The Ultimate Easter Menu Guide: From Brunch to Dinner

 

He is Risen!

Whether you’re hosting a laid-back brunch or a full sit-down dinner, Easter is the perfect excuse to build a menu that feels fresh, seasonal, and just a little bit special. The best part? You don’t have to stick to one style.

Here are five mix-and-match Easter menus—each with four standout dishes plus a cocktail and/or mocktail—so you can create a table that fits your vibe perfectly. The best way to celebrate is by sharing or treating yourself to a delicious spread.

 
 
 
 
1. Light & Fresh Spring Brunch

Menu

  • Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Whipped Honey Butter

    • Mix 1 cup ricotta, 2 eggs, ¾ cup milk, zest of 1 lemon. Stir in 1 cup flour + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp baking powder.
      Cook on buttered griddle.

  • Spinach & Gruyère Quiche

    • Whisk 4 eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper. Stir in 1 cup sautéed spinach + 1 cup shredded Gruyère.
      Pour into pie crust, bake 375°F ~35–40 min.

  • Mixed Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

    • Toss greens with 3 tbsp Whiskwell Pecan Oil, 1½ tbsp lemon juice, 1–2 tsp honey, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper.

  • Angel Food Cake Layered Strawberry Shortcake

    • Layer angel food cake with 2 cups sliced strawberries (mixed with 2 tbsp sugar) + 1½ cups whipped cream
      (1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp sugar, whipped).

Cocktail: Sparkling Mimosa - 3 oz champagne + 1 oz orange juice + mint garnish.

Mocktail: Sparkling Mockmosa - 1 oz sparkling cider + 1 oz orange juice + mint garnish.

Bright, airy, and perfect for a slow Easter morning.

2. Cozy & Classic Easter Brunch

Menu

  • Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

    • Combine 4 cups cubed bread, 1½ cups diced ham, 1½ cups cheddar. Whisk 5 eggs, 2 cups milk, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper.
      Pour over, bake 350°F ~40–45 min.

  • Buttery Biscuits with Honey Jam

    • Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt. Cut in ½ cup cold butter, add ¾ cup milk. Bake 425°F ~12–15 min.
      Honey Butter: ¼ cup softened butter + 1 tbsp honey + pinch salt.

  • Crispy Breakfast Potatoes with Herbs

    • Toss 1½ lbs diced potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper.
      Roast 425°F ~30–35 min.

  • Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Mix 2 cups grated carrots, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup oil, 3 eggs, 1½ cups flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt.
      Bake 350°F ~30–35 min.
      Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese + ¼ cup butter + 2 cups powdered sugar + 1 tsp vanilla.

Cocktail: Ginger Peach Fizz - Mix 1 cup peach juice + ½ cup ginger liqueur + 2 cups sparkling wine over ice, garnish with peach slices.

Mocktail: Citrus Basil Cooler - Muddle 4–6 basil leaves + 2 tbsp honey, stir in 1 cup orange juice + ½ cup lemon juice + 1½ cups soda water over ice,
garnish with basil.

Comfort food that still feels celebratory.

3. Garden-Inspired Spring Dinner

Menu

  • Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb

    • Rub 2–3 lb lamb with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper.
      Roast 400°F until desired doneness.

  • Truffle Brussels Sprouts (inspired by Hopdoddy Burger Bar)

    • Toss 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper. Roast 400°F ~25 min, finish with
      1–2 tsp truffle oil + ¼ cup parmesan.

  • Roasted Baby Carrots with Hot Honey Glaze

    • Toss 1 lb carrots with 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt. Roast 400°F ~25 min, drizzle with 2 tbsp honey + pinch chili flakes.

  • Lemon Tart with Fresh Berries

    • Mix ¾ cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, ½ cup melted butter. Pour into crust, bake 350°F ~25–30 min.

Cocktail: Lavender French 75 - 1 oz gin + ½ oz lemon juice + ½ oz lavender syrup + top with champagne.

Mocktail: Lemon Lavender Spritz - 2 oz lemon juice + ½ oz lavender syrup + 4 oz soda water.

Elegant, seasonal, and full of fresh flavor.

4. Sweet & Savory Crowd-Pleaser

Menu

  • Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

    • Brush 1 ham with ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp mustard, ¼ cup brown sugar. Bake covered, then uncover to caramelize.

  • Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

    • Layer 2 lbs sliced Yukon gold potatoes with 2 cups cream, 1½ cups shredded cheese, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper.
      Bake 375°F ~60–70 min.

  • Brown Butter Green Beans with Almonds

    • Sauté 1 lb green beans in 3 tbsp butter until browned, add ¼ cup sliced almonds + ½ tsp salt.

  • Angel Food Cake Strawberry Shortcake

    • Layer Angel Food Cake with 2 cups strawberries (2 tbsp sugar) + whipped cream (1 cup whipping cream + 1/4 cup sugar).

Cocktail: Pineapple Honey Punch - 3 oz pineapple juice + 1½ oz vodka + ½ oz honey + squeeze lime.

Mocktail: Pineapple Citrus Cooler - 3 oz pineapple juice + 2 oz orange juice + 2 oz soda water.

Perfect if you want something traditional with a little flair.

5. Casual & Fun Easter Spread

Menu

  • Mini Chicken & Waffles with Hot Honey

    • Waffles: Mix 1½ cups flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt. Whisk 1¼ cups milk, 1 egg, 3 tbsp melted butter, combine.
      Cook in preheated waffle iron until golden (3–5 min).
      Chicken: Coat 1 lb tenders in 1 cup flour + 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp pepper, fry 350°F oil ~5–6 min until golden.
      Serve with 2 tbsp hot honey (honey + chili flakes).

  • Deviled Eggs with Crispy Prosciutto

    • Place 6 eggs in pot, cover with water, bring to boil, turn off heat, cover 10–12 min. Transfer to ice bath 5 min, peel, slice in half lengthwise.
      Mix yolks with ¼ cup mayo, 1 tsp mustard, ¼ tsp salt. Fill whites, sprinkle paprika.

  • Truffle Parmesan Fries

    • Toss 1 lb frozen or fresh-cut fries with 1 tbsp pecan oil + ½ tsp salt. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 min (flip halfway) until crispy.
      Toss hot fries with 1–2 tsp truffle oil + ¼ cup grated parmesan + 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional).

  • Chocolate Nest Cupcakes

    • Prepare 12 chocolate cupcakes using 1 box mix (or homemade) + required eggs/oil/water, bake as directed, cool completely.
      Frost with 1½ cups chocolate frosting. Top with 1 cup toasted coconut (350°F for 5–7 min, stir once) and press 3–4 candy eggs
      into center of each.

Cocktail: Spiked Sweet Tea Lemonade - Mix 2 cups chilled black tea + 2 cups lemonade + 1–1½ cups vodka or bourbon + optional
simple syrup, serve over ice with lemon & mint.

Mocktail: Peach Iced Tea - Mix 3 cups chilled black tea + 1–1½ cups peach nectar + 1 tbsp lemon juice + optional honey,
erve over ice with peach slices.

Relaxed, a little playful, and great for a crowd.

No matter which direction you go, the magic of Easter is in the mix—fresh spring flavors, a few nostalgic classics, and a table full of people you love. Build your menu your way, and don’t be afraid to borrow a dish (or two) from each section.

Happy Easter!

xo, Melissa

 
Melissa ChildressComment