Easter main dishes set the tone for the whole meal. They should feel special and spring-ready. They also need to be practical for hosting.
So the best choices balance flavor, timing, and ease. Then the meal feels joyful, not rushed.
My easiest Easter menu formula is to always stick to 1 main + 1 starchy side + 1 green veg + 1 fresh salad. Add one sauce, and it feels restaurant-worthy.
In this guide, you will find classic favorites like ham and lamb. You will also find easy chicken and seafood options. Plus, I included vegetarian mains and brunch-friendly ideas. So you can match your menu to your plans.
These mains feel timeless for a reason. They feed a group without much fuss. They also pair well with spring sides. So you can build a full menu easily.
Traditional Easter Main Dish Recipe Ideas
1. Honey Glazed Ham
This brown sugar ham glaze is the quickest way to make a basic ham feel holiday-level special. It melts into a glossy, caramelized coating with sweet, sticky edges. The flavor hits that perfect Easter balance: warm brown sugar, floral honey, tangy Dijon, plus a bright splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush it on during the final warm-up, and your kitchen smells like a celebration.
It also gives you that pretty, lacquered finish everyone wants on the table. I love it because it is fast, forgiving, and make-ahead friendly. Serve extra glaze on the side for spooning.
2. Peach Glazed Spiral Ham
This peach-glazed spiral ham is the “easy win” Easter main that still tastes impressive. You start with a fully cooked spiral ham, so you are mostly warming and glazing. The peach preserves and brown sugar simmer into a thick, shiny glaze that tastes sweet, fruity, and lightly caramelized. That sweetness balances the ham’s salty bite beautifully.
As it bakes, the glaze clings to the slices, so every serving gets a juicy flavor. It fits Easter perfectly because it is simple, crowd-friendly, and stress-free. Pair it with cheesy potatoes or asparagus, and dinner feels complete.
3. Roast Leg of Lamb
This roast lamb leg is the classic Easter centerpiece with bold, cozy flavor. Garlic and rosemary create a herby crust that smells incredible as it roasts. Inside, the lamb stays blushing pink and juicy when you use a thermometer. Then the pan drippings become a rich, silky gravy that tastes deeply savory.
It feels special, yet it is surprisingly straightforward. This is the main dish for a relaxed, sit-down Easter dinner with friends. You carve it at the table, and it instantly looks impressive. Serve with roast potatoes, peas, and carrots for a traditional, satisfying plate.
4. Roast chicken
This roast chicken is the reliable Easter main that pleases everyone. It uses a simple herb butter, lemon, and rosemary for a bright, savory flavor. The skin turns golden and crisp, while the meat stays tender and juicy.
I love that it roasts right over vegetables, so you get a built-in side. It fits Easter because it feels classic, but lighter than heavier roasts. It also looks beautiful on a platter with lemon wedges and herbs. Plus, it is budget-friendly for a crowd.
Save the carcass for stock, and you win twice.
5. Prime Rib
Prime rib is the showstopper Easter main for when you want a true wow moment. The outside sears into a deep, browned crust, while the inside stays buttery, tender, and rosy. Crushed peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and garlic create a fragrant, savory rub that tastes steakhouse-worthy. The method starts hot, then finishes low, so the roast cooks evenly. Let it rest, and every slice stays juicy.
This fits Easter when you are feeding a larger group and want something unforgettable. Serve with creamy horseradish sauce and a bright spring salad for balance.
6. Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
This roasted lemon and herb chicken is the kind of Easter main that feels classic and elevated. The skin turns deeply golden and crisp. The meat stays juicy and tender.
Fresh thyme, rosemary butter, garlic, and lemon perfume the whole bird. The aroma alone feels like a holiday. It roasts on a bed of vegetables, so you get a built-in side. The pan juices soak into everything for a rich, savory flavor.
I love it for Easter because it looks impressive on a platter. Yet it is still simple and mostly hands-off once it hits the oven.
7. Creamy Skillet Chicken With Asparagus
This creamy chicken skillet is spring comfort with a bright, fresh finish. Chicken sears until golden, then simmers in a silky, savory sauce. Asparagus stays tender-crisp and vibrant. Sweet peas add little pops of freshness.
The flavor is cozy and creamy, but it still feels light for Easter. It is perfect when you want something special without roasting a whole bird. Everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup stays easy.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for sauce scooping. Add a crisp green salad, and the meal feels balanced and party-ready.
8. Stuffed Chicken or Chicken Roulade
Chicken roulade is the Easter dinner that makes everyone think you worked all day. Thin chicken is rolled around a flavorful filling, then cooked until juicy and sliceable. Each round looks elegant on the plate.
