11 Easter Dinner Recipes That Aren’t Ham
Easter is a time for family, celebration and, of course, delicious food. While ham might be the go-to centerpiece for Easter dinner, we thought it was time to shake things up.
We’ve gathered 11 of our favorite recipes that’ll impress your family and friends with something new and exciting. You can choose anything from a beautifully grilled market fish to besciamella-laden lasagna and rosemary-crusted lamb—so why play it safe?
Hungry for more? Explore our cooking classes for ideas, tips and tricks from our resident chefs!
CIOPPINO
A unique, delicious swap for Easter dinner, Cioppino is a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and can feed a crowd. Made in a large Dutch oven, this hearty stew is made with a medley of clams, mussels and shrimp in a rich tomato-wine broth, capturing a more Mediterranean essence for the evening.
GRILLED GARLIC RUBBED LAMB CHOPS
Both impressive and effortless, these garlic rubbed lamb chops can be served as a luxurious appetizer or a delicious main course. When you’re preparing for a crowd, we recommend quickly searing the chops on the grill to mark them. Then, once your guests arrive, finish roasting them in a preheated 400°F oven so they get to the table faster.
CACIO E PEPE WITH SPRING VEGGIES AND CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
This is a fantastic option for Easter dinner, especially if you’re looking for something simple to assemble but impressive on the plate. Three types of cheese (Pecorino Toscano, Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano), fresh cracked pepper and unsalted butter create a delicious, savory sauce that coats every bite. Finish it off with crispy prosciutto and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Get the Cacio e Pepe with Spring Veggies and Crispy Prosciutto recipe!
GRILLED FISH WITH MINT GREMOLATA
Who doesn’t love a light, bright dish that celebrates the flavors of spring?
Quick and easy for busy family gatherings, grilling fish might be the way to go. The herbaceous mint gremolata we’ve paired it with provides a burst of flavor to the dish and works perfectly with a variety of grilled fish—swordfish, salmon or halibut—take your pick.
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN LASAGNA WITH BESCIAMELLA SAUCE
You may know lasagna, but our chefs take this classic Italian dish to the next level for special occasions. Between layers of homemade pasta is a beautiful Bolognese and rich, creamy besciamella sauce, giving every bite a velvety decadence your guests will want again next year.
INSTANT POT SHORT RIBS WITH MASHED POTATOES AND ROOT VEGETABLES
A perfect option for a stress-free family dinner, this recipe takes full advantage of the convenience of a multicooker. You’ll get tender, juicy short ribs in a fraction of the time, alongside root vegetables and the perfect mashed potatoes.
ROSEMARY RACK OF LAMB
While lamb can lean more classic, this earthy rosemary crust makes it a new, aromatic showstopper for the table. Easy to prepare and pop in the oven, this may be the touch of sophistication and elegance you’re after.
MIXED SEAFOOD PAELLA
Paella, while untraditional, makes a beautiful, eye-catching addition to your Easter table. The combination of shrimp, mussels and clams give the dish texture and depth, while the saffron, chicken stock, and white wine meld in a broth that infuses every bite of crispy rice.
PORK MEDALLIONS WITH PEARS AND THYME
We gravitated towards this recipe for its simple ingredients and preparation, giving you more time to enjoy quality time with family and friends. It’s as easy as pan-searing pork medallions until golden brown and throwing in some pears and thyme for a sweet, herbaceous flavor the palate craves.
COQ AU VIN BLANC
The best part about this dish is that it once it’s in the oven, it’s relatively hands off while the bird braises, making it a great choice for a busy holiday. Simply sear pieces of chicken, then simmer in a rich sauce made with white wine, chicken broth and aromatic herbs for a deep, rich flavor profile that’s melt-in-your-mouth over grandma’s mashed potatoes.
BEEF TENDERLOIN ROAST
While beef tenderloin is a more traditional Christmas staple, it’s a great swap for Easter dinner and is relatively hands off while it cooks. Roasted to a perfect medium-rare, the leftovers are almost just as juicy and tender the days following.
Get the Beef Tenderloin Roast Recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our cooking classes for ideas, tips and tricks from our resident chefs!
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