Festive Easter Dinner Ideas & Easy Recipes!

I’m sharing 32 of the best Easter Dinner Ideas and recipes for 2023! Easter is a time for celebration and feasting with loved ones. And when it comes to Easter dinner, nothing quite compares to the comforting and hearty goodness of a delicious meat dish. From classic favorites like ham and lamb to more unconventional options like beef or turkey, there are plenty of tasty choices for your Easter meal.

I’m sharing some of the most popular Easter meat dishes and providing tips for cooking them to perfection. We’ll also share some unique and flavorful recipes that are sure to impress your guests and make your Easter celebration one to remember.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a newbie cook, there’s something for everyone in this guide to Easter meat dishes, and Easter Dinner Ideas! So let’s get cooking and make this Easter dinner a special occasion for the books!

Why Easter Meat Dishes Are Important

Easter meat dishes are an important part of the holiday tradition for many families around the world. They symbolize the abundance and generosity of the season, as well as the spiritual significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Meat dishes like ham and lamb have been Easter staples for generations, bringing families together to share in a delicious meal and create cherished memories. Whether you’re a devout Christian or simply enjoy the festive spirit of the holiday, Easter meat dishes are a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate the season.

The History of Easter Sunday Dinners

The tradition of Easter dinners dates back to ancient times when early Christians would gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a holiday meal feast. The meal would typically include foods that were forbidden during the Lenten period, such as meat and dairy products. Over time, different regions developed their own Easter dinner customs, with unique dishes and culinary traditions. Today, Easter dinners are celebrated around the world and are a cherished part of the holiday for many families. Whether you prefer traditional favorites or new and innovative dishes, the history of Easter holiday dinner is rich and varied, reflecting the diversity and cultural richness of the most important holiday!

Traditional Easter Dinner Ideas

Traditional Easter Meat Recipes – Main Course

1. Honey-Glazed Ham: This classic Easter dish is a must-have for many families. The ham is baked with a sweet and savory honey glaze that creates a deliciously sticky and flavorful crust.
2. Roast Leg of Lamb: Another traditional Easter meat dish is the roast leg of lamb, which is often seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs. It’s tender meat and succulent and pairs well with roasted vegetables. Roast lamb is a traditional Easter main course for dinner that symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus and is enjoyed by many families around the world.
3. Roast Beef: While ham and lamb are the most common Easter meat dishes, roast beef is also a popular choice for some families. It can be seasoned with a variety of spices and served with gravy and potatoes.
4. Turkey: Get my Turkey Recipe here! For those who prefer poultry over red meat, a roasted turkey can make a delicious Easter centerpiece. It can be seasoned with herbs and spices and served with cranberry sauce and stuffing.
5. Rack of Lamb: A fancier option for Easter dinner, rack of lamb is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to wow your guests. The meat is tender and juicy and can be served with a variety of sides like roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus.

Easter Grilled Lamb Chops Dinner

Ingredients:

• 8 lamb chops
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the lamb chops.
4. Place the lamb chops on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This grilled lamb chop recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for Easter dinner. Serve with your favorite Easter side dishes and enjoy!

No matter what your preferences are, these traditional Easter meat recipes are sure to make your holiday feast unforgettable.

Modern Easter Meat Recipes – Easter Dinner Menu Main Course

1. Apricot-Glazed Pork Tenderloin: This sweet and savory pork tenderloin is a modern take on the traditional Easter ham. The apricot glaze gives the meat a tangy and fruity flavor that pairs well with roasted vegetables.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Beef Tenderloin: For those who want to indulge in some decadent meaty goodness, this bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin is a perfect choice. The bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the already flavorful beef.
3. Herb-Roasted Whole Chicken: If you’re looking for a lighter and more budget-friendly meat dish for Easter, herb-roasted chicken is a great option. It’s simple to prepare and can be seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices.
4. Smoked Salmon: For a non-traditional Easter meat dish, smoked salmon can be a delicious and elegant choice. It can be served with cream cheese and bagels for a brunch-style meal or with roasted vegetables for a more savory dinner.
5. Braised Lamb Shanks: For a more modern twist on the classic roast leg of lamb, braised lamb shanks are a flavorful and hearty option. The meat is cooked low and slow in a rich and savory sauce, creating a tender and juicy dish.
6. PRIME RIB Roast! I’ve got the best prime rib recipe here for you!

Easter Dinner Idea – Easter Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the pork chops.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the pork chops. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This pork chops with fresh herbs recipe is flavorful, juicy, and perfect for Easter dinner. Serve with your favorite Easter side dishes and enjoy!

These modern Easter meat recipes offer something new and exciting for your holiday feast, while still maintaining the festive and celebratory spirit of the season.

