Celebrate Easter with a delicious and elegant dinner menu designed to bring joy to your table without spending all day in the kitchen. Easter’s spirit of renewal is perfectly captured by this meal that features many of the fresh flavors of spring – green peas, leeks, carrots, fresh berries, and more. As we move from the cold and dark days of winter into the freshness of spring, it’s the perfect time to highlight bright, seasonal flavors in our meals!
Table of Contents
To simplify your Easter preparations, I’ve organized this post starting with an overview of the 7 dishes included in the menu, followed by the make-ahead schedule, a menu summary, and Easter table decor ideas. This structured approach allows you to plan your Easter dinner with confidence and ease.
A Refreshing Start to Your Easter Feast
Begin your Easter celebration with a light appetizer and a refreshing soup, setting the stage for the delicious meal to come.
Appetizer: Cheese Straws
A classic, crispy appetizer that’s perfect for guests to nibble on as they arrive. These savory treats add a touch of elegance to your gathering.
Starter: Fresh Green Pea Soup
Awaken the palate with a bright Fresh Green Pea Soup. Made with fresh or frozen peas, this vibrant soup is a delightful starter that captures the essence of spring.
A Traditional Yet Easy Easter Main Dish – Roast Lamb
My family’s Easter tradition revolves around a succulent leg of lamb, a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare. Inspired by my mother’s classic recipe, this Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb is rolled, tied, marinated, seared, and slow-roasted to perfection. This method not only enhances the presentation but also ensures tender, richly flavored meat that’s easy to carve. The marinade brings out incredible depth, making it a true centerpiece.
Easy and Elegant Easter Side Dishes
To complement the lamb, I recommend these three sides:
Creamy Leek Gratin
A perfect complement to the lamb, this creamy, flavorful side is a crowd-pleaser. It includes hard-boiled eggs—so when you’re preparing eggs for dyeing, set aside a few extra for this dish. And, if you have vegetarians at the table, this gratin is hearty enough to serve as their main course.
Oven Roasted Carrots
Bring vibrant color and natural sweetness to your table with these easy Oven-Roasted Carrots. Roasting enhances their flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the richness of the lamb and gratin.
Easy Drop Biscuits
No Easter menu is complete without biscuits or rolls. And, these Drop Biscuits are easy to make and require no rolling or cutting – perfect for a stress-free holiday meal.
A Show-Stopping Dessert – Pavlova
For dessert, make-ahead Pavlova with Fresh Berries is the ultimate springtime treat and was a favorite of my mom. The crisp meringue shell, marshmallow-like interior, and lightly sweetened whipped cream make the perfect base for fresh, seasonal berries. It’s a beautiful and delicious way to end your Easter feast.
Make-Ahead Easter Menu
The best part? Most of this menu can be prepared ahead of time, so you can enjoy a relaxed and joyful holiday with your guests. Here’s the make ahead schedule:
3 to 4 Days Before
- Make the cheese straw dough; refrigerate (can also be made and frozen up to 1 month ahead).
- Prepare the Leg of Lamb marinade; refrigerate.
- Hard boil eggs for Leek Gratin.
2 Days Before
- Bake Cheese Straws. Place in an airtight container.?
- Make Pavlova meringue (can also be made and frozen up to 1 month ahead).
1 Day Before
- Make the Green Pea Soup.
- Marinate the Leg of Lamb.
- Prepare but don’t bake the Leek Gratin.
Easter Day
- Roast the lamb.
- Roast the carrots.
- Bake the Leek Gratin (put in oven when the lamb comes out to rest).
- Make the drop biscuits.
- Assemble the Pavlova with whipped cream and berries just before serving.
Complete Easter Dinner Menu
Creating a Beautiful Easter Table
A thoughtfully set table makes Easter dinner feel even more special. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a larger celebration, here are some easy yet elegant decor ideas:
- Spring Florals: Fresh flowers like tulips, daffodils, or hydrangeas add a bright and cheerful touch. Arrange them so they are a maximum of 9 inches tall to keep conversations flowing.
- Soft Pastel Colors: Incorporate pastel table linens, napkins, or plates for a seasonal look.
- Natural Elements: Use a few sprigs of fresh herbs at each place setting for a subtle, earthy touch.
- Candlelight: Simple votive candles create a warm and inviting ambiance.
- Personal Touches: Small handwritten place cards add charm without much effort.
