17 crowd-favorite Easter recipes that somehow taste better than Grandma’s (Don’t tell her)

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Planning Easter meals doesn’t always mean sticking to the same menu every year. These recipes have been getting praise from people who swapped them in for old standards and didn’t regret it. They’re easy enough to follow and don’t need much prep but still feel special enough for a holiday table. Good for cooks who like to keep things moving but still bring something worth remembering.

A Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is placed on a wooden board, garnished with sprigs of rosemary.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Plate of Deviled Egg Pasta Salad on a wooden table, accompanied by three forks and a blue plaid napkin.
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you thought pasta salad was good before, wait until you try Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. This dish transforms a familiar favorite to new heights, making it a hit at any Easter gathering. It’s not just about mixing two classics; it’s about creating a new experience that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy. This recipe is just the right mixture of tradition and a twist, making your Easter spread memorable.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

A rectangular pan of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese, partially sliced, showing layers.
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Give your holiday meal a comforting touch with Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese. It’s a dish that combines hearty ingredients into one irresistibly creamy creation, showing that sometimes, more is indeed merrier. Whether it’s accompanying your main entree or shining on its own, its presence on the table is a warm welcome.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Close-up of a cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a baking dish, with a serving removed, showing melted cheese, rice, broccoli, and garnished parsley.
Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you bring Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box to the table, you’re not just serving a meal; you’re bringing memories and warmth to your family gathering. This recipe transcends generations, offering that homemade comfort food vibe that is so cherished during the holidays. It’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser that goes beyond the usual, infusing your Easter with the essence of family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something undeniably fulfilling about serving Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon at your Easter feast. This dish is a nod to simplicity with a burst of flavor that complements any main course with ease. It’s the kind of recipe that invites everyone to dig in, forging connections over shared bites. Watch as it becomes one of the most talked-about additions to your meal, proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Two Salmon Cakes on a white plate with mixed leafy greens and a lemon wedge.
Grandma’s Salmon Cakes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bringing Grandma’s Salmon Cakes to your Easter celebration is like bringing a piece of family history to the table. This recipe, rich in tradition and flavor, has a way of making everyone feel at home. It’s not just food; it’s a storytelling medium, packed with nostalgia and the warmth of home cooking. Expect these salmon cakes to disappear fast, as they’re always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Salmon Cakes

Creamy Spinach Orzo

Creamy spinach orzo in a blue bowl with tomatoes nearby.
Creamy Spinach Orzo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy Spinach Orzo is a dish that proves side dishes can easily steal the show. Its creamy texture, matched with the comforting taste of spinach, makes it the perfect companion to any Easter entree. Ideal for those looking for something a bit different this spring, it’s both nourishing and enjoyable. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before they leave, marking it as a new must-have for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo

Turkey Roll Roast

A piece of roasted turkey on a cutting board with a knife.
Turkey Roll Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those aiming to break away from traditional Easter offerings, Turkey Roll Roast offers an exquisite alternative. This dish combines the simplicity of ingredients with a presentation that’s sure to impress. It’s an ideal choice for a festive meal that seeks to be memorable without being overly complicated. Let this turkey roll be the talk of your gathering, blending innovation with the comforts of home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Roll Roast

Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of cold crab dip with crackers and chives.
Cold Crab Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Starting your Easter feast with Cold Crab Dip sets a refreshing and high standard for the courses to follow. It’s an effortless way to bring luxury to your table without the fuss. Light yet flavorful, this appetizer encourages mingling and anticipation for the main meal. Expect it to be a popular spot at your buffet as guests enjoy the rich, creamy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Greek Spaghetti

A bowl of pasta with tomatoes, feta and kalamata olives.
Greek Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Greek Spaghetti is not your average pasta dish; it turns an everyday classic into something extraordinary. Perfect for anyone looking to add a vibrant, flavorful twist to their Easter lineup, it promises to be a novel experience. The dish balances familiarity with a dash of Mediterranean flair, ensuring it’s both comforting and exciting. It’s guaranteed to spark interest and be a lively topic of conversation among your guests.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You’re bringing a spoonful of sunshine to your Easter table with Creamed Corn. This dish is all about enhancing the natural sweetness of corn with a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. It serves as a gentle reminder of the joys of spring and the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. Expect this side to complement your main dishes beautifully, adding a light and airy vibe to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Zucchini Bread

Sliced Zucchini Bread.
Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Zucchini Bread offers the perfect finale or starter to your Easter feast, embodying the spirit of spring in every slice. This bread is marvelous in its ability to be both a comfort food and a conversation starter, given its lovely blend of ingredients. Whether it’s served as a warm welcome to your guests or enjoyed with coffee after the meal, it’s bound to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bread

Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Two pulled pork eggs benedict on a plate with sauce.
Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

An innovative twist on a brunch classic, making it a standout choice for an Easter gathering, is Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when you dare to transform a traditional dish. It brings excitement to the table, offering a savory and satisfying experience. Be prepared for it to become a new holiday favorite, with requests for its return year after year.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Eggs Benedict

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple yet incredibly heartwarming, Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes is a testament to the beauty of minimalism in cooking. This dish invites you to appreciate the freshness and flavors of its key components, embodied in a comforting pasta form. It’s an approachable yet exceptionally satisfying choice for your Easter spread, appealing to all ages. This pasta dish is sure to be relished by those looking for a creamy, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a white platter with lemon.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Offering Smoked Asparagus as part of your spring feast brings a smoky sophistication to your vegetable offerings. This side dish not only complements any main beautifully but also adds a refreshing crunch to your Easter meal. It’s a straightforward way to introduce a unique flavor to your table, promising to intrigue and please your guests. Enjoy watching it quickly become a staple request for future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Colcannon with Kale

A pot of Colcannon with Kale, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion.
Colcannon with Kale. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Colcannon with Kale is a vibrant and wholesome dish that promises to add a touch of green to your feast. This Irish-inspired dish is not only pleasing to the eye but also packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. It blends tradition with a hint of modern flair, making it a perfect addition to any Easter meal. This dish is especially popular for its comforting aspect and its ability to bring everyone around the table together.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon with Kale

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Bowl of Roasted Carrot Hummus garnished with green herbs, with a spoon drizzling oil above it.
Roasted Carrot Hummus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a truly innovative spring appetizer, try Roasted Carrot Hummus. This dish combines the earthiness of roasted carrots with the creamy texture of traditional hummus, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. It’s an excellent way to kickstart your Easter gathering, offering a colorful and healthy option for guests to enjoy. Anticipate it being a focal point of your appetizer spread, as it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Hummus

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

A Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is placed on a wooden board, garnished with sprigs of rosemary.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Easter wouldn’t be complete without a standout ham, and Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham promises not to disappoint. The fusion of sweet and savory brings a refreshingly new taste to the table, setting the stage for a feast remembered long after it’s over. It’s a simple yet impactful way to show your culinary skills without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

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