Slow Cooker Easter Meat Recipes – Main Course

1. Slow Cooker Ham: This classic Easter dish can easily be made in the slow cooker, freeing up your oven space for other dishes. Simply place a fully cooked ham in the slow cooker with your favorite glaze and let it cook on low for several hours.
2. Slow Cooker Lamb: A slow-cooked leg of lamb can be a show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter feast. Add herbs, garlic, and other seasonings to the lamb and let it cook on low for several hours until it’s tender and juicy.
3. Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage: If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting Easter meal, slow cooker corned beef and cabbage is a perfect option. Add the corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for several hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Slow Cooker Pork Roast: A slow-cooked pork roast can be a delicious and budget-friendly Easter meat dish. Add your favorite seasonings and vegetables to the slow cooker along with the pork roast and let it cook on low for several hours until it’s tender and juicy.
5. Slow Cooker Brisket: Brisket is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that’s perfect for Easter dinner. Add your favorite seasonings and vegetables to the slow cooker along with the brisket and let it cook on low for several hours until it’s fall-apart tender.

These slow cooker Easter meat recipes are easy to prepare and can save you time and stress in the kitchen. Plus, they’ll leave your house smelling delicious and your guests feeling satisfied and happy.

Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham Easter Dinner Idea

There are many delicious Easter meat dishes that can be made in an Instant Pot, but one of the best and most traditional options is ham. Here’s a recipe for Instant Pot honey glazed ham that is sure to impress your guests:

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in fully cooked ham (7-8 pounds)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

1. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
2. Place the ham on top of the trivet and close the lid.
3. Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cook for 15 minutes per pound.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully remove the ham from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
7. Brush the glaze over the ham.
8. Preheat the oven to broil.
9. Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan and broil for 5-10 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
10. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Instant Pot honey-glazed ham this Easter!

Easter Dinner Ideas for Side Dishes

1. Candied Yams – Super Easy to make in the oven. Carmelized slices of sweet potatoes in a delicious buttery sauce, is the perfect side dish for easter dinners! .. Everyone loves these!
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes and homemade gravy! – Super simple to make, and they go great with all the easter meat recipes! Only a few simple ingredients, that you probably already have, and they cook pretty fast too!
3. Green Bean Casserole! You can make this with canned or fresh green beans! This is a super popular side dish that my family LOVES. If you used canned cream of mushroom soup and premade french fired onions, it’s a snap!
4. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash! Butternut squash is a beautiful side that’s bright orange, tender, and sweet… One of my all-time favorites!
5. How Cross Buns – Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter dinner side dish that symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus and is often enjoyed as a sweet and spicy treat.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Spring vegetables like asparagus are perfect for easter. Seasonal Asparagus is tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, roasted asparagus is a classic Easter side dish that’s always a hit. Simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and crispy. One of the most popular easter sides!

Traditional Easter Dinner Ideas for Sides Dishes

1. Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: These rich and decadent potatoes are a perfect complement to any Easter meat dish. Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cream, cheese, and seasonings, and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden.
2. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory, these glazed carrots are a crowd-pleaser. Cook baby carrots until tender, then toss with a honey glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
3. Spring Pea Salad: This light and refreshing salad is full of spring flavors. Toss fresh peas with lettuce, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette for a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor.
4. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy Easter side dish. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, and roast in the oven until crispy and golden.
5. Deviled Eggs… Need I say more?

Easter Dinner Ideas – Desserts

These are 2 of my favorite desserts perfect for your Easter Dinner, Easter Brunch, and easter table! They are easy recipes to follow:

Moist Lemon Layer Cake – Moist lemon cakes with fresh lemon juice, hearty lemon curd filling, lemon buttercream frosting, and candied lemons atop!

Sourdough Carrot Cake! _ Moist and hearty carrot cake made with sourdough, whole grain flour, carrots, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting!

Try New Easter Dinner Ideas

While traditional Easter meat dishes are always delicious and comforting, trying new Easter Dinner Ideas, recipes, and traditions can add a fun and exciting element to your holiday celebrations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques.

Who knows, you may discover a new favorite dish that becomes a cherished part of your family’s Easter tradition. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or having a small intimate dinner, trying something new can make the holiday feel fresh and exciting. So, go ahead and explore the world of Easter meat dishes and see where your culinary journey takes you!

Gathering with loved ones and celebrating the holiday!

Easter is a time for celebration, and there’s no better way to do that than by gathering with loved ones and sharing a special meal together. Whether you have a big family or a small group of close friends, the holiday provides a perfect opportunity to come together and enjoy each other’s company.

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own routines and forget to take time to connect with those we care about. So, let’s remember the importance of gathering with loved ones on this special day and making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or simply enjoying each other’s company, the spirit of Easter is all about coming together and celebrating the joys of faith and life.