Brian Nagele
Easter is a time to enjoy great food with loved ones, and no meal is complete without the perfect side dishes. A good selection of sides adds variety, texture, and flavor to your holiday spread. Whether you prefer light and fresh options or something heartier, the right choices can make your table more inviting. The best part is that many side dishes are easy to prepare, making your Easter meal stress-free. In this article, we’ll share some of the best Easter side dishes that will complement any main course and bring a delicious touch to your holiday gathering.
Easter Deviled Eggs
Easter Deviled Eggs are a perfect addition to your holiday spread, complementing the main course with their creamy texture and savory flavor. These bite-sized treats are simple to prepare and bring a festive touch to any table. Their rich, smooth filling offers a delightful contrast to the slightly tangy egg whites, making them a hit with guests of all ages.
What’s great about Easter Deviled Eggs is their versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit different tastes, from classic mustard and mayo to more adventurous flavor combinations. This makes them a fantastic option for varying preferences during your Easter meal.
They’re also easy to make ahead of time, which helps reduce the pressure on the big day. Easter Deviled Eggs can be served as an appetizer, a side, or even a snack, bringing joy and color to your meal.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed Carrots are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that adds a perfect touch of color to your Easter table. Their tender texture and glossy finish make them both visually appealing and a flavorful addition to any meal. The subtle sweetness from the glaze enhances the natural flavor of the carrots, making them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
These carrots can be prepared with just a few ingredients, making them a stress-free choice for busy cooks. The glaze, made with a blend of butter, brown sugar, and seasonings, brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness, creating a balance between rich and fresh flavors.
Glazed Carrots are not only simple to make but also versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or something that pairs well with a variety of main dishes, this option is a perfect choice. Their bright color and satisfying taste will surely enhance your Easter meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a wonderfully earthy and flavorful side dish that brings a comforting yet fresh element to your Easter meal. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and creamy. Their warm, golden-brown color adds a vibrant touch to your holiday spread.
These sweet potatoes are simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper. With a roasting time that allows you to focus on other tasks, they’re a practical yet delicious addition to your holiday table.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes can easily complement a wide range of main dishes, from ham to roasted meats. Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them a satisfying and balanced side. Whether you prefer them plain or with a sprinkle of herbs, they’re sure to be a hit with your guests this Easter.
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a rich and comforting side dish that adds a creamy, slightly sweet touch to your Easter spread. This dish combines tender corn with a velvety cream sauce, creating a smooth and satisfying texture. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream, making it an irresistible option for your holiday meal.
This dish is also quick and easy to prepare, which is ideal for busy cooks looking to add a comforting side without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, creamed corn becomes a flavorful accompaniment to any main course.
Creamed Corn can be served as a side to balance out savory or tangy dishes, offering a wonderful contrast in flavor. Its comforting nature makes it a favorite for family gatherings, and it’s sure to please both adults and children at your Easter feast.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach is a classic side dish that adds a creamy, rich texture to your Easter meal. The smooth sauce combined with tender spinach creates a comforting and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with various main courses. Its mild, earthy taste brings balance to your holiday spread, making it a favorite among many.
What makes this dish so appealing is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can easily transform spinach into a decadent side. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead, helping you stay organized while still offering a dish that feels indulgent.
Creamed Spinach works well alongside roasted meats or other savory sides, offering a satisfying contrast in both flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small family meal, it’s a versatile and delicious choice for any Easter feast.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a must-have side dish for your Easter meal. Their smooth, velvety texture makes them the perfect comfort food, complementing any main course with ease. The richness of the cream and butter combined with the soft, fluffy potatoes creates a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with different seasonings to match your taste. Whether you like them with garlic, herbs, or a touch of cheese, creamy mashed potatoes offer endless possibilities for variety. They’re also simple enough to make ahead of time, saving you valuable time on the holiday.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes pair well with just about any main dish, from roast lamb to baked ham. Their smooth texture and comforting flavor make them a staple side that brings warmth and satisfaction to your Easter feast.
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic addition to any Easter spread. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and crispy edges, offering a delightful contrast to other side dishes. The rich, caramelized flavor of these sprouts makes them a crowd favorite, even for those who may not typically enjoy them.
Simple to prepare, this dish requires minimal ingredients, yet it delivers bold taste with every bite. Roasting them at the right temperature ensures a perfectly golden finish.
These Brussels sprouts pair effortlessly with both light and hearty main dishes, providing a balanced and delicious option for your holiday meal.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Easter gatherings. Its creamy texture and crunchy vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday meal. The mix of tender pasta and a tangy, creamy dressing creates a satisfying dish that complements the richness of your main course.
With ingredients like mayo, mustard, and fresh vegetables, macaroni salad is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, saving you time on the day of your celebration. It’s versatile, too, as you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
This dish pairs wonderfully with both light and hearty mains, offering a cool, satisfying contrast to roasted meats or other warm sides. Macaroni Salad is a great choice for adding variety and texture to your Easter spread.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is a crisp and flavorful side dish that adds a refreshing touch to your Easter meal. The mix of fresh broccoli, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Easy to prepare and customizable, Broccoli Salad can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. The combination of raw vegetables with a rich dressing ensures a refreshing yet hearty addition to your holiday spread.
This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, offering a light and crunchy contrast to roasted meats or other rich sides. Broccoli Salad is a healthy and delicious option for any Easter celebration.
Cucumber Dill Salad
Cucumber Dill Salad is a crisp and refreshing side dish that brings a cool burst of flavor to your Easter meal. The combination of crunchy cucumbers and tangy dill creates a light yet satisfying taste that balances well with richer dishes.
The dressing adds a zesty touch, with a perfect blend of creaminess and tang. The fresh dill enhances the natural sweetness of the cucumbers, making each bite burst with flavor.
