12 Main Dish Recipes That Are Perfect for Easter

There's something here for everyone at your table!

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht turned her home baking into a career in 2016 when she began working as the head baker at The Greenbean Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA. Afterwards, she started Baking with Rachel (her blog), began teaching kids' cooking classes, and recipe tested for the cookbook "Let's Stay In" by Ashley Rodriguez.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated January 29, 2025
Rachel Knecht
Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Elise Bauer

Easter coincides with the beginning of spring, and after long months of snow and rain, I feel giddy with excitement. I look forward to the once-per-year ritual of laughing while our teens race around the backyard looking for chocolate-filled eggs, just like when they were little. I can't help but feel happy as I pass out Easter baskets filled with goodies and see their smiles.

Then, we'll sit down and enjoy a meal of ham, potatoes, asparagus, and dinner rolls together, finished with a thick slice of carrot cake. It feels special to slow down and mark the arrival of longer, sunnier days and the new season together.

Let’s pull out the linens and set the table for a showstopping Easter dinner. Here are 18 ideas for mains you can serve.

  • Classic Rack of Lamb

    Rack of lamb cut into chops on cutting board

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    Ham isn't your only option for Easter dinner! A simple rub of garlic and herbs allows the flavor of the juicy lamb chops to shine.

  • Spinach and Artichoke Quiche

    Spinach Artichoke Quiche
    Elise Bauer

    Here's a quiche to celebrate the green of spring, with spinach, artichokes, shallots, and goat cheese. So good!

  • Glazed Baked Ham

    Slices of ham with ham glaze.

    Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

    It wouldn’t be Easter at my house without glazed ham on the table. There are two different glazes to pick from: sweet honey mustard or honey thyme. You really can’t go wrong.

  • Caramelized Onion Quiche

    Caramelized Onion Quiche

    Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

    Although this recipe calls for making a pie crust from scratch, you can easily use an already prepared frozen pie crust. Just prebake it using the directions that follow.

    Continue to 5 of 12 below

  • Cuban-Style Roast Pork

    Cuban-style roast pork on a platter with a couple slices cut.
    Marta Rivera

    Mojo marinated pork shoulder is packed with citrus, garlic, and herb flavors. As an added bonus, you can put this roast in the slow cooker and it will be ready exactly when you want it to be.

  • Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple

    Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple - partially sliced ham covered in pineapple on platter.
    Alison Bickle

    Pineapple adds a festive, citrusy touch to baked ham but brown sugar is the real hero here. Rub the brown sugar on the ham a day before Easter for the fullest sweet and savory flavor.

  • Panko Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Dijon Cream Sauce

    panko-crusted-pork-tenderloin-horiz-b-1800
    Elise Bauer

    This tenderloin is marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and Dijon mustard and then coated in toasted Panko. You can serve the sauce on the side instead of under the tenderloin if preferred.

  • Asparagus Tart with Goat Cheese

    Asparagus Tart with Goat Cheese and Lemon cut into slices.
    Sally Vargas

    This vegetarian dish will make everyone oooh and ahhh as you carry it to the table and no one needs to know how easy it is to make! Frozen puff pastry is the secret.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below

  • Pork Tenderloin With Apples

    Pork Tenderloin with Apples
    Elise Bauer

    The only thing you really have to worry about with pork tenderloin is overcooking it. Because it's so lean, it can go from tender to dry if you aren't paying attention.

  • Roast Leg of Lamb

    Roast leg of lamb on a wood cutting board.
    Elise Bauer

    Lamb is an excellent choice for a stunning Easter dinner. Enhance the flavor of the tender meat with citrus and herbs and serve with a bright spring salad.

  • Pork Crown Roast

    Crown Roast of Pork
    Elise Bauer

    Crown roast is main worthy of a special dinner. The butcher will French the pork ribs and tie it into the crown shape.

  • Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb

    Grilled leg of lamb on a sheet pan.
    Elise Bauer

    Now that the days are longer, take Easter dinner outside and let the grill do the work. Serve medium rare with mint chimichurri.

Explore More: