Easter is a holiday that is celebrated around the world with various traditions. One of the most important aspects of Easter is the dinner that is shared with family and friends. Easter dinner is an opportunity to enjoy delicious food, spend time with loved ones, and celebrate the holiday together.
Traditional Easter main courses often include ham, lamb, or turkey. These meats are often accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. However, for those who prefer to skip the meat, there are plenty of vegetarian options available as well. From hearty casseroles to flavorful stuffed peppers, there are many delicious vegetarian entrees to choose from.
Overall, Easter dinner is an important part of the holiday celebration. Whether you prefer traditional main courses or vegetarian entrees, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. With so many different dishes to try, Easter dinner is a time to enjoy good food, good company, and good memories.
Key Takeaways
- Easter dinner is an important part of the holiday celebration.
- Traditional Easter main courses include ham, lamb, or turkey, but there are plenty of vegetarian options available as well.
- Easter dinner is a time to enjoy good food, good company, and good memories.
Traditional Easter Main Courses
Easter is a time for family gatherings and feasting, and no dinner table is complete without a traditional main course. Here are some popular main courses that are sure to impress your guests:
Roast Lamb
Roast lamb is a classic Easter dish that is popular in many cultures. To prepare a delicious roast lamb, rub the meat with a mixture of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, and roast it in the oven until it is cooked to your liking. Serve it with roasted vegetables and a rich gravy.
Glazed Ham
Ham is another popular Easter main course that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. To make a glazed ham, score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife, and then brush on a mixture of honey, mustard, and brown sugar. Bake the ham in the oven until it is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
Baked Salmon
For those who prefer seafood, baked salmon is a healthy and delicious option for Easter dinner. To prepare a flavorful salmon dish, season the fish with herbs and spices, and bake it in the oven until it is cooked through. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
No matter which main course you choose, be sure to serve it with a variety of sides and desserts to create a memorable Easter feast for your loved ones.
Vegetarian Entrees for Easter
Easter dinner can be a challenge for vegetarians, but with a little creativity, it’s possible to make a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Here are three vegetarian entrees that are perfect for Easter dinner.
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Lentil shepherd’s pie is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for Easter dinner. It’s made with a layer of lentils that are cooked with onions, carrots, and celery, and then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The dish is then baked until the top is golden brown and crispy.
This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying option for vegetarians. To make it even more nutritious, consider adding some chopped spinach or kale to the lentil mixture.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are another great option for vegetarians on Easter. They’re easy to make and can be filled with a variety of different ingredients, such as rice, quinoa, beans, and vegetables.
To make stuffed bell peppers, simply cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Then fill the peppers with your desired filling and bake them in the oven until they’re tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Quinoa Pilaf
Quinoa pilaf is a delicious and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for Easter dinner. It’s made with quinoa, which is a high-protein grain that’s packed with essential amino acids, as well as a variety of vegetables and spices.
To make quinoa pilaf, simply cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and then stir in some sautéed onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for Easter dinner.
Easter Side Dishes
Easter is a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a delicious meal together. While the main course is usually the star of the show, the side dishes can make or break a meal. Here are some Easter side dishes that are sure to impress.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that are perfect for Easter dinner. They are creamy, cheesy, and delicious. To make scalloped potatoes, thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with cream, cheese, and seasonings. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Carrots are a great side dish for Easter because they are colorful and sweet. Honey-glazed carrots are a simple and delicious way to prepare this vegetable. To make honey-glazed carrots, cook the carrots in boiling water until they are tender. Then, toss them with butter, honey, and seasonings. Roast in the oven until the carrots are caramelized and glazed.
Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Asparagus is a great choice for an Easter side dish because it is in season and has a bright, fresh flavor. Asparagus with hollandaise sauce is an elegant and delicious way to prepare this vegetable. To make hollandaise sauce, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter. Serve the asparagus with the hollandaise sauce drizzled over the top.
These Easter side dishes are sure to delight your guests and make your meal a success. Whether you choose scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or asparagus with hollandaise sauce, your guests will be impressed with your cooking skills.
Easter Desserts
No Easter dinner is complete without a sweet and indulgent dessert. Here are some classic Easter desserts that are sure to impress your guests.
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a staple dessert for Easter dinner. It’s moist, flavorful, and has a cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. The grated carrots in the cake batter add a unique texture and flavor that make this dessert a hit with both kids and adults.
