What To Make For Easter Dinner
The typical Thanksgiving dinner consists of turkey, and Christmas desserts offer rich, buttery sugar cookies. What about Easter? Fall and winter holidays embrace the comfort foods, but what are some options for a springtime feast this Easter weekend? Whether you fancy ham or lamb, there are plenty of ways to put your culinary academy skills to work and impress your family this weekend:
Sides
Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Ditch the green bean casserole this year for this broccoli cheddar one from Taste of Home. instead. It’s very simple to make, consisting of only eight ingredients. The recipe calls for fresh broccoli, but frozen will work as well if high-quality, fresh veggies aren’t available.
Garlic Roasted Carrots
Carrots aren’t just for the Easter Bunny. These garlic roasted carrots from Damn Delicious only take a few minutes of preparation and about 40 minutes just roasting in the oven. Most of the herbs can probably be found in your pantry, making for a simple last-minute dish that everyone coming over will love.
Corn Pudding
Pudding isn’t just for dessert. This corn pudding recipe from Country Living is made up of corn, peppers, onion and cheese and is a great savory side for any entree. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare with very little mess to clean up. There probably won’t be any left over after dinner, but if there is, this corn pudding reheats great for a snack or lunch on Monday afternoon.
Entrees
Herb-Crusted Leg of Lamb
Is there a more elegant dinner than a leg of lamb? This recipe from Feasting at Home features an herb paste made up of rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, salt and olive oil. It also includes the instructions for a savory mint gremolata that consists of olive oil, mint leaves, parsley, lemon, capers, garlic and shallot, which perfectly complements the lamb.
Plum-Glazed Ham
We’re all familiar with cooking our ham with pineapple, but that isn’t the only fruit that brings out the sweetness of ham. Try this plum-glazed ham recipe from My Recipes, and garnish with some of your other favorite fruits for a refreshing springtime meal.
Fontina and Herb Charlotte
This dish from Country Living is a perfect entree for an Easter brunch. As elegant as it looks, this savory charlotte is easy to make. After trying the slices of bread and plethora of herbs and cheeses, everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
Desserts
Strawberry Limeade Cake
If you’re having a low-key Easter gathering, serve a pretty round cake, like this strawberry limeade cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting from Country Living. Made with fresh berries and lime zest, this cake is the perfect way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring.
Raisin Babka
This Eastern European dessert is subtly sweet – perfect to serve alongside coffee. This recipe from Country Living yields two loaves, so you can bring one to the family gathering and keep one for yourself at home.
Lavender and Strawberry Honey Cream
For a lighter dessert, try this honey cream from My Recipes. Creamy and sweet, this dish is also aesthetically appealing, garnished with sliced strawberry and a sprig of lavender.