At Crafty Cottage

Easy Easter Recipes

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Celebrating Easter with a feast that leaves everyone smiling is a tradition I hold dear. From the tiny giggles of little ones hunting for eggs to the contented smiles of family and friends gathered around the dinner table, these moments are precious.

Today, I’m excited to share a full-course Easter menu that’s not just delicious but also peppered with helpful tips to ensure your holiday is as delightful and stress-free as possible. So, let’s dive into these recipes, tailored for an unforgettable Easter gathering.

Appetizers: A Whimsical Welcome to Easy Easter Recipes

Herbed Cheese Stuffed Eggs

Ingredients:

• 12 large eggs
• 1/2 cup soft herbed cheese (such as Boursin or herbed goat cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Hard boil the eggs, cool, peel, and halve them. Gently remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mash the yolks with herbed cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pipe or spoon the filling into the egg whites. Garnish with chives.
4. Refrigerate until serving time.

Tip: Making these a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about on Easter day!

As we continue to set the stage for an unforgettable Easter feast, let’s introduce a couple more appetizers that promise to captivate your guests from the very first bite. These additions are not only simple to prepare but are packed with flavors that sing the praises of spring. Let’s dive into these enticing starters that will effortlessly elevate your Easter celebration.

Mini Spinach and Feta Quiches

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Nutmeg, a pinch

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small rounds, fitting them into the muffin tin to form mini crusts.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted. Divide the spinach and feta cheese among the pastry cups.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Pour this mixture over the spinach and feta, filling each cup.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg is set and the pastry is golden brown. Serve warm.

Tip: These quiches can be made ahead and quickly reheated before serving, making your Easter morning a breeze.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 oz Brie cheese, cut into small pieces
• Fresh rosemary, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares. Place a piece of Brie in the center of each square.
3. Top the Brie with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce. Fold the corners of the pastry over the cheese and press to seal.
4. Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
5. Garnish with a small sprig of rosemary before serving.

Hack: The combination of tangy cranberry and creamy Brie wrapped in flaky pastry makes these bites a festive and flavorful start to your Easter feast. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, adding a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread.

These appetizers, with their blend of savory and sweet, provide a delightful preview to the sumptuous meal that follows. Each bite-sized treat is a little celebration of spring, making your Easter gathering even more special and memorable.

Drinks: Toasting to Togetherness with Easy Easter Recipes

Berry Easter Punch (Non-Alcoholic & Alcoholic Versions)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed berry juice
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda
• 1 pint berry sherbet
• Fresh berries, for garnish
• Champagne or sparkling wine (optional, for adults)

Instructions:

1. In a large punch bowl, combine berry juice and lemon-lime soda.
2. Right before serving, add the sherbet and gently mix until it starts to melt.
3. For an adult version, add champagne to individual glasses before pouring the punch.
4. Garnish with fresh berries.

Hack: Use frozen berries instead of ice cubes to chill the punch without diluting it!

As we gather to celebrate Easter, complementing our sumptuous feast with the right selection of drinks can elevate the experience to new heights. In addition to our refreshing Berry Easter Punch, I’ve concocted two more beverage options that cater to all tastes, ensuring there’s a delightful sip for every guest, from the youngest to the oldest. Let’s raise our glasses to these vibrant and tasty additions that are sure to keep the conversation flowing and spirits high.

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water, divided
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Lemon slices and lavender sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add sugar and dried lavender; stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for about 20 minutes.
2. Strain the lavender from the mixture and pour it into a large pitcher. Add the lemon juice and the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir well.
3. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and a sprig of lavender for that extra touch of elegance.

Tip: Lavender lemonade not only offers a twist on a classic refreshment but also brings a hint of floral sophistication to your Easter table. It’s a visually striking and uniquely flavored drink that’s bound to impress.

Cucumber Mint Sparkler

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups sparkling water
• 2 limes, juiced
• Extra cucumber slices and mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pitcher, muddle the cucumber slices, mint leaves, and sugar together. You want to gently press them to release the flavors, not completely mash them.
2. Add the lime juice and sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the sparkler over. Garnish with extra cucumber slices and mint leaves.

Hack: For an adult version, a splash of gin or vodka transforms this refreshing sparkler into a sophisticated cocktail, perfect for toasting to family, friends, and the joys of spring.

These drink options, from the soothing floral notes of the Lavender Lemonade to the crisp, refreshing taste of the Cucumber Mint Sparkler, are designed to complement the flavors of your Easter feast and cater to a variety of preferences. They’re not just beverages; they’re a testament to the joy and renewal that Easter brings, served in a glass. Cheers to a memorable Easter celebration filled with love, laughter, and delightful sips!

Main Course: The Centerpiece of Celebration

Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 to 7 pounds) fully cooked ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Cloves for studding (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the ham and stud with cloves if desired.
2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and mustard. Warm over low heat until well mixed.
3. Place ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze.
4. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with additional glaze.
5. Let rest before slicing.

Tip: Scoring the ham not only improves the presentation but helps the glaze infuse more flavor into the meat.

Sides: Complementing the Feast

Before we venture into the delightful array of side dishes that will grace our Easter table, let’s take a moment to appreciate the symphony of flavors and colors that make this holiday so special. Easter is a time of renewal and celebration, and what better way to embody this spirit than through a carefully curated selection of sides?

These dishes are not just accompaniments; they are expressions of spring itself, designed to complement the succulent main course and bring a harmonious balance to your festive feast. From the earthy sweetness of carrots to the crisp freshness of asparagus, each side dish has been chosen to enhance the joyous atmosphere of your Easter gathering. Now, let’s dive into these complementary creations that are sure to make your meal unforgettable.

Roasted Asparagus and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 pound carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon zest, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Toss the asparagus and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Garnish with lemon zest before serving.

Now that we’ve brightened up our Easter table with the vibrant hues of roasted asparagus and baby carrots, it’s time to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delightful. Let’s transition from the fresh, zesty flavors of our veggies to a rich, creamy classic that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to layer up some love with our next recipe, the heavenly scalloped potatoes. This dish combines tender slices of potato in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all topped off with a golden, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist.

Scalloped Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Layer half of the potatoes in a baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
4. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Tip: Preparing the scalloped potatoes the night before allows the flavors to deepen and meld, making for an even tastier side dish.

Desserts: Sweet Endings

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Cream cheese frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line cupcake pans with liners.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat oil and sugar until well blended. Add eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture, then stir in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
5. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20-22 minutes.
6. Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Tip: Involve the kids in making the chocolate nests. It’s a delightful way to create Easter memories together!

Easy Easter Recipes: Wrapping Up

This Easter, let’s make more than just a meal; let’s create a moment where every bite is a memory, and every dish tells a story of love and celebration. With these recipes, your Easter dinner is sure to be a hit, leaving you plenty of time to bask in the joy of the holiday. Remember, the true essence of Easter is not just in the food but in the precious moments shared with loved ones. Here’s wishing you a beautiful, joy-filled Easter brimming with deliciousness and laughter. 

Happy Easter!