If this year marks your first time hosting an Easter dinner for your family, there’s no need to be overwhelmed – we’ve got you covered! For those who enjoy cooking and feel at ease in the kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your culinary power and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of traditional Easter dinner ideas guaranteed to impress your family and delight their taste buds. These tried-and-true recipes will have everyone hopping with joy at the dining table.

Keep reading to discover seven traditional Easter dinner ideas your family will love.

1. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Citrus Glaze

Ham is a traditional main course found on Easter tables. It is versatile enough to be eaten hot or cold (allowing you to change up the sides) and with different glazes to change the flavor. In this instance, a brown-sugar citrus glaze. 

The ham can sit and relish in a glaze made of dark brown sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange marmalade. Bake until perfection, brushing it with pan drippings along the way. 

The result? The citrus adds a little zest to a traditional sweetly glazed ham. Top it off with orange slices and other types of citrus to make it a colorful star of the show.

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2. Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham

Another ham idea sees the sweet and adds the spicy. This sweet hot plum glazed ham is for anyone who loves food with incredible flavor.

Start by creating a unique plum preserve of flavor, including ingredients such as plum preserves, orange juice, lime juice, yellow mustard, honey, fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper. Together, you have sweet, tangy, and hot all wrapped in one. 

Keep the ham moist in this mixture to create a delicious glaze as you bake. 

Serve with a ham garnished with tropical fruits – and a side of leftover preserves to drizzle on each slice. 

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3. Classic Beef Pot Roast

Traditionally, beef pot roast is made with peeled potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and carrots. Or served over mashed potatoes – and alongside fresh biscuits. It cooks slowly and long, leaving you with a tender piece of meat that just melts in your mouth. 

The key to a good roast for Easter dinner is to choose a boneless chuck roast. Not only is it just as good as more expensive cuts, but it tastes great, too. Just be sure to brown it on all sides before baking it. 

With flavors of garlic and rosemary, you end up with a juicy pot roast that will have everyone coming back for more. 

This is what comfort food is all about. 

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4. Mississippi Pot Roast

A new take on a classic is the Mississippi pot roast. It is hearty and flavorful, giving you meats and veggies all rolled into one delicious dish. Much like the above, you would sautee the roast as well as the onions, but in this one, you are going to throw in some garlic, too.

This roast doesn’t have the veggies like a classic roast, instead, it has flavoring from pepperoncini salad peppers, beef broth, ranch dressing mix, fresh dill, and chives. Together they make a fabulous combination. 

Mississippi pot roast is perfect served alongside mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, white rice, egg noodles, grits, polenta, or on a hoagie roll. 

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5. Ginger Ale Can Chicken

Looking for ways to make a whole chicken the main attraction on your Easter table? If so, this ginger ale can chicken can give you what you are looking for. 

This recipe gets its name because you cook a whole chicken over a can of ginger ale. Why? Rumor has it, it keeps the chicken super moist while it is baking. 

Following this recipe, the chicken will be seasoned with liquid steak seasoning, fresh rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. 

Or, why not experiment with your own flavors while keeping with the idea of baking the chicken over a can of ginger ale? The combinations are endless so have fun with it. 

Not sure one chicken will do? Who said you have to stop at one? For a crowd, bake two or more chickens. You could even make chickens of different flavors! 

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6. Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa

Another idea for chicken is to drink the ginger ale and, instead, pan fry your chicken. This is a quick and easy Easter dinner recipe – but it sure does not taste like it. 

Sweet and tangy with a little spice, this is a flavorful, delicious main course.

First, you will create a salsa with chopped ripe plums, jalapenos, fresh basil, red onion, and lime juice. Then, you will rub down chicken cutlets with a mixture of brown sugar, cumin, and salt. Then add it to some hot oil in the pan (or on your outdoor grill) and heat it up. 

Serve the chicken with the plum salsa on top. You may want to make extra of this one – your guests are sure to come back for more. 

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7. Spring Vegetable Frittata

Whether you are looking for a light brunch idea or a vegetarian-friendly option on your Easter dinner spread, this spring vegetable frittata is a great choice. And it is a wonderful way to get extra veggies into your system, too. 

This recipe calls for asparagus, cremini mushrooms, and yellow onion. Or, you can always use any vegetables of your choice – or even what you have on hand. Mix it up with eggs and some crumbled feta cheese and you have a delish frittata. 

Another frittata idea is to use red bell pepper, parmesan cheese, potatoes, and ricotta cheese. 

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Conclusion

These traditional Easter dinner ideas are sure to help you create both an exciting and memorable experience for your family this year.

Don’t forget to round off your meal with a sweet finish, like a classic carrot cake or a colorful Easter egg nest cake. As an enthusiastic cook, you’ll not only have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills, but also create lasting memories around the dinner table. Embrace the spirit of Easter by exploring these traditional recipes and adding your personal touch, making your first Easter dinner an unforgettable event for your family and friends.

Looking for more ideas?

Take a look at our recipes for inspiration!