Easter is right around the corner, which means it's time to start thinking about what kinds of food you'll make for this year's family gathering. If you're looking for some unique but quick-to-make dishes, you've come to the right place. Here are 10 brilliantly simple recipes that are delicious and easy.
1. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin by Finding Zest
Pork tenderloin is an excellent option for Easter, and one wrapped in bacon is even better. This recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time. Plus, most of the ingredients you likely already have in your refrigerator or cupboard, like brown sugar and apple juice. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy cooking the simplest holiday dinner you've ever made.
2. Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms by Country Living
This recipe requires a few more ingredients than the last, but the dish's flavor is well worth the longer shopping list. These smothered pork chops are also low-carb and are topped with a deliciously creamy crème fraîche sauce. While the formula does recommend broccoli and mushrooms as a side dish, you can always switch them out for other vegetables or even a loaded baked potato if you have picky eaters in your family.
3. Seafood Bake with Crispy Hashbrown Crust by Woman's Day
Creamy and crispy at the same time, this bake is the perfect Easter meal for seafood lovers. Choose between shrimp, salmon, or even lobster for the filling and mix it with sour cream, lemon zest, and a few other ingredients. Top the dish with hashbrowns before popping it in the oven for 20 minutes for a beautiful golden-brown crust. For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for one to two minutes.
4. Cardamom Maple Salmon from Allrecipes
Alternatively, skip the casserole and make the seafood the main dish. You'll only need a few ingredients for this recipe, including maple syrup, paprika, and coriander. The prep and cooking instructions are incredibly straightforward. All you have to do is mix the components, dredge the salmon and pan-fry the fish until tender. Before you know it, you'll have sweet, glazed salmon on the table just in time for Easter dinner.
5. Pineapple Bourbon-Glazed Ham by GrillaGrills
While ham may be a classic Easter meat, this pineapple bourbon-glazed ham is anything but ordinary. Bourbon, dark molasses, and pineapple preserves make this meal unique and mouth-wateringly sweet. And if you pre-bake your ham, making and applying this glaze will only take a half-hour or so.
Serve the meat with potatoes, a salad, and cruciferous vegetables for a full meal everyone will love. Don't be surprised if the kids ask to make it a family tradition.
6. Lemony Herb-Roasted Chicken by Good Housekeeping
What's the best way to feed a crowd? A whole bird! Pick out the biggest chicken you can find at the supermarket and be sure to grab some thyme, lemons, and garlic too while you're there. Mix all the required elements and brush the buttery glaze over the chicken. Pop the bird in the oven and leave it to roast for about 50 minutes, letting it rest before carving.
The result will be a rich, juicy chicken the whole family will enjoy. Serve with your favorite traditional side dishes.
7. Herby Spring Chicken Pot Pie by BBC Good Food
If you don't want to cook up a whole bird, this pot pie is a delicious alternative. All you'll need is a few chicken thighs, parsley, a filo pastry pack, frozen peas, and a few other simple ingredients. This dish only takes 10 minutes to prep and 30 to bake and serves four people. If you have little ones, you may have some leftovers to spare! Serve this herby spring chicken pot pie as a side dish or the main course.
8. Fettuccine Carbonara by Brit + Co
Pasta lovers, unite! This creamy egg carbonara is good year-round but also makes for a unique main course for Easter. The recipe will serve three people, so be sure to adjust the measurements if you're feeding a larger crowd. Otherwise, the instructions and ingredients are quite easy to follow. You can even choose to top the dish with drizzling poached eggs for an even creamier texture.
9. Vegetable and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells by Woman's Day
Another Italian staple, stuffed shells are the ultimate holiday comfort food. Filled with broccoli, ricotta, spinach, and lots of cheese, this recipe is perfect for Easter. Simply cook the pasta, make the filling, stuff the shells and toss it all in the oven for a creamy, cheesy meal. Serve with a salad or some garlic bread for an Easter dish that'll make you feel like you're in Italy.
10. Carrot Cake by Diva's Can Cook
Easter dinner wouldn't be complete without dessert, and what's more fitting than carrot cake? Grandma Barb's recipe promises to please with homemade buttercream frosting and lots of yummy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Add two and a half cups of grated carrots to help this cake live up to its name. Feel free to add in raisins, pineapple nuts, and whatever other toppings or mix-ins you'd like.
Celebrate Easter With a Great Meal!
With these recipes, you're sure to have a delicious meal ready for the upcoming holiday. Turn up the stove and get ready to dig in!
