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85 Easter Sides Just As Exciting As The Main

Step aside, ham. The real stars have arrived.

By and
crispy parmesan ranch smashed carrots topped with parmesan
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

You might think that a glazed ham or tender lamb are the stars of the show during Easter dinner, but really, it's the SIDES that really make the meal. In fact, these festive, delicious Easter side dishes have the potential to completely upstage that roast showstopper. Our recipes for Spring cobb salad, hot-honey glazed carrots, and potatoes au gratin are just some of our favorites, but we went ahead and attempted to perfect perfection by adding our own spins on the classics with every single one of these 85 must-try Easter side dishes!

Asparagus, one of spring's best vegetables, is an obvious favorite for getting creative in the kitchen this holiday. Whether you go with asparagus, brie, & prosciutto baked bundles, our cream of asparagus soup, or our cheesy bacon-asparagus casserole, you really can't go wrong with any of these low-fuss yet impressive side dishes. And you'll definitely want to keep some carrots to yourself (sorry, Easter Bunny!) to make our miso roasted carrots, our garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, and our crispy Parmesan ranch smashed carrots.

With all these sides, you'll want to make sure your main dish is just as impressive. This cherry-bourbon glazed ham might be our favorite way to cook up a pre-cooked ham that's nothing like your grandma's ham. Unsure of what brand of ham to buy? Here are our 6 favorite hams to save yourself a whole lot of prep time. Using up leftover ham is never a problem for us, and we have plenty of ideas on how to use up your honey-baked ham, especially if it means we get to make a Croque Madame.

Want even more Easter ideas? We've got plenty of Easter recipes for your entire feast, including Easter desserts, Easter treats, as well as lots of ideas for your lamb leftovers too!

1

Potatoes Au Gratin

potatoes au gratin topped with thyme
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Potatoes au gratin might sound intimidating, but it's a dish that's actually really easy to master. Gratin just means to cover with cheese or breadcrumbs and brown, so you've got this!

Get the Potatoes Au Gratin recipe.

2

Pineapple Casserole

pineapple casserole
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

When it’s right, it’s right, and this pineapple casserole is right. While on paper it might not make sense (pineapple and cheddar??), there’s a reason it’s been a staple of holidays, potlucks and cookouts for generations. Plus, it pairs SO WELL with ham.

Get the Pineapple Casserole recipe.

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3

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Smashed Carrots

crispy parmesan ranch smashed carrots topped with parmesan
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Tossed in ranch powder seasoning and Parmesan and roasted until crispy on the outside but still a little soft and chewy in the center, these Parmesan ranch smashed carrots will be the first dish gone at any spring party you take them to.

Get the Crispy Parmesan Ranch Smashed Carrots recipe.

4

Spring Cobb Salad

spring cobb salad
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

Everyone’s favorite Cobb salad just got a spring-y makeover. This lightened-up version has lots of crunchy in-season veggies, homemade croutons, hard-boiled eggs for protein, and a creamy lemon-dill dressing spiked with raw garlic. Yum!

Get the Spring Cobb Salad recipe.

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5

Cheesy Bacon-Asparagus Casserole

cheesy bacon asparagus casserole
Parker feierbach

You can think of asparagus casserole as the spring version of green bean casserole. Asparagus gets topped with a bacon cream sauce, plenty of cheese, and the best part of all—Ritz crackers, which add the perfect crunch.

Get the Cheesy Bacon-Asparagus Casserole recipe.

6

Lemon, Ricotta, & Asparagus Pasta Salad

pasta tossed with asparagus and creamy ricotta
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

While pasta salad can get creaminess from mayo, sour cream, or yogurt, we want to make a case for ricotta. Mixed with fresh lemon juice and zest, plenty of grated Parmesan, and pasta water, the ricotta melts into a creamy, bright sauce without any additional oil.

Get the Lemon, Ricotta, & Asparagus Pasta Salad recipe.

