Easter Dinner Meal Plan!

Great tips and tricks for planning, organizing and hosting Easter Dinner without the stress. Easy recipes for all of your side dishes, main dishes and desserts that anyone can make. Plus, get your free Easter Menu Plan download to help you plan everything!

Tips For Planning Your Easter Dinner!

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make Easter a little less stressful or hosting any holiday! Breaking it down by action item and having a plan makes all the difference.

1. MAKE A GUEST LIST

As you are making your list of guests, be sure to ask if there are any food allergies or sensitivities. Knowing special dietary restrictions before your plan your menu is essential. It allows you to plan an inclusive dinner menu from the start.

Besides, guests who have dietary restrictions will be so grateful you were thoughtful and kind enough to ask! If you’re overwhelmed at accommodating their food allergies or sensitivities, be honest and up front so they can plan accordingly.

2. DECIDE ON A MENU

The more work you do ahead of time, the less stress and hassle you’ll have as Easter approaches. If you’re hosting at your home, you’ll want to start by picking out your recipes, keeping in mind you’ll want a variety of cooking methods so you don’t run out of cooking space and time. Think instant pot, crock pot, oven and stove top and pick a few recipes that can be made a day or two ahead of time.

Again, you’ll want to keep in mind if any of your guests specified food allergies or sensitivities. It’s also important that you don’t forget your littlest guests who will be attending, so add a few child-friendly foods to the menu. If you’re traveling, find recipes that will work with your travel plans and ask the host what you can bring.

3. MAKE YOUR SHOPPING LIST

From your recipes, make a grocery list of what things you need to shop for. Don’t forget to include supplies you’ll need like table settings, napkins and other items you’ll use more of while having guests (paper products like paper towels and toilet paper).

If you’re not hosting, this is a great time to think about something to bring your host as a gift, such as a bottle of wine, new dish towels, candles, etc.

4. PREPARE EASY ACTIVITIES

Aside from rounding up some of our favorite card and board games, I always try to put together a simple trivia game. We love to play Easter Bingo, everyone brings a few prizes from the dollar section and then we play Bingo. The kids, teenagers and adults all love Bingo!

Another fun thing to do is play a trivia game based on Easter, if you lose the game, well, they get dish duty after the meal!

5. CLEAN THE FRIDGE

You’re going to need all the fridge space for your Easter feast! Now is a perfect time to clean out your fridge (it needed to be done anyway, right?)!

6. COOKING COUNTDOWN

One of my favorite secrets to enjoying the time I spend with family on Easter, is to make a cooking countdown.

Sit down with your menu and calculate out how long the different menu items will take to cook so you don’t end up with half of your meal getting cold while the rest finishes cooking.

7. MAKE NOTES

This tip is actually for after the Easter dinner! Put together your menu, shopping lists and other various notes from planning and preparations and place them somewhere for future reference. Add notes of things that went well, things that could be done differently, etc.

This allows planning for the next Easter (or other holiday) much easier! I slip my notes into a clear sleeve and put it in the back of my recipe binder.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR HOSTING EASTER

We all want our holidays to be stress-free and appear to have managed hosting without any stress, right? Here are some of our best tips and tricks for making that happen.

1. PLAN IT OUT

Find an Easter dinner meal plan that allows you to make some recipes a day (or two) before Easter. Whether it be the potatoes, salads, desserts or vegetables, the more you can make ahead of time, the less you have to do on that day, which means less stress!

Don’t forget that your slow cooker or crock pot is your best friend for making lots of food. Anywhere there is an outlet, you can set your food and forget it allowing you to enjoy time with your guests! This is also perfect for when you go to church that morning. You can start the food before church and it will be done when you get home.

2. DOUBLE YOUR RECIPE

If time and space allows, make extra food that can be used for leftovers and appetizers later. This is one of my favorite ways to maximize the time I spend with family and I also minimize the total time I spend cooking and cleaning.

