What to Make for Easter Lunch: Delicious Recipes and Tips for a Memorable Feast

What are you planning to serve for Easter lunch? If you’re feeling stumped on what to whip up for your family and friends, you’re not alone. Many people want to create a memorable meal that captures the spirit of the holiday but struggle to find the perfect dishes.

Key Takeaways

• Variety of Main Dishes: Consider classic options like honey-glazed ham, herb-crusted lamb, or a flavorful vegetable quiche to cater to diverse tastes during your Easter lunch.
• Colorful Side Dishes: Enhance your meal with refreshing spring salads, savory scalloped potatoes, and glazed carrots to add flavor and visual appeal to the table.
• Delicious Desserts: Treat your guests to festive desserts such as carrot cake, meringue-based pavlova, or whimsical Easter Bunny cupcakes for a memorable finish.
• Refreshing Beverages: Complement your meal with light beverages like mimosas, iced tea, or fresh lemonade to keep the atmosphere celebratory and fun.
• Planning is Key: Prepare dishes in advance and set the table the day before to minimize stress and ensure a smooth celebration.
• Engage Guests: Encourage guests to bring a dish or dessert to add variety and foster a sense of community during the Easter gathering.

What To Make For Easter Lunch

Easter lunch is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Prepare a menu that delights everyone while reflecting the holiday spirit.

Main Dishes

• Honey-Glazed Ham: This classic dish often steals the show. Season the ham with honey, brown sugar, and mustard. Bake until golden for a sweet-savory flavor.
• Roasted Lamb: Lamb pairs well with spring flavors. Rub with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for a tender, flavorful centerpiece.
• Vegetable Quiche: Make a quiche for a vegetarian option. Combine eggs, cream, cheese, and seasonal vegetables like asparagus or spinach for a hearty dish.

Side Dishes

• Spring Salad: Create a refreshing salad with mixed greens, radishes, and light vinaigrette. Add seasonal fruits, like strawberries, for a pop of color and flavor.
• Scalloped Potatoes: Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and cream. Bake until bubbly. This dish pairs well with any main course.
• Glazed Carrots: Sauté carrots in butter and brown sugar until caramelized. This simple dish brings sweetness and a splash of color to the table.

Desserts

• Carrot Cake: Celebrate the holiday with a moist carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting. Add walnuts or raisins for texture.
• Pavlova: Make a pavlova for a light dessert. This meringue-based treat is topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, like berries or kiwi.
• Chocolate Eggs: Serve chocolate eggs for a festive touch. Fill them with candies or mousse for an indulgent surprise.

Beverages

• Mimosas: Mix orange juice and champagne for a sparkling brunch beverage. Garnish with fresh fruit for an extra touch.
• Iced Tea: Brew sweetened or unsweetened tea. Serve it chilled with lemon slices for a refreshing option.
• Lemonade: Fresh lemonade is a perfect way to keep it light. Make it with fresh lemons, sugar, and water for a delightful thirst-quencher.

• Plan Ahead: Choose recipes that can be prepared in advance. This approach saves stress on the day of the celebration.
• Set the Table: Prepare the dining area the day before. Focus on spring-themed decorations, such as flowers and pastel colors.
• Involve Guests: Encourage guests to bring a dish. This approach not only lightens your load but adds variety to the meal.

Main Dishes

Easter lunch features several delicious main dishes that create a festive atmosphere and satisfy your guests. Consider these options:

Traditional Easter Ham

Traditional Easter ham graces many tables across the country. Opt for a bone-in ham for more flavor. You can glaze it with honey, brown sugar, and mustard for a sweet and tangy finish.

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
2. Glazing: Mix honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the ham.
3. Cooking: Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting with extra glaze every 30 minutes.
4. Serving: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender.

Herb-Crusted Lamb

Herb-crusted lamb serves as an elegant centerpiece for your Easter lunch. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic creates a flavorful crust.

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Use a boneless leg of lamb for even cooking.
2. Herb Mixture: Blend fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
3. Coating: Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb. Use a roasting pan for easy clean-up.
4. Cooking: Roast until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, typically about 20 minutes per pound.
5. Resting: Allow the lamb to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

These main dishes can elevate your Easter lunch while providing your guests with unforgettable flavors.

Side Dishes

Side dishes add color and flavor to your Easter lunch. They complement the main showstoppers and provide a variety of textures and tastes.

Seasonal Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables brighten your table and enhance the meal. Choose fresh options like asparagus, peas, and carrots.

