs adds earthy sweetness and vibrant color.
16. Gratin Dauphinois
A French take on potatoes au gratin, this dish uses thin potato slices baked with cream, garlic, and nutmeg.
17. Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Cauliflower florets baked in a cheesy béchamel sauce are delicious and a good low-carb alternative to potato dishes.
18. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts finished with a sweet balsamic reduction add crunch and tang to your meal.
🍞 Breads & Accompaniments (19–21)
No Easter dinner is complete without warm, buttery breads to soak up those savory sauces.
19. Buttered Dinner Rolls
Soft and fluffy, dinner rolls are a staple at the Easter table. Serve them warm with butter or flavored spreads.
20. Hot Cross Buns
These spiced sweet buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, are studded with raisins and marked with a symbolic cross.
21. Herbed Focaccia
An Italian-style bread topped with rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil adds a rustic touch to your dinner spread.
🍰 Desserts (22–25)
Easter desserts are often light, fruity, and symbolic. Here are four must-have choices for 2025.
22. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, spiced, and layered with rich frosting, carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that never goes out of style.
23. Lemon Tart with Fresh Berries
Bright and tangy, a lemon tart topped with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries is refreshing and elegant.
24. Coconut Cream Pie
With its fluffy texture and tropical flavor, coconut cream pie is a festive favorite for spring celebrations.
25. Pavlova with Whipped Cream and Fruit
This meringue-based dessert is light, airy, and ideal for showcasing fresh spring berries.
🍾 Pairing Suggestions: Drinks & Beverages
Complement your Easter meal with seasonal drinks that enhance the flavors of your dishes.
Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Sparkling water with citrus and mint
- Fresh lemonade with rosemary
- Iced herbal tea (lavender, chamomile, or hibiscus)
Alcoholic Options:
- Prosecco or Champagne
- Rosé or Pinot Grigio
- Light spring cocktails (e.g., elderflower spritz, gin and tonic with cucumber)
✨ Tips for a Successful Easter Dinner
Plan Ahead: Make your menu, grocery list, and prep schedule a few days before Easter to avoid last-minute stress.
Prep What You Can Early: Make desserts, chop vegetables, and prepare casseroles the day before.
Balance Flavors: Include a mix of rich, fresh, sweet, and savory dishes to keep the meal balanced and enjoyable.
Offer Options: Include a vegetarian entrée or gluten-free side dish to accommodate dietary needs.
Enjoy the Moment: Don’t get so caught up in the cooking that you forget to enjoy the meal and the company.
The 25 dishes listed above offer a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and festivity to help you craft a memorable Easter dinner in 2025. From the savory aroma of baked ham to the sweet tang of lemon tart, every dish tells a story of springtime joy and family togetherness. So set your table with care, cook with love, and savor the blessings of the season.