3. GET EVERYONE IN THE KITCHEN

Get all of your guests involved! If you have someone who loves to make dessert, then ask them to do the baking. For those who love to eat but don’t love to cook, ask them to stay in the kitchen after the meal and help with dishes, bring the wine or pick up fresh bread from the local bakery. Delegating tasks will make everyone feel connected and important and less stress for you, see my theme here?

4. ASK THE KIDS TO HELP

Giving our kids a part in having guests for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite tips and tricks. Our kids get involved by making personalized name cards for the table, picking the napkins and setting the table.

They also help make centerpieces with Popsicle crosses, arranging flower in mason jars and more!

5. PLAN FOR LEFTOVERS!

With all the amazing food that you will be preparing and your friends and family will bring make sure you plan for leftovers. I love to get to-go boxes so we can make up a few meals to send home with them or bring to shut-ins. It’s a great way to remember those you love who can’t be there!

Click any of the headings below to jump straight to that section!

• Appetizers
• Salads and Sides
• Main Dishes
• Desserts

Appetizers

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easter feasting just got a whole lot tastier with this irresistible Spinach Artichoke Dip! This is a must-add to your recipes for Easter.

Sour cream, chive, and bacon deviled eggs

Around Easter time, hard-boiled eggs are a dime a dozen so why not whip up something extraordinary like these sour cream, chive, and bacon deviled eggs! One of the best Easter dinner menu ideas.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Love Deviled Eggs for the holidays? Then this classic recipe is a must make for Easter! They have the BEST flavor.

Grilled Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread

This Grilled Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread is grilled but you can also bake it in the oven. A wonderful appetizer or side dish for your Easter dinner meal plan.

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Surprise your guests with this twist on an old favorite. Smoked deviled eggs are a game-changer when it comes to this classic dish.

Million dollar dip

With a few pantry staples, you can make this easy Million Dollar Dip! A creamy and delicious appetizer that everyone will enjoy.

Sides and Salads

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

A side dish that’s sure to steal the spotlight on your holiday table. These cheesy and cream hashbrowns just have to go on your Easter dinner meal plan this year!

Crescent Rolls Recipe

They are the perfect side dish recipe to your holiday dinners. Don’t forget to buttery these warm rolls with butter! Who would ever turn down a crescent roll at Easter dinner?

Bacon-wrapped green bean bundles

Tender, crisp green beans that are wrapped in bacon and brushed with a simple glaze. Need a crowd pleasing side dish? Then you’ve gotta try these green beans!

Sunshine Fruit Salad

This bright and cheery fruit salad is the perfect side to add to your Easter dinner meal plan. If you’ve got picky eaters, then make this dish. I promise they’ll eat it and they’ll get that fruit they need!

Potato Salad

This is a basic recipe that you can build on and make your own. A creamy dressing, tender potatoes, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Skillet Asparagus

This asparagus is so easy to make I really contemplated even posting it, but I did it anyways. If you’re looking for easy sides for your Easter meal, then this one fits the bill.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped potatoes

Cheese and carbs, does it really get better than that? This recipe is just delicious and absolutely needs to be added to your list of go-to recipes for Easter.

Green Bean Corn casserole

Mix up your traditional green bean casserole by adding corn to it. It’s a fun way to shake it up so that you can keep your guests oohing and ahhing over every single dish!

The best Green Bean Casserole

No holiday is complete without a green bean casserole and it just can’t get any easier with this simple recipe! Make this classic dish — it’s one of the best Easter dinner menu ideas.

Roasted Sweet potatoes

These sweet potatoes are diced, then seasoned and roasted in the oven. The result is sweet potatoes with a caramelized outside and soft center. This is the best way to enjoy them!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

The best part is that it can be prepped in under 15 minutes. If that’s not a reason to add it to your Easter dinner meal plan, then I don’t know what is!

The BEST mashed potatoes

Want to know how to make light, fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes? Then this is the recipe for you. These are the BEST Mashed Potatoes ever and you are guaranteed to love them! 

Crock Pot Creamed Corn

If you are hosting the holidays and running out of kitchen space this delicious Crock Pot Creamed Corn, then is the perfect solution! You’ll love how simple and easy it is to make.

