20 Classic Easter Recipes You'll Want to Serve Every Year
The gang is all here: main courses, side dishes, and even dessert.
Sometimes whipping up something new for a holiday meal makes it extra exciting. But for some families, it's all about the classics. Take the Drummond kids, for example. Holidays are "not a time to tinker with tradition," Ree says. You'll find classic Easter recipes on the Drummond table almost every year. There's something to be said about knowing exactly what you're going to eat for Easter brunch or Easter dinner! It's like a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
Sitting down to an Easter feast is one of the best holiday traditions, so it makes sense to have a comprehensive list of Easter recipes for the occasion. You'll find ham recipes, of course, plus lots of easy Easter appetizers like deviled eggs and Easter sides to round out your meal. Creamy scalloped potatoes and candied carrots are a must! Plus, there are a few Easter treats that are worth a try. Hot cross buns and carrot cake have been in the Drummond family repertoire for generations.
If you want to save time and effort, try a make-ahead casserole recipe or break out your best spring recipes, like flavorful asparagus. There are also both biscuit and gravy recipes on this list if you want to start the day strong like the Drummonds do. So what are you waiting for? It's time to start planning your all-day Sunday feast! And now you've got 20 classic Easter recipe ideas to make it the tastiest holiday this year and plenty of years to come.
Glazed Ham
Ree says her go-to recipe is "totally easy, exceedingly delicious, and results in a purty and glossy Easter ham." It takes just five simple ingredients (including Dr Pepper!) and pairs perfectly with all those sides.
Get Ree's Glazed Ham recipe.
Deviled Eggs
A deviled egg recipe like this one is the perfect classic appetizer or snack on Easter. You can pass them around while the kids are out searching for their own Easter eggs.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Roast Leg of Lamb
Hello, showstopper! This leg of lamb is juicy and flavorful thanks to an herbaceous crust made with mustard, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and capers. The white wine pan sauce takes things over the top.
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
Candied Carrots
Easter candy has nothing on this seasonal side dish! The sweet and tangy recipe is ready in just 20 minutes and it's guaranteed to satisfy every bunny.
Get Ree's Candied Carrots recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
This classic potato casserole is cheesy, rich, and so comforting. You'll be happy to know that it can also be prepared up to a day in advance. Now that's an easy holiday recipe!
Get Ree's Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Hot Cross Buns
Some things are classics for a reason! Ree's mom made these for years, and now she does for her family. They're speckled with raisins, scented with spices, and decorated with a cross of sugary icing.
Get Ree's Hot Cross Buns recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
This side dish will make everyone in the family happy. Ree's version has a full pound of grated cheese mixed in―the blend you use is up to you! She prefers cheddar, jack, and fontina.
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Sausage Gravy
Breakfast sausage, onions, and a creamy sauce make this gravy completely delectable. For brunch, it's best served over flaky biscuits.
Get the Sausage Gravy recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
There's no wrong way to eat a biscuit! You can serve these with savory sausage gravy or a drizzle of honey. Of course, butter is always a good idea.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Another Drummond family favorite is this hearty casserole side. It's a great way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies. When they're covered in cheese, everyone wins!
Get Ree's Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe.
Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus
Come spring, asparagus is finally in season, making it ideal as an Easter side. A bit of lemon, garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan are all you need to make it shine.
Get the Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus recipe.
Ham Tettrazini
Don't forget to plan for the inevitable holiday leftovers! This creamy spaghetti casserole is a great way to use up that extra ham. It's also darn delicious to boot.
Get the Ham Tettrazini recipe.
Pizza Rustica
If you're a fan of quiche, you'll love this traditional Italian dish. It has a double crust and a filling that's loaded with smoked ham, soppressata, prosciutto, and cheese.
Get the Pizza Rustica recipe.
Easter Bread
This sweet yeasted bread will sit beautifully at the center of your table. It's adorned with colorful eggs, a sugary glaze, and rainbow sprinkles for good measure.
Get the Easter Bread recipe.
Ham and Cheese Quiche
This classic quiche uses a supermarket hack: store-bought pie crust. There's no rolling out dough or par-baking required!
Get the Ham and Cheese Quiche recipe.
Spinach Casserole
It's hard to pick our favorite part of this casserole—the cheesy, creamy filling reminiscent of creamed spinach or the crispy fried onion topping. Both are delicious!
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
Pea Salad
This recipe is a favorite from Ree's childhood! It's a hearty salad, made with peas, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Get Ree's Pea Salad recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Make an ultra cheesy side with this delicious potatoes and ham recipe. It's also a great option to make later in the week with your leftover ham.
Get Ree's Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe.
Quiche Lorraine
This Easter brunch recipe is full of shortcuts like refrigerated pie dough! Plus, you can make it up to three days in advance and serve at room temperature.
Get the Quiche Lorraine recipe.
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is an Easter dessert no-brainer. Try this classic recipe from Ree's mom's dear friend. Yes, it has homemade cream cheese frosting, too!
Get Ree's Carrot Cake recipe.
Broccoli Salad
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Strawberry Pavlova
Pull-Apart Garlic-Herb Biscuits
