The ham or lamb might be the stars of your Easter dinner, but let’s be serious: the sides are where it’s at! From the best-ever Brussels sprouts to make-ahead pasta salads, these Easter side dishes will make this year’s feast one to remember.
Easter Sides for your Holiday Meal
What’s a holiday meal without delicious sides? I love a good glazed ham or roasted lamb as much as the next person, but the sides always have me coming back for seconds (or thirds!). However, the choice of Easter dinner sides can really make or break the meal. The whole family should be able to find something they love, which is why I’m so excited to share some of my favorite sides with you.
With everything from classic mashed potatoes to unique twists on traditional dishes, there are always cleared plates and happy bellies at my Easter table! I’ve personally tried and tested each recipe, and most can be prepped ahead of time.
Pick and choose your favorite sides or try something new – either way, your family will thank you!
Salad Easter Dinner Sides
These lighter side dishes are always a welcome addition to a holiday meal. Where possible, use in-season spring produce to really amp up the fresh flavors!
Crunchy corn meets creamy avocado in this fresh and flavorful side dish. Just mix everything together and store it in the fridge until dinner time!
Chicken Caesar salad is like the little black dress of salads – it never goes out of style! Grill the chicken for extra smoky flavor, and add homemade croutons if you’re feeling fancy.
This salad is so simple, yet so delicious. With peaches, lemon juice, mustard, and poppy seeds, you’ll want to eat this dressing with a spoon!
This isn’t any normal corn salad. Feta cheese, lime juice, and olive oil give this dish a Mediterranean twist! You’ve never tried any Easter sides quite like this one.
Anything with ‘easy’ in the title is a winner for me. This refreshing and light cucumber salad is perfect for balancing out the heavier Easter side dishes.
Give yourself 5 minutes to whip up this homemade lemon dressing and toss it with some fresh greens. It doesn’t get simpler than that!
Mozarella makes everything better, especially when paired with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Add some fresh basil for one of the best light Easter side dishes ever.
Easter Side Dishes with Pasta
Whether you want to serve up classic mac and cheese or a lighter pasta salad, these side dishes for Easter couldn’t be easier.
Macaroni salad is always a hit at any gathering, and this one is no exception! The soft macaroni, hard-boiled eggs, pickles, and creamy dressing hold a special place in my heart. You can’t go wrong with this simple side dish.
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, does this side really need an introduction? Perfect for kids and adults alike, this mac and cheese will please everyone at the table.
This throw-together side is ideal for busy Easter prep. With 2 cups of ranch and a whole lot of bacon, no one can resist this pasta salad. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies with the cherry tomatoes!
Make a big batch of this yummy pasta and enjoy it for lunch the next day with your Easter leftovers.
Looking for some kid friendly easter side dishes? Pastina is always a hit with the little ones! The simple dish of tiny pasta, chicken broth, and two types of cheese is a picky eater’s dream.
No one can say no to this colorful and creamy pasta side. It’s easy to make, stores well and is a great way to use up any spring veggies you have on hand.
This is comfort food at its finest. Use rotisserie chicken to save time (no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen all Easter!), and mix it with pasta, peas, and a creamy sauce. Top with cheese and pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
Baked Side Dishes for Easter
Get your oven ready because I have some delicious baked sides perfect for your Easter feast! Most are easy make ahead Easter side dishes that will save you time on the big day.
Dinner rolls will always be one of the best Easter side dishes. These no-knead dinner rolls are so easy to make that you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Boxed stuffing is convenient, but nothing beats homemade bread stuffing on Easter. Use up leftover bread from your Easter brunch, add in some herbs, bacon, and veggies, and you’ve got a delicious (and comforting) side dish.
You can either bake these potatoes in the oven or over coals on the grill. Whichever method you choose, they always come out perfectly cooked and seasoned with onion, bacon, jalapenos, and cheese.
Baking garlic brings out its natural sweetness and creates a delicious, creamy spread. You won’t believe how addictive roasted garlic is until you try it!
This classic casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. With a creamy cheese sauce, tender broccoli, and crunchy breadcrumbs on top, it’s one of the simplest make ahead Easter side dishes.