Grilled Green Beans

Without a doubt, you’re going to love this tasty side dish! Green Beans on the grill are just so tasty.

Strawberry Romaine Salad

If you want to impress someone, then THIS is the salad you make. In fact, this could be re-named “Impress Your Mother-in-law Salad.”

Make ahead mashed potatoes

Whip up your mashed potatoes the day before the holidays and reheat to save time and stress. I’m all for recipes that I can make ahead of time, and this one is a total game-changer.

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

This is the BEST Crockpot Green Bean Casserole. Creamy, easy to make and delicious.

Grilled Asparagus

It takes about 8-10 minutes total to grill the asparagus. Don’t overcook it or it will become mushy. You want it to still have a slight bite with you eat it.

Easy Creamed Peas

To me, the holidays are all about comfort food, and creamy = comfort, am I right? So you’ll love this classic easy creamed peas recipe.

Snicker salad

It’s light and fluffy from the Cool Whip and vanilla pudding mixture. Then it’s loaded with your favorite Snickers candy bars and apples.

Smashed Potatoes Recipe

Looking for a way to change up your side dish for dinner? These crispy, buttery Smashed Potatoes are just when you need!

Dinner Rolls on Smoker

No room in the oven to cook the dinner rolls? Don’t panic! Break out your Traeger, electric smoker or wood-fired grill and then bake these soft pillowy dinner rolls. 

Corn Pudding casserole

No matter if you are a veteran cook in the kitchen or a beginner you will love this one. A classic casserole that everyone will enjoy!

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

I mean it has BACON in it so obviously it’s a winner right? Tender pieces of asparagus wrapped in salty bacon. Mind blowing, honestly I can’t believe it took me that long to try this!

Broccoli Casserole

This creamy broccoli recipe makes this the best broccoli casserole ever! It’s another must make dish because everyone will love it!

Glazed Carrots

They take only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to make! If you need more easy and quick ideas, then you’re sure to appreciate this one.

Gravy Recipe

While this gravy recipe uses turkey broth, you can simply replace it with chicken broth if need be. With only a few ingredients, you will have a delicious, fool-proof, lump-free, just like everyone loves.

Calico Beans

This easy recipe is great for potlucks, holidays and easy meals too! A great addition to your Easter dinner meal plan.

Main Dishes

honey baked ham

If you are entertaining this year, then you will want this on your menu. The sweetness from the honey glaze is the perfect pair to this savory juicy ham. The final broiling step makes it amazing.

Smoked Prime Rib

If you love a great cut of beef and want to WOW your guests, a prime rib roast is a great meal! A perfectly cooked smoked prime rib is a showstopper at any meal!

Crockpot turkey Breast

Crock Pot Turkey Breast fuss-free way to have turkey for dinner! It also is great during the holidays because it frees up oven space. The result is a tender, juicy turkey breast with homemade gravy with a ton of flavor.

Smoked Ham with honey glaze

Looking for a holiday ham recipe to prepare on your Traeger electric smoker? Then make this Smoked Ham with a sweet honey glaze. It’s so juicy and full of flavor. 

Crockpot Pineapple ham

Need an easy ham to serve during the holidays? It doesn’t get easier than this delicious Crock Pot Pineapple Ham!

Honey Glazed Ham

This Honey Glazed Ham recipe is so easy with minimal ingredients, yet you end up with amazing, flavorful ham! A great way to make a perfect main dish.

Crockpot BBQ Brisket

If you are looking to relax and play a little more in life like I am, then I’m going to highly recommend you start this by making delicious Crock Pot BBQ Brisket for dinner. Trust me, it’s life changing YUM!

balsamic crockpot Roast

I adore a delicious Crock Pot recipe especially when it’s this amazing Balsamic Crock Pot Roast Beef with potatoes and carrots. It’s an easy dinner for any time, but also perfect as a main dish for Easter.

Crockpot make-ahead turkey

This way of making turkey will have everyone signing you up for bringing the turkey or hosting the holidays every year. So easy and so tasty!

