What to Cook for Easter Sunday – Easter Sunday is a time to come together with loved ones and celebrate, often around a table full of delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a traditional Easter feast or looking to try something a little different this year, there are plenty of options to suit every taste. From classic roasts to indulgent desserts, here are some ideas for what to cook for Easter Sunday that will leave everyone satisfied and enjoying the flavours of the season
Read more: What to Cook for Easter Sunday: Delicious Meal Ideas for the Whole FamilyWhat to Cook for Easter Sunday
1. Traditional Roast Lamb: A British Classic
When you think of Easter in the UK, one dish that instantly comes to mind is a traditional roast lamb. Tender, juicy, and full of flavour, roast lamb is often the centrepiece of the Easter Sunday feast.
Why we love it: Lamb is synonymous with spring, making it a perfect choice for the season. Roasting a leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary, and a little lemon adds a burst of freshness, while the tender meat just falls off the bone.
How to cook it:
- Rub the lamb with olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the joint and how well-done you like your lamb.
- Serve with mint sauce or gravy for an extra burst of flavour.
Side dishes to pair with lamb:
- Roast potatoes (crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside)
- Spring vegetables, such as tenderstem broccoli, carrots, and peas
- Yorkshire puddings, a British favourite
2. Honey-Glazed Ham: Sweet and Savoury Perfection
If lamb isn’t your thing, a glazed ham is a fantastic alternative that also makes for a show-stopping Easter dish. The sweet, sticky glaze complements the savoury meat, creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
Why we love it: Ham is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for stress-free cooking. The honey and mustard glaze adds a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
How to cook it:
- Score the fat of a large joint of ham and brush with a glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Roast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes to keep the ham moist and coated in the glaze.
Side dishes to pair with ham:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or dauphinoise potatoes
- A zesty citrus salad or coleslaw for a fresh contrast
- Roasted root vegetables like parsnips and sweet potatoes
3. Vegetarian Easter Options: Nut Roast or Veggie Wellington
If you’re catering for vegetarians or simply prefer a lighter option, a nut roast or a vegetable Wellington can be just as indulgent and festive as a roast dinner. These dishes are packed with flavour and make for a stunning centrepiece.
Nut roast: A nut roast is a hearty, satisfying alternative to meat, with a wonderful texture and a rich, savoury flavour. It can be made with a variety of nuts, breadcrumbs, and seasonal vegetables, and served with a generous helping of vegetarian gravy.
Vegetable Wellington: A vegetable Wellington, made with layers of mushrooms, spinach, and other veggies wrapped in flaky puff pastry, offers a festive twist on the classic beef Wellington. It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for Easter lunch or dinner.
How to cook them:
- For a nut roast, combine roasted nuts, grated vegetables (such as carrots and courgettes), breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then bake in a loaf tin.
- For a vegetable Wellington, sauté the vegetables and place them in the centre of a puff pastry sheet, folding the edges over to form a parcel before baking.
Side dishes to pair with veggie options:
- Roasted new potatoes with garlic and rosemary
- A fresh spring salad with a citrus dressing
- Stuffing with chestnuts and cranberries for added richness
4. Seafood Dishes: Light and Fresh for Spring
If you’re looking for something a little lighter than a roast, seafood can be a wonderful choice for Easter Sunday. Fresh fish or seafood platters are perfect for showcasing the flavours of the season and offering something different.
Why we love it: Seafood is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for an Easter Sunday meal. It’s also relatively quick and easy to prepare.
How to cook it:
- A baked salmon fillet with lemon, dill, and a drizzle of olive oil is simple yet elegant. Bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, until the fish is tender and flaky.
- Alternatively, a seafood platter with prawns, mussels, and smoked salmon is an easy and elegant way to serve up a variety of seafood options.
Side dishes to pair with seafood:
- A light quinoa or couscous salad with fresh herbs and lemon
- Asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice
- New potatoes tossed with butter and parsley
5. Classic Easter Desserts: Chocolate and Spring Flavours
No Easter meal is complete without a decadent dessert, and spring offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in seasonal treats. From rich chocolate desserts to fruity tarts, there’s something for everyone.
Chocolate Easter Eggs: Of course, Easter eggs are a must! Whether you opt for a store-bought egg filled with delicious chocolates or you make your own at home, they’re a fun and festive way to end the meal.
Carrot Cake: A classic Easter dessert, carrot cake is moist, slightly spiced, and topped with cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect treat for anyone looking for a sweet, yet not overly indulgent, dessert.
How to cook them:
- For a chocolate Easter egg, melt your chosen chocolate and pour it into egg-shaped moulds. Decorate with colourful sprinkles or edible glitter for a touch of spring flair.
- For carrot cake, mix together grated carrots, flour, sugar, and spices, then bake in a round tin. Top with a thick layer of cream cheese icing and a few candied carrots for decoration.
Bonus dessert option: A lemon drizzle cake or a light pavlova with fresh berries is another perfect choice for Easter, celebrating the fresh, tangy flavours of spring.
Final Thoughts
Easter Sunday is all about celebrating with loved ones, and the food is a huge part of that celebration. Whether you’re preparing a classic roast lamb, a honey-glazed ham, or a delicious vegetarian option, there are so many ways to make your Easter meal special. Don’t forget the desserts — after all, Easter wouldn’t be complete without something sweet to end the meal!
With these ideas, you’ll be able to create a memorable Easter feast that suits everyone’s tastes. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make this Easter Sunday a culinary celebration to remember.
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