21 Best Easter Dinner Ideas That Don't Include Ham
It's not the only choice of main dish.
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If you're hosting Easter dinner, the first idea that pops into your head might be a giant glazed ham. It's certainly one of the most traditional Easter foods, but it's not the only one! What if you don't like ham? Or what if you're serving a vegetarian Easter menu? Or what if you just want to switch things up? Well, you've come to the right place because this list of Easter dinner ideas proves you don't need serve ham to have a spring holiday meal.
Seriously, pick your favorite protein! You'll find practically everything on this list from just-as-traditional rack of lamb (and other lamb recipes) to other impressive roasts like Ree Drummond's prime rib. Why not roast a chicken or even a turkey if you're feeding a crowd? Or try your hand at some fancy seafood recipes like lobster tails or restaurant-style seared scallops (which only take ten minutes from start to finish).
You'll also find several pasta dishes on this list that are so hearty and filling you won't miss the meat. Plus, they're a great way to spring vegetables! Pea recipes and asparagus recipes feel particularly seasonal and perfect for Easter. And while they make excellent side dishes for meat dishes, they also really shine in main courses, too. So now that you have 21 reasons to skip the ham this Easter, which one are you going to try? Scroll through to find out!
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
A whole roast chicken is a great alternative to your Easter ham. And if you make it in your Dutch oven, you can get juicy, flavorful meat, plus potatoes and veggies in one pot.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
Roast Leg of Lamb
To some, lamb is even more traditional than ham! And making this show-stopping roast will truly impress your guests. It has a garlicky crust on the outside and tender meat on the inside.
Get the Roast Leg of Lamb recipe.
Spanakopita
Also known as spinach pie, this classic Greek dish features flaky layers filled with a creamy spinach filling. It's also packed with feta and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Get the Spanakopita recipe.
Roasted Turkey
Don't let Thanksgiving be the only holiday to feature a golden roasted turkey. Just remember to use Ree's turkey brine the day before and you'll have the juiciest bird to carve up.
Get Ree's Roasted Turkey recipe.
Slow Cooker Brisket
If you've got an oven full already, make your main course in a slow cooker. Brisket benefits greatly from the low and slow cooking method and you can cook your potatoes and veggies at the same time.
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Just because you don't want ham doesn't mean you need to skip pork entirely. This tenderloin cooks up in just 20 minutes and it still feels special for a holiday feast.
Get Ree’s Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe.
Creamy Pasta Primavera
Ree's mom used to make this all the time. So to her, this is "pure comfort food." It features fresh asparagus, sugar snap peas, parsley, and mint, plus a nice dose of cream and cheese.
Get Ree's Creamy Pasta Primavera recipe.
Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb looks and sounds fancy, but it's actually quite easy to make. It takes just five minutes of prep to season it on a baking sheet and you let the oven do the rest for you!
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Comfort food on a holiday feels particularly special. So why not make something you'd crave for a Sunday dinner on Easter Sunday, too? Plus, just think of how good all the leftovers will be.
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Spinach Lasagna
Ree is "deeply, madly in love" with lasagna, as is the entire Drummond family. If you are too, why not make a big ol' tray for Easter? This version has layers of noodles, spinach, white sauce, and ricotta cheese.
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
Baked Salmon
Salmon is one of those meals that looks and tastes so impressive, but really couldn't be easier to make. If you bake it in the oven, it takes just 20 minutes in total to prepare.
Get the Baked Salmon recipe.
Spatchcock Chicken
It may sound a little funny, but butterflying a chicken is the easiest way to make sure both the white and dark meat cook evenly. Plus, you can throw everything on a sheet pan and cook it together.
Get the Spatchcock Chicken recipe.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Fire up the grill and bring your Easter dinner outside! These lamb chops are seasoned with a garlicky marinade before a quick sear on the grill.
Get the Grilled Lamb Chops recipe.
Gnocchi Alfredo with Peas
A big bite of spring is just 20 minutes away. This flavorful, vegetarian-friendly meal takes no time to whip up thanks store-bought refrigerated gnocchi and frozen peas.
Get Ree's Gnocchi Alfredo with Peas recipe.
Beef Wellington
The secret to making this classic dish is just to give yourself plenty of time and do each task one step at a time. If you do that, you'll be amazed how professional the results are!
Get the Beef Wellington recipe.
Grilled Lobster Tails
It's hard to think of something as impressive as a home-cooked lobster. But making lobster tails on the grill is actually pretty easy. Plus, you can make a garlic-herb butter for dipping to really wow everyone.
Get the Grilled Lobster Tails recipe.
Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a great vegetarian main course and ideal for cheese lovers. Bonus: You can make them the night before, and just top them with sauce and cheese when you’re ready to serve.
Get Ree's Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan
Crispy fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese make for an irresistible combo. No one will even notice that there aren't any noodles! A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds a pop of freshness, too.
Get the Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Prime Rib
All you really need when roasting a big cut of beef is a reliable meat thermometer so you don't overcook it. The rest really isn't that complicated for something so epic to put on the table.
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
Seared Scallops
If you love to order seared scallops at a restaurant, what's stopping you from making them at home? They only take ten minutes from start to finish! Just make sure your pan is super hot to sear them right.
Get the Seared Scallops recipe.
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