The Ultimate Easter Guide: Recipes, Tips & Essentials

This ultimate Easter guide has everything you need to make your holiday feast a success! Find delicious spring recipes, helpful cooking tips, tool recommendations, and gorgeous tablescape inspiration.

Table of Contents

    1. Need the ultimate Easter menu planner?
  1. Best Easter Menu Ideas
  2. Our Favorite Easter Brunch Recipes
  3. How to select an Easter Ham
  4. Our Favorite Easter Ham Recipes
  5. Our Favorite Lamb Recipes for Easter
  6. Girl Carnivore Pro Tip
  7. Easter Shopping List
  8. Helpful Turkey How-tos
  9. Easter Side Dish Recipes
  10. Easter Table Decor
    1. Setting the Perfect Easter Table: Layouts and Themes
    2. DIY Easter Decorations: Fun Projects for the Holiday
    3. Centerpieces and Table Settings: Ideas to Inspire
  11. Shop Our Easter Table
  12. Must-Have Kitchen Essentials for Easter
  13. Easter Planning and Hosting Tips
  14. Our Favorite Easter Cocktails:
  15. Helpful How-Tos
  16. More great Easter Dinner Ideas
  17. What to make with Easter Leftovers?
  18. Leftover Easter Recipes
  19. Appetizer ideas for BBQ

The Easter holiday calls for a delicious feast! Whether you’re hosting an elegant brunch or whipping up a special dinner, we have all the recipes and tips you need to make it an egg-stra special celebration.

Animated gif showing hans slicing into a fried egg atop a grilled ham steak.

Need the ultimate Easter menu planner?

You’ve come to the right place! Our Easter recipes section has showstopping mains like herb-crusted rack of lamb, recipes for all the fixings like cheesy scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus, plus incredible desserts like lemon meringue pie. We also provide suggested menus whether you want a classic ham dinner or fun brunch spread.

But we don’t stop there! Our tips section offers guides on properly cooking ham and lamb, setting a beautiful Easter table from centerpieces to place settings, egg dyeing ideas, and more. Plus, find shopping lists for all the essentials you need, like cooking tools, bakeware, and stylish serving pieces.

Impress your guests this Easter with our foolproof recipes, creative ideas, and helpful resources! Let us be your go-to for absolutely everything to make this holiday egg-cellent.

Best Easter Menu Ideas

We love turkey recipes any way you slice them, but these are our favorite Thanksgiving Menu Ideas:

  • Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
  • Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
  • Grilled Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Our Favorite Easter Brunch Recipes

These are the perfect recipes for a big Easter Brunch.

How to select an Easter Ham

For Easter ham, begin by selecting the right size based on your guest count, usually about 1/2 to 3/4 pounds per person for bone-in ham. Preheat your oven and prepare the ham by scoring the surface in a diamond pattern. Create a glaze using ingredients like honey, mustard, and spices, and brush it over the ham before baking. Bake according to weight and instructions, usually about 10 minutes per pound, basting with glaze periodically. Let it rest before slicing.

Our Favorite Easter Ham Recipes

For lamb, choose between leg of lamb, rack, or shoulder. Season it well with herbs like rosemary, garlic, and thyme, along with salt and pepper. For roasting, preheat your oven, sear the lamb if preferred, then roast to your desired doneness, using a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Rest the lamb before carving to retain its juices.

Both dishes can be customized with herbs, spices, and glazes to suit your taste.

Our Favorite Lamb Recipes for Easter

Girl Carnivore Pro Tip

For planning the Easter menu, aim for a balance of traditional and new dishes, and choose recipes that can be made ahead to save time. Incorporating seasonal ingredients will enhance flavor and freshness, so stock up on fresh herbs!

Also, plan a mix of hot and cold dishes allows for a dynamic table so that people can nibble as the day goes on.

Easter Shopping List

Grab our already made shopping list — It’s a list of ingredients needed for the entire Easter meal, categorized by sections (meats, vegetables, spices, etc.).

