Easy Easter Dinner Ideas
Mar 28, 2026
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Easter dinner doesn't need to take over your whole day to be delicious or memorable. From stress-free ham and classic sides to seasonal salads and show-stopping desserts, I have gathered my go-to Easter dinner ideas that will help you build a menu that looks like you spent all day cooking, even when you didn't.
My Favorite Easy Easter Dinner Ideas
Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your crew, these are the recipes I come back to year after year. They keep the prep minimal, but the flavors impressive.
1. Instant Pot Ham
This is my go-to when I want a stunning Easter centerpiece without tying up the oven for hours or I am entertaining a smaller crowd. The Instant Pot locks in moisture so every slice is incredibly juicy, and that honey glaze is pure magic.
2. Baked Ham - No Basting Required!
If you have a larger ham or simply love a classic baked ham but have zero interest in babysitting it, this is your recipe. After drizzling it with a sweet-and-savory pineapple glaze, I wrap it in foil and let it go low and slow. No basting needed, and it still turns out tender and moist.
3. New York Strip Roast
Feeling like something a little unexpected for Easter this year? This strip roast is decadent and genuinely impressive, yet far simpler to pull off than it looks. That optional brandy au jus takes it fully over the top.
4. Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
These are the rich, creamy, old-fashioned scalloped potatoes I grew up eating. The sauce is velvety, the potatoes bake perfectly tender, and they pair beautifully with ham or beef. You can also bake them ahead and reheat them to make Easter dinner that much easier.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes have been a long-time fan-favorite. I often make them with leftover ham after Easter, but because they reheat beautifully, they make a great side dish. And the added ham is optional. 😉
6. Mashed Potato Casserole
You can prep this casserole ahead, leaving you with one less thing to do on Easter Sunday. Simply pop it in the oven before dinner, and these potatoes come out hot, creamy, and perfectly decadent.
7. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
If your crew loves classic mashed potatoes, this recipe is for you! The potatoes cook right in the slow cooker and can be kept warm for hours. Perfect for Easter dinner after church.
8. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
In the South, Easter isn't complete without a big tray of creamy, cheesy Macaroni and cheese. And this recipe delivers a classic with everyday ingredients, and it stays silky smooth from oven to table.
9. Roasted Asparagus
We can't have Easter dinner at our house without an asparagus dish (or two) on the table. Roasted, then finished with lemon and parmesan, this easy recipe takes minutes to prepare and even wins over picky eaters. Or try my recipe for Air Fryer Asparagus to free up space in your oven!
10. Green Beans Almondine
Green Beans Almondine is one of those side dishes that looks fancy but comes together in almost no time. The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch that makes plain green beans feel genuinely special.
11. Maple Glazed Carrots
Sweet and glossy, these glazed carrots are a natural fit for Easter dinner and, most importantly, completely kid-approved. Even better? They come together in under 20 minutes.
12. Asparagus Salad
This salad is everything I want on an Easter table. It's fresh, bright, and full of spring flavor. Crisp-tender asparagus and sweet peas make a beautiful combination, and the lemony dressing ties it all together perfectly. It's a stunning counterbalance to the richer dishes on the menu.
13. Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad earns compliments every single time I put it on the table, and it couldn't be simpler to throw together. Sweet strawberries, salty feta, and a creamy poppy seed dressing, this recipe brings the best details together for a salad that's fresh, balanced, and worthy of Easter dinner.
14. Carrot Raisin Salad
This salad is always a hit with the kids! Made with shredded carrots, plump raisins, and sweet pineapple, it comes together quickly, can be made ahead, and is the easiest way to get picky eaters to eat their veggies.
15. Warm Spinach Salad
If savory salads are more your thing, don't skip this Spinach Bacon Salad. Crispy bacon and tender spinach hit that perfect sweet spot between light and satisfying. And let's be honest, adding bacon to a salad is an easy way to win just about anyone over.
16. Lemon Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of indulgent, these lemon cheesecake bars are my ideal Easter dessert. They feel like a proper spring treat without any of the fuss of a full cheesecake. They slice beautifully, making it easy to serve a crowd (and save leftovers for yourself).
17. Instant Pot Carrot Cake Cheesecake
Nothing screams Easter like carrots, and when you can turn them into a stunning dessert, even better! With layers of creamy cheesecake and spiced carrot cake, this dessert has it all! And because it is best prepped ahead, you can focus on everything else without the stress.
18. Strawberry Crumb Bars
Fresh, fruity, and just sweet enough, these strawberry crumb bars come together without the fuss of a traditional pie and taste even better when made a day in advance. They're the kind of spring dessert that lets me put something really special on the Easter table without much effort.
19. Banana Pudding
You may not think of bananas for Easter dessert, but this layered banana pudding is one of those recipes you can count on to please a crowd. It is best chilled overnight before serving, leaving you more time to enjoy Easter with your family.
20. Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafers
After a big basket of jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, these mini cheesecakes are one of my favorite treats for my Easter dinner menu. Easy to make, perfectly portioned, and incredibly satisfying.
I truly hope these recipes help you plan an Easter dinner to remember, without spending the whole day in the kitchen!
And if you're still mapping out the rest of your menu, don't forget to peek at my Easter brunch recipes for a relaxed start to the day, brush up on foolproof Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs (because someone will always ask how you made them so easy to peel), and of course, save room in your Easter basket for peanut butter eggs.
Wishing you an Easter filled with good food, a little laughter, and someone else on dish duty! 😉
xo, Kristen
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