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7

Tennessee Onions

onions sliced in half topped with cheese
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE

I'm not crying, you’re crying. Sure, my eyes might be stinging from peeling and slicing this many onions, but I'm also claiming these tears as happy tears, because a simple, versatile dish with this much cheese can only be happy, right? RIGHT.

Get the Tennessee Onions recipe.

8

Bacon Pea Salad

bacon pea salad
Parker feierbach

When you think pea salad, you probably think about the heavy mayo-ridden ones. Ours, on the other hand, is fresh, crunchy, and has the most delicious bacon vinaigrette that you'll be tempted to pour over everything.

Get the Bacon Pea Salad recipe.

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9

Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf

lemon herb rice pilaf topped with almonds, feta, and parsley
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

This rice pilaf recipe has enough going on to be the main event, but can also be the supporting role for roasted meats and fish. A crunch from the almonds, a freshness from the herbs and lemon, and a sharp, briny punch of feta all combine for the perfect bite.

Get the Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf recipe.

10

Greek Lemon Potatoes

greek lemon potatoes

Greek lemon potatoes—aka patates lemonates—might be the ideal way to make potatoes. Though they're often cooked right inside the dish alongside a large piece of roasted meat, this recipe allows you to make this delicious side dish on its own (perfect for sharing with vegetarians this Easter!)

Get the Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe.

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11

Strawberry Spinach Salad

strawberry spinach salad with feta and pecans
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

With sweet strawberries, herby chicken, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans, this salad will make even so-called spinach haters fall in love after just one bite. Leave out the chicken for a side dish, or add it in for a hearty Easter main.

Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

12

Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots

garlic parmesan roasted carrots
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible dish that you’ll come back to again and again.

Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.

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13

Parmesan Asparagus Fries

parmesan asparagus fries with dipping sauce
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

We coated asparagus in a cheesy Parmesan and panko mixture before baking, resulting in extra-crispy, golden brown fries perfect for dipping in your favorite creamy, savory sauce (ranch or spicy mayo are our go-tos!). It’s hard to beat French fries, but these are guaranteed to give the classics a run for their money.

Get the Parmesan Asparagus Fries recipe.

14

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

scalloped potatoes ham

Cheesy scalloped potatoes meet salty baked ham for a perfect match. It takes the classic side and makes it a heartier dish that's perfect for Easter brunch (or make it with your leftover spiral ham after the celebration).

Get the Scalloped Potatoes & Ham recipe.

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15

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

parmesan roasted green beans
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple, yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.

Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.

16

Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes

roasted potatoes coated in onion soup mix
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

If roasting potatoes in the oven wasn’t simple enough, we’ve made seasoning even simpler by using a flavor-packed packet of onion soup mix. Trust us, these are about to be your new go-to side for every occasion.

Get the Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes recipe.

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17

Seven-Layer Salad

dish, food, cuisine, salad, ingredient, produce, ham salad, salpicon, recipe, vegetarian food,

Want a show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter table? Look no further than this gorgeous layered salad. Make it ahead of time, then toss it together just before serving.

Get the Seven-Layer Salad recipe.

18

Domino Potatoes

crispy domino potatoes in rows topped with thyme and flaky salt
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

If a pan of scalloped potatoes and a bag of chips got together, these domino potatoes would be their love child. Crisp and buttery on the edges, but soft and creamy in the center, these potatoes will reset the bar for everything you thought a potato could be.

Get the Domino Potatoes recipe.

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19

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

hawaiian macaroni salad with carrots, celery, and onion
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS

Hawaiian macaroni salad is a creamy, tangy, iconic comfort food that is practically synonymous with the state—you can find it all over the islands. It’s very simple to prepare—you might already have all the ingredients on hand!—making it the perfect easy side to bring to Easter potlucks and BBQs.

Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.

20

Fluffy Potato Rolls

fluffy potato rolls
Andrew bui

Fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. EVER. Fresh out of the oven, each roll has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center (thanks, potatoes!).

Get the Fluffy Potato Rolls recipe.

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