• Asparagus: Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 15 minutes.
• Peas: Sauté them with a little butter and fresh mint for a refreshing side.
• Carrots: Glaze them with honey and thyme for a sweet, earthy taste.

Combining different seasonal vegetables offers a delightful mix, appealing to your guests’ eyes and palate.

Savory Potato Gratin

Savory potato gratin brings warmth and comfort to your Easter gathering. This rich dish layers thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese.

1. Ingredients: Use 2 pounds of potatoes, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese—Gruyère or cheddar works well.
2. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
3. Layering: Slice potatoes thinly. Layer them in the dish, sprinkling cheese and pouring cream between each layer.
4. Baking: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown on top.

Potato gratin is rich and comforting, perfect for pairing with your Easter ham or lamb. Your guests will appreciate this indulgent side.

Salads

Salads add freshness and color to your Easter lunch menu. They’re easy to prepare and can cater to various tastes.

Spring Garden Salad

Create a vibrant Spring Garden Salad by combining seasonal ingredients. Use mixed greens, baby spinach, and arugula as your base. Add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and bell peppers for crunch. Toss in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.

For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. This colorful salad not only looks appealing but also provides a refreshing contrast to heavier main dishes, making it a perfect addition to your Easter lunch.

Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw offers a crunchy, tangy side that’s always a hit. Start with shredded cabbage—use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a mix. Add shredded carrots for sweetness and color.

For the dressing, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. You can add a splash of buttermilk for creaminess. Combine the shredded vegetables with the dressing just before serving to maintain their crunch. Coleslaw complements rich dishes like ham beautifully, balancing flavors and textures while being simple to prepare.

Desserts

Easter lunch wouldn’t be complete without delightful desserts that leave a lasting impression. Here are two crowd-pleasing options that embody the joy of the season.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

Easter Bunny Cupcakes add a whimsical touch to your dessert table. Start with a vanilla or chocolate cupcake base. After baking and cooling, top each cupcake with fluffy white frosting.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of cupcakes (vanilla or chocolate)
• White frosting
• Mini chocolate eggs
• Peeps (bunny marshmallows)
• Decorative edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to package instructions. Let them cool completely.
2. Frost each cupcake generously with white frosting.
3. Place bunny Peeps on top as the bunny’s head.
4. Add mini chocolate eggs in front of the bunnies.
5. Sprinkle with edible glitter for a festive look.

These cupcakes are not only cute but also delicious, making them an instant favorite among kids and adults alike.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie offers a zesty contrast to the sweet treats of Easter. The tart lemon filling balances beautifully with a fluffy meringue topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 3 large egg yolks (beaten)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie crust until golden brown; set aside.
2. In a saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in water and cook over medium heat until thickened.
3. Stir a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Mix in lemon juice and zest. Cook until thickened, then pour into the pie crust.
4. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges.
5. Bake for about 10–12 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.

This pie serves as a bright and refreshing finish to your Easter meal, pleasing the palate while looking stunning on the table.

Conclusion

You’ve got everything you need to create a delightful Easter lunch that your family and friends will remember. With a mix of traditional favorites and fresh seasonal dishes you can cater to everyone’s tastes.

Don’t forget to set the mood with some charming decorations and maybe even invite guests to share a dish. This way you can enjoy the day without feeling overwhelmed.

As you gather around the table filled with delicious food and laughter you’ll know you’ve made this Easter special. Enjoy the time spent with loved ones and the joy that comes with sharing a meal together. Happy Easter!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some main dishes for Easter lunch?

For Easter lunch, popular main dishes include honey-glazed ham, roasted lamb, and vegetable quiche. These options provide a festive centerpiece and cater to various tastes, making them ideal for family gatherings.

What side dishes should I consider for Easter?

Consider serving seasonal sides like spring salad, scalloped potatoes, and glazed carrots. These dishes not only complement the main course but also add vibrant colors and flavors to your Easter table.

What desserts are appropriate for an Easter meal?

Delight your guests with Easter Bunny Cupcakes and Lemon Meringue Pie. These desserts are fun, visually appealing, and provide a sweet finish to your holiday meal, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

How can I plan ahead for Easter lunch?

To plan ahead, create a detailed menu and shopping list well before the holiday. Set the table with spring-themed decorations the day before and consider asking guests to bring a dish to share, which reduces stress and enhances the experience.

What beverages pair well with Easter lunch?

Beverage options like mimosas, iced tea, and fresh lemonade are great choices for Easter lunch. These drinks are refreshing and complement the flavors of both main dishes and desserts, elevating the overall dining experience.