85 Easter Sides Just As Exciting As The Main
Step aside, ham. The real stars have arrived.
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!
Potatoes Au Gratin
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.
Pineapple Casserole
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.
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Smashed Carrots
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.
Spring Cobb Salad
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.
Cheesy Bacon-Asparagus Casserole
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.
Lemon, Ricotta, & Asparagus Pasta Salad
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.
Tennessee Onions
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.
Bacon Pea Salad
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.
Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf
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.
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.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
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.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Parmesan Asparagus Fries
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.
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.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
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.
Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes
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.
Seven-Layer Salad
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.
Domino Potatoes
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.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
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.
Fluffy Potato Rolls
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.
