Easter recipes: 10 Easy Dishes for a Festive Brunch

Easter is not just a celebration of renewal and rebirth; it’s also an opportunity to gather with family and friends over a delightful brunch. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate get-together, planning a festive brunch with delicious Easter recipes can make the day special. In this article, we’ll provide you with ten easy dishes that are perfect for your Easter menu. From savory quiches to sweet pastries, these recipes are sure to impress.

The Importance of Easter Brunch

Easter brunch is a cherished tradition for many families. It’s a moment to unwind, enjoy each other’s company, and indulge in a variety of delectable dishes. The food served during this meal often reflects the spirit of spring, featuring fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and, of course, a nod to traditional Easter symbols like eggs and lamb.

Let’s dive into some scrumptious Easter recipes that will elevate your brunch experience!

1. Classic Quiche Lorraine

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss)
• 1 cup diced bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy; let it cool and crumble.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer the pie crust with crumbled bacon and cheese, then pour the egg mixture on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This quiche is a wonderful way to start your brunch and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!

2. Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and egg.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

These moist and tangy muffins are a delightful addition to any Easter brunch.

3. Spring Vegetable Frittata

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup cooked and chopped asparagus
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté the vegetables until soft.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and pepper, then pour over the vegetables.
4. Cook for 5 minutes on the stovetop before transferring to the oven for 15-20 minutes.
5. Sprinkle feta cheese on top and serve warm.

This frittata incorporates the freshness of spring and is packed with nutritious vegetables.

4. Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• Cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, and mustard to create a glaze.
3. Score the surface of the ham and stud it with cloves if desired.
4. Brush with glaze and place in the oven, basting every 20 minutes, for about 1.5 hours.

The sweetness of the glaze perfectly complements the savory flavor of the ham, making it a centerpiece for your Easter table.

5. Citrus Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 grapefruits, segmented
• 2 oranges, segmented
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the citrus segments in a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and honey.
3. Toss gently and garnish with fresh mint before serving.

This refreshing citrus salad adds a vibrant touch to your brunch and balances out the heavier dishes.

6. Sweet Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add sweet potatoes and cook until slightly tender.
3. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until everything is nicely browned.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

This savory dish provides a flavorful contrast to the sweet recipes in your brunch lineup.

7. Deviled Eggs with Avocado

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

1. Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half and remove yolks.
2. Mash yolks with avocado, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and sprinkle with paprika.

Deviled eggs are a classic party dish, and this recipe lightens it up with creamy avocado!

8. Mini Carrot Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cream cheese for frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini cake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add carrots, oil, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese.

These mini carrot cakes are not only adorable but are also a sweet way to celebrate Easter.

9. Chocolate Egg Nest Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• Candy eggs for decoration

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate and peanut butter together in a bowl.
2. Stir in coconut flakes and crushed graham crackers.
3. Form into nest shapes on a baking sheet and press a few candy eggs into each nest.
4. Let cool until set.

These fun cookies are perfect for kids and add an Easter-themed treat to your brunch table.

10. Mimosa Bar

Ingredients:

• Champagne or sparkling wine
• Assorted juices (orange, pineapple, cranberry)
• Fresh fruit for garnish (berries, citrus slices)

Instructions:

1. Set up a drink station with bottles of champagne and juices.
2. Provide glasses and fresh fruit for guests to create their own mimosas.

A mimosa bar is an interactive way to enhance your brunch and let guests customize their drinks!

Conclusion: Elevate Your Easter Brunch with These Recipes

Easter brunch is a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones and celebrate the season. With a variety of dishes from savory to sweet, these Easter recipes will ensure your table is filled with flavor, color, and joy. Whether you choose to make the Classic Quiche Lorraine or the delectable Chocolate Egg Nest Cookies, each dish adds a special touch to your brunch.

As you plan your Easter celebration, remember to incorporate seasonal ingredients and themes to make your menu even more festive. Happy cooking, and enjoy your brunch!