Full of fresh green beans (no canned soup here!), herbs, and a crispy shallot topping, you’ll love this updated version of the traditional holiday side dish.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a baker; this easy and cheesy bread couldn’t be simpler to make. And you don’t even need any special kitchen equipment or fancy ingredients! Just beware: once you try it, you’ll be making this herb and cheese bread all the time!
Have leftover baked potatoes from your weekday lunch prep? Turn them into tasty, cheesy twice-baked potatoes. Perfectly creamy with a crispy topping, these easy Easter side dishes are always a hit.
Would you believe me if I said you could have fresh, homemade bread on your Easter table in just an hour? A quick look at my Italian herbed bread recipe, and you’ll be a believer! No more store-bought bread for you; this easy recipe will make you feel like a pro bread baker on Easter.
Easter Dinner Side Dishes with Vegetables
We all know Easter dinner wouldn’t be complete without some delicious, fresh veggies on the side. But why settle for plain old boiled or steamed vegetables when you can wow your guests with these Easter dinner sides?
This cheesy hashbrown casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Made with store-bought hashbrowns, you’ll have this dish in the oven in no time. It just wouldn’t be an Easter feast without a casserole side on the table!
This is the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts, trust me. The simple seasonings and pop of sweetness from the cranberries are enough to convert any skeptic.
Frozen veggies are the ultimate cheat for quick and easy Easter side dishes. But these are no ordinary frozen carrots! Put away the steamer, grab your skillet, some butter, garlic, and seasonings, and you’ll have a delicious side in just minutes.
This is the only way I prepare frozen corn now. Your Easter dinner needs this quick and easy side!
Make this mash in advance and feel like a pro on Easter Sunday! The cream cheese (my secret ingredient) makes this dish extra velvety and delicious. After trying these, you won’t want to go back to plain old mashed potatoes.
Instant Pot beets are a total game-changer! They always turn out perfectly cooked with a caramelized flavor that’s to die for. Serve them alongside your Easter main and watch them disappear.
With parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and purple onions, this is the only way you’ll want to serve frozen peas for Easter.
Canned green beans get a major upgrade with crispy bacon and sautéed onions. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for a last-minute side to impress your guests!
Covered in brown sugar glaze and roasted to perfection, this recipe is the ultimate sweet and savory Easter side. The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already.
When I see asparagus in the grocery store, I know it’s officially springtime. This lemon garlic roasted version brings out the best flavors of this seasonal veggie. It’s the perfect side to brighten up your Easter meal!
These potatoes are a staple for my Easter side dishes. Make it on the day or ahead of time; it doesn’t matter because it’ll be delicious either way! The herbs, cream cheese, and butter make these potatoes irresistible.
Other Side Dishes for Easter everyone is sure to love
These easy Easter side dishes are just too good not to mention. Some are a little different and even a bit unexpected, but I guarantee you’ll love them all!
No, I’m not telling you to open a can of beans and call it a day. This recipe is the BEST copycat of Bush’s baked beans and makes the perfect Easter side – especially when paired with smoked ham.
This may sound like a dessert, but it’s actually a great way to balance out all the savory dishes at your Easter table. Tart, sweet, and tangy – these balsamic strawberries are the perfect palate cleanser between bites of rich food.
You need something to drizzle over your Easter roast, and this beef gravy is just the thing. It’s made with real beef stock, not bouillon, so you know it’s packed with flavor. Not serving beef? Try this chicken gravy instead.
The herbs make all the difference in this simple and delicious butter bean dish. This has to be one of the easiest Easter side dishes ever!
If your idea for the best Easter side dishes includes even more meat, then let me introduce you to these garlic butter steak bites. They’re savory, tender, and so simple to prepare! Plus, you can make them on the stovetop, in the Air Fryer, or in a crock pot.
Rice might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Easter side dishes, but my garlic and herb rice will change your mind. It’s the best no-fuss, flavorful rice recipe that pairs amazingly with any main!
Cranberry applesauce is a sweet and tangy side dish for Easter. Serve it with ham, turkey, or even dessert – it’s that good.
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