Grilled Prime Rib

A perfectly seasoned and grilled Prime Rib is what your holiday meal needs! This is a really fun alternative to the classic ham or turkey idea and also really easy to make.

Cranberry Crockpot pork loin

This Slow Cooker Pork Loin Recipe is easy enough to make during the weeknight for busy nights and fancy enough to spoil dinner guests with. I love that the slow cooker takes care of the hard work so that I can focus on other dishes!

Maple Pork Loin with apples and onions

I wanted to make a meal that was easy enough to serve any time but has a touch of fancy to serve to guests. This meal definitely fits the bill.

Instant pot pork loin

The flavor is unbeatable from a rub that is made with pantry staples. Pork loin is also really affordable, so this is a great budget option for your Easter dinner meal plan.

Smoked Turkey Breast

This simple smoked turkey breast recipe is so easy to do. All you need are a few simple ingredients and you’ll find that there is also very little prep work for this turkey recipe.

BBQ Pork Tenderloin

BBQ tenderloin ids the perfect quick meal on the grill. It’s also healthy and I bet it is just what you are looking for!

Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

The secret ingredient of grape jelly to give you just the right amount of sweetness is in the homemade BBQ marinade too! Then just throw it on the grill.

Desserts

Easter Cupcakes

If you’re looking for a good go-to, easy Easter dessert, then you’ll love these fun cupcakes for Easter. Bakery quality and oh so delicious!

Carrot Bundt cake

Tender, moist and topped with cream cheese frosting. One slice will never be enough. It’s the perfect easy dessert for spring or Easter!

carrot cake cookies

Skip the time-consuming layered carrot cake and make these delicious Carrot Cake Cookies instead! They are also the best shareable treat.

strawberry cake with lemon whipped topping

This cake is quick and easy to make for a crowd. Moist, delicious and bursting with strawberry and lemon flavors. A classic spring cake if I say so myself!

Lemon meringue cheesecake

Baking a cheesecake is an impressive feat! This lemon meringue cheesecake recipe is easy to follow and will guide you step by step.

Bunny Bait

Sweet and Salty Snack Mixes are so addicting, plus quick and easy to make! I think it is now a rule that all Easter dinners must have bunny bait because it’s just so good!

Easter egg hunt sugar cookie bars

These Easter Egg Hunt Sugar Cookie Bars are such a fun treat to make at Easter. A fun and cute sweet treat that is also kid-friendly.

Lemon Coconut Cake

It’s a quick and easy dessert, yet impressive. No layering or hassle so anyone can make it!

lemon bundt cake with lemon frosting

A delicious lemon cake baked in a Bundt pan! This Lemon Bundt Cake with Lemon Frosting is not only pretty but so delicious.

Strawberry Cheesecake icebox cake

This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake Recipe is the perfect thing to celebrate with! This is a classic that everyone should learn how to make.

Smoked Strawberry Crisp

It’s an easy dessert that will WOW your family and friends! Yes, you can make dessert on the smoker!

upside down strawberry cake

Need a quick and easy dessert that’s bursting with flavor? This easy Strawberry Upside Down Cake only requires a boxed strawberry cake mix plus a few more ingredients.

Beverages

strawberry vodka lemonade

This quick and easy cocktail is perfect when you have last minute company! Refreshing, boozy and great for a sunshiney day.

Pink Moscato lemonade

It combines Moscato, lemon-lime soda, and pink lemonade for a slightly fruity, sweet, and bubbly cocktail. 

Sparkling strawberry lemonade

The key to these Easter gatherings is EASY. Good thing this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is super, duper easy peasy. It’s also just 3 ingredients!

Mimosa

Need the perfect mimosas? Then look no further! These are the perfect balance of citrus and fizz so that you can enjoy every sip, down to the very last drop.

Cold brew coffee

Did you know it’s super easy to make cold brew coffee at home? All you need are coffee beans and water. 

fresh strawberry limeade

This Strawberry Limeade would be a great drink to make for an Easter gathering, add a little Bacardi and make this an adult beverage. 🙂