The taste is savory, herby, and rich, with a cozy “special occasion” vibe. It is also easy to portion, which helps when serving a group. I like this for Easter because you can prep parts ahead. Then you bake and slice right before dinner.
Pair it with roasted carrots, asparagus, or a bright salad for a springy, balanced plate.
9. Roasted Salmon With Asparagus and Potatoes
This rosemary roasted salmon is a full Easter main and sides on one pan. The potatoes roast up crisp and creamy. The asparagus stays bright green with a tender bite. Rosemary and garlic make the kitchen smell incredible.
The salmon turns flaky, juicy, and lightly lemony. A balsamic and mustard finish adds sweet tang and a glossy look. It feels fresh and spring-ready, yet still satisfying.
This is ideal when you want a lighter centerpiece that still impresses. Serve it straight from the sheet pan for easy hosting. Add lemon wedges for a final bright pop.
10. Baked Cod With Lemon and Capers
This lemon caper baked cod is light, elegant, and perfect for an Easter menu that feels fresh. The cod bakes up tender and flaky in minutes. A warm butter sauce with lemon juice and lemon zest tastes bright and silky.
Capers add briny little bursts that make each bite pop. A sprinkle of seafood seasoning brings savory depth without heaviness.
It fits Easter when you want a simple main that still feels special. It is also quick, so you can focus on sides and dessert. Serve with asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a crisp spring salad.
11. Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp
This sheet pan Mediterranean shrimp dinner is bright, briny, and weeknight-fast. Jumbo shrimp roast beside red onion, bell pepper, asparagus, and burst tomatoes.
Jarred grilled artichoke hearts add bold flavor with zero extra work. Kalamata olives bring salty pops that make every bite feel satisfying. A squeeze of lemon wakes everything up, then warm feta turns creamy on top.
Best of all, it cooks in about 15 minutes, so it fits busy spring nights. Serve it as is for a lighter Easter main, or spoon it over rice for a heartier plate.
12. Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
This asparagus ricotta tart is a springy Easter main that looks instantly elegant. Store-bought puff pastry bakes up golden, flaky, and crisp. Then you spread on a creamy ricotta and parmesan layer with lemon zest.
Blanched asparagus lays on top in neat rows, so it looks restaurant-ready. A final sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts adds buttery crunch and extra wow. It tastes bright, savory, and lightly cheesy, with crisp edges in every bite.
This is perfect for brunch or a lighter dinner when you want something special without a big roast.
13. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are the cozy vegetarian Easter main that everyone loves. Jumbo shells hold a creamy three-cheese filling with quick sautéed spinach and fresh basil. Then marinara bakes around them, so every bite tastes saucy and comforting.
The top turns bubbly and lightly golden, which feels extra festive. This dish fits Easter because it is easy to prep ahead, then bake while you chat. It also serves cleanly, so plating feels simple.
Pair it with a crisp spring salad, and you get the perfect rich plus fresh balance.
14. Spring Vegetable Lasagna
This spring vegetable lasagne feels like a holiday main, but it stays fresh and green. A creamy white sauce coats tender layers of lasagne sheets. Asparagus, zucchini ribbons, and green onions bring bright spring flavor.
Spinach adds a soft, savory bite, while peas pop with sweetness. Ricotta makes it rich, yet still light enough for Easter. Roma tomatoes and basil on top keep it colorful and vibrant.
It bakes until golden and bubbly, then slices neatly for a crowd. Serve it with a lemony salad, and dinner feels special without meat.
15. Make-ahead braised lamb
These slow-braised lamb shanks are the Easter main for cozy, sit-down dinners. You brown the shanks first, so the flavor starts deep and savory. Then onion, carrot, celery, and garlic melt into a fragrant base.
Red wine and stock simmer into a rich sauce, while herbs and tomato paste add warmth. After a low, slow braise, the meat turns fall-apart tender and succulent.
This is perfect when you want a showstopper that mostly cooks itself. Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta, then spoon the glossy sauce on top.
16. Pot roast with carrots and onions
This classic pot roast is comfort food that feels holiday-worthy for Easter. Chuck roast cooks low and slow until it turns melt-in-your-mouth tender. Potatoes and carrots soak up the rich broth, so every bite feels cozy and satisfying.
Red wine deglazes the pot, adding deep, savory flavor to the sauce. It is also wonderfully hands-off, which helps when you are hosting. I love it for a relaxed Easter dinner with friends, especially on a cooler spring evening.
Serve it straight from the Dutch oven, then add a bright green salad for balance.