To make a classic carrot cake, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Once cooled, frost with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter dessert that originated in England. These sweet buns are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with raisins or currants. The cross on top of the buns is made with a simple mixture of flour and water and symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus.
To make hot cross buns, mix together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and spices. Add in eggs, milk, and butter and knead until a smooth dough forms. Fold in raisins or currants and let the dough rise until doubled in size. Form the dough into buns and let them rise again. Brush with an egg wash and pipe the cross on top with the flour and water mixture. Bake until golden brown and serve warm with butter.
Simnel Cake
Simnel cake is a rich fruitcake that is traditionally served during Easter in England. It’s made with dried fruits, spices, and marzipan and is topped with eleven marzipan balls that represent the eleven apostles (excluding Judas). It’s a dense and flavorful cake that’s perfect for serving with a cup of tea.
To make simnel cake, mix together flour, sugar, spices, and dried fruits. Beat in eggs and butter until a thick batter forms. Roll out a layer of marzipan and place it in the center of the cake batter. Cover with more batter and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, roll out more marzipan and cut out eleven small balls. Place them on top of the cake and broil until lightly toasted. Serve at room temperature.
Easter Dinner Breads
Bread is an essential part of any Easter dinner, and there are many types of bread that are perfect for the occasion. Here are two delicious Easter bread recipes to try this year:
Braided Easter Bread
Braided Easter bread is a traditional bread that is often served at Easter dinner. This bread is made with eggs, which give it a rich and tender texture, and it is usually braided into a beautiful shape that is perfect for the holiday.
To make braided Easter bread, you will need flour, sugar, salt, yeast, eggs, milk, and butter. Mix the ingredients together, knead the dough, and let it rise. Then, shape the dough into a braid and bake it in the oven until it is golden brown. Serve the bread warm with butter or jam.
Focaccia with Herbs
Focaccia with herbs is a delicious bread that is perfect for Easter dinner. This bread is made with olive oil, which gives it a rich and flavorful taste, and it is usually topped with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
To make focaccia with herbs, you will need flour, yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and herbs. Mix the ingredients together, knead the dough, and let it rise. Then, shape the dough into a flat, rectangular shape and top it with olive oil and herbs. Bake the bread in the oven until it is golden brown. Serve the bread warm with olive oil for dipping.
Both of these breads are easy to make and are sure to impress your guests at Easter dinner. They are also a great way to add some variety to your meal and to celebrate the holiday in style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some traditional dishes to include in an Easter dinner menu?
Easter dinner is a time-honored tradition that typically includes a main course of roasted lamb or ham. Other traditional dishes to consider include deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, and hot cross buns. For dessert, many families enjoy carrot cake or a classic Easter pie.
Which Easter dinner sides pair well with a classic main course?
When it comes to pairing sides with a classic Easter main course, it’s important to strike a balance between flavors and textures. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are a great choice, as are buttery mashed potatoes or a creamy macaroni and cheese. For something lighter, consider a fresh salad or a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
How can I prepare a simple yet festive Easter dinner for my family?
Preparing a simple yet festive Easter dinner for your family can be easy with a little planning. Consider a one-pan roasted chicken or a slow-cooked ham for your main course, and pair it with roasted vegetables and a simple salad. For dessert, a fruit tart or a batch of homemade cookies can be a great choice.
What are some unique Easter dinner ideas to surprise my guests?
For a unique Easter dinner that will surprise your guests, consider trying a new recipe or incorporating international flavors into your menu. Some ideas include a Moroccan-spiced lamb roast, a Greek-style stuffed eggplant, or a Mexican-inspired chocolate flan for dessert.
Can you suggest Easter food traditions from around the world for a themed dinner?
If you’re looking to host a themed Easter dinner, consider incorporating some traditional dishes from around the world. In Italy, for example, it’s common to serve a savory Easter pie filled with cheese, eggs, and vegetables. In Sweden, a popular Easter dish is pickled herring served with boiled potatoes and sour cream. And in Brazil, it’s traditional to serve a sweet bread called pão de mel for dessert.
How do I plan an Easter dinner menu for a large crowd?
Planning an Easter dinner menu for a large crowd can be a challenge, but with a little organization, it’s definitely doable. Consider offering a buffet-style meal with a variety of dishes to choose from, and make sure to have plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Don’t forget to plan for leftovers, and consider enlisting the help of friends and family to bring a dish or two to share.