Easter Shopping ListDownload

Helpful Turkey How-tos

Turkey and brine ingredients on a black board.How to Thaw a TurkeyHow to Brine a TurkeyHow to Dry Brine a TurkeyHow to Spatchcock a Turkey Roasted turkey with legs tied together.How to Truss a TurkeyRoast turkey right from the oven with beautiful golden brown skin.Turkey Cooking TimeHow to Carve a Turkey

Easter Side Dish Recipes

These easy easter recipes make the perfect side dish along with any roast.

See More —>

Easter Table Decor

Setting the Perfect Easter Table: Layouts and Themes

Consider the ambiance you want to create. Use soft, pastel colors or vibrant spring hues as your base. Themes can range from rustic charm with natural elements like wood and flowers to elegant settings with fine china and crystal. Incorporate thematic linens and Easter-specific decorations to enhance the mood.

DIY Easter Decorations: Fun Projects for the Holiday

Engage in crafting personalized decor such as hand-painted Easter eggs, DIY napkin rings with floral accents, or homemade Easter baskets as centerpieces. These projects can involve the whole family and add a unique touch to your celebration.

Centerpieces and Table Settings: Ideas to Inspire

Create a focal point with a stunning centerpiece – think floral arrangements, a tiered display of decorated Easter eggs, or a bouquet with spring flowers like tulips and daffodils. For table settings, consider layering plates with Easter motifs, using bunny-shaped napkin folds, or setting a personalized Easter egg at each place for a warm welcome.

Shop Our Easter Table

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Must-Have Kitchen Essentials for Easter

These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure a delightful Easter dinner. For your Easter cooking, consider these essential tools and utensils:

  • Large Roasting Pan: Ideal for cooking ham, lamb, or other large cuts of meat.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures your meat is cooked safely and to perfection.
  • Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for prep work and mixing ingredients.
  • Baking Sheets and Dishes: For side dishes and desserts.
  • Sharp Knives: A set for chopping vegetables and carving meats.
  • Whisk and Spatula Set: For mixing and flipping.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in recipes.
  • Blender or Food Processor: For sauces, dips, and purees.
  • Serving Utensils: To elegantly serve your dishes.

Easter Planning and Hosting Tips

  • Start Early: Begin by setting your date and sending out invitations. Early planning allows you to adjust for any unexpected changes and ensures your guests can attend.
  • Menu Planning: Balance your menu with a mix of make-ahead dishes and those that can be finished last-minute. Consider a main dish that can serve as the centerpiece, like a ham or lamb, and complement it with sides that cater to various dietary needs.
  • Delegate: Make a list of tasks you can delegate, such as setting up a drinks station or managing the music playlist. Assign tasks based on your guests’ strengths or interests.
  • Prep Ahead: Identify dishes that can be prepared in advance. Many desserts and side dishes can be made a day or two before. Also, chop vegetables and prepare ingredients for recipes to save time on the day.
  • Table Setting: The night before, decide on your table decor theme and layout. This includes placing tablecloths, setting plates, cutlery, and glasses, and arranging any decorative items or centerpieces.
  • Activities for All Ages: Plan activities that cater to different age groups. For children, consider an Easter egg hunt or crafting session. For adults, a DIY cocktail station or a photo booth can add fun.
  • Relax and Enjoy: Finally, remember that the essence of Easter is to enjoy time with loved ones. Don’t stress over small details, and allow yourself to be present and enjoy the festivities.

Our Favorite Easter Cocktails:

Each of these cocktails is perfect for spring and Easter Brunch with light refreshing flavors.

Helpful How-Tos

A tin of food on a grill with smoking wood.Smoking Wood Flavor Pairing GuideTwo grilled steaks are cooking on an outdoor grill.Where to Buy Meat OnlineHow to Season Cast IronStanding rib roast on rotisserie with pecan wood foil packet on gas grillHow to Smoke on a Gas GrillHow to Use a Charcoal GrillA bbq grill on a grassy area.How to use wood chipsA grilled t-bone steak is being cooked on a grill.How to Clean a Grill

More great Easter Dinner Ideas

What to make with Easter Leftovers?

When it comes to leftovers, nothing goes to waste in the Girl Carnivore Meat Labs. Here are our favorite leftover recipe ideas to help you use up any leftover ham

Leftover Easter Recipes

Here are our favorite ways to get more meals out of using leftover ham.

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