What to Make for Easter Dinner

Quick Scoop: A classic Easter dinner usually centers on ham or lamb, with spring sides like roasted asparagus, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, and a fresh salad. If you want something easier, a one-pan ham dinner or a roast chicken menu works well too.

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Main dish ideas

  • Honey glazed ham — the most traditional, crowd-friendly choice.
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  • Roasted leg of lamb — a classic Easter centerpiece, especially if you want something a little more special.
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  • Citrus herb roast chicken — a lighter option that still feels festive.
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  • Pork tenderloin — a good choice if you want something simple but still holiday-worthy.
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Best side dishes

  • Scalloped or au gratin potatoes.
  • Roasted asparagus.
  • Glazed carrots.
  • Spring pea salad.
  • Mac and cheese if you want a more comforting family-style menu.
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Easy menu formulas

  1. Classic: ham, scalloped potatoes, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, carrot cake.
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  2. Elegant: roast lamb, roasted asparagus, potatoes, green salad, lemon dessert.
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  3. Simple: roast chicken, asparagus, potatoes, fruit salad, sheet-pan dessert.
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If you want the safest crowd-pleaser

Go with ham. It shows up again and again in Easter menu ideas because it is easy to serve, feeds a group well, and pairs nicely with spring sides.

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Bottom line: If you want the most traditional Easter dinner, make ham; if you want the most classic “special occasion” dinner, make lamb; if you want the easiest low-stress option, make roast chicken.

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TL;DR: Ham, lamb, or roast chicken are the best Easter dinner mains, with potatoes, asparagus, carrots, and a spring salad on the side.

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