This salad pairs effortlessly with savory main courses, offering a refreshing contrast. It’s a delightful side that brightens up your Easter spread with its clean, vibrant taste.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a savory and rich side dish that will elevate your Easter meal. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms blends perfectly with the rich garlic butter sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination. Each bite is filled with deep, aromatic flavors that bring a satisfying depth to the table.
The garlic butter coating enhances the mushrooms’ natural umami, while the roasting process creates a slightly crispy texture on the edges. This contrast makes for a dish that is both tender and full of flavor.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms pair beautifully with roasted meats or other rich sides, offering a savory, aromatic complement to your holiday spread.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy side dish that will bring comfort and warmth to your Easter meal. The rich, melted cheese coats each tender pasta piece, creating a satisfying, indulgent flavor in every bite. The golden, crispy top adds a delightful texture, making this dish a favorite for guests of all ages.
This dish is simple to make yet delivers a hearty, comforting taste that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The baked version allows the cheese to meld together perfectly, giving it that signature gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is an ideal side to serve alongside meats or vegetables. It provides a rich and flavorful addition to your holiday spread, ensuring a delicious and comforting meal.
Cranberry Coleslaw
Cranberry Coleslaw brings a unique and tangy twist to your Easter spread. The crisp cabbage mixed with the tart sweetness of cranberries creates an exciting balance of flavors and textures. Tossed in a creamy dressing, it offers a refreshing, slightly sweet kick that pairs perfectly with savory main dishes.
This slaw is a simple yet vibrant addition to your meal. The combination of fresh ingredients, including the pop of cranberries, creates a delightful contrast to heavier sides. Its light, crunchy texture is sure to please guests of all ages.
Cranberry Coleslaw works wonderfully alongside roasted meats or grilled dishes, offering a refreshing balance that brightens up your Easter feast. Its crispness and tangy flavor make it a memorable side for any occasion.
Spring Pea Risotto
Spring Pea Risotto is a fresh and creamy side dish that brings the bright flavors of spring to your Easter meal. The smooth, rich risotto base pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the peas, creating a well-balanced dish that’s both comforting and light.
The slow-cooked rice absorbs the flavors of the peas, while the creamy texture adds a luxurious feel to each bite. This dish offers a delicious contrast to heavier sides, and the peas add a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the risotto.
Spring Pea Risotto pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, offering a creamy yet fresh addition to your Easter spread. Its bright, satisfying flavors make it a standout side that adds depth to any holiday meal.
Peas and Pancetta
Peas and Pancetta is a savory, satisfying side that combines the natural sweetness of peas with the rich, smoky flavor of pancetta. The crisp pancetta adds a delightful saltiness, perfectly balancing the freshness of the peas. Together, they create a simple yet flavorful dish that enhances the overall meal.
The slight crunch of the pancetta contrasts nicely with the soft, tender peas, making each bite a delicious combination of textures. The savory notes from the pancetta bring out the sweetness of the peas, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and light.
Peas and Pancetta is a perfect side for Easter, as it pairs beautifully with roasted meats and other hearty dishes. The balance of savory, sweet, and smoky notes will complement any main course, offering a rich yet refreshing addition to your holiday spread.
Crispy Onion Rings
Crispy Onion Rings are a delightful and crunchy side dish that adds a perfect touch to your Easter spread. The golden, crispy batter gives each ring a satisfying crunch, while the sweetness of the onions inside creates a nice contrast. Every bite is a delicious combination of light, crispy coating and tender onion flavor.
The flavor profile of these onion rings is both savory and slightly sweet, making them an irresistible treat. Their crispy exterior adds texture, while the onion’s natural sweetness balances out the savory batter, making each bite enjoyable.
These onion rings pair beautifully with hearty main courses, providing a crunchy contrast to roasted meats or rich sides. Their crispy, savory flavor makes them a standout side that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Roasted Zucchini
Roasted Zucchini is a simple yet flavorful side that brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness. The roasting process caramelizes the zucchini, creating crispy edges while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This side dish is light but packed with flavor, making it a perfect complement to your Easter meal.
The charred exterior of the zucchini adds a savory depth, while the soft inside keeps the dish refreshing and satisfying. The natural flavors of the zucchini shine through, enhanced by the seasoning, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Roasted Zucchini pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Its lightness and savory flavor create a perfect balance with roasted meats, giving your Easter spread a bright, flavorful touch.
Maple Roasted Parsnips
Maple Roasted Parsnips offer a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will add depth to your Easter meal. The natural earthiness of the parsnips is beautifully enhanced by the rich sweetness of maple syrup, creating a dish that’s both comforting and slightly sweet.
Roasting brings out the parsnips’ natural flavors, giving them a soft, tender inside with a slightly caramelized exterior. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the mild, nutty flavor of the parsnips.
These maple-roasted parsnips pair wonderfully with roasted meats, offering a warm, sweet contrast to richer main dishes. Their delicious combination of flavors makes them a standout side for your holiday feast.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower is a wonderfully savory side dish that brings rich flavor and texture to your Easter table. As it roasts, the cauliflower becomes tender with slightly crispy edges, developing a natural sweetness that complements its mild, earthy flavor.
The roasting process enhances its savory taste, making each bite satisfyingly rich and full of depth. A simple seasoning brings out its best, creating a perfect balance of crispy and soft textures that’s sure to please.
Roasted Cauliflower pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and other hearty dishes. Its mild flavor and satisfying texture make it an ideal complement to your holiday meal.
Sautéed Asparagus
Sautéed Asparagus is a versatile side that enhances any Easter feast with its fresh, light taste. The quick sauté process allows the asparagus to retain its crisp texture while soaking up the subtle flavors from the seasoning, creating a tender yet slightly crunchy bite.
The natural flavor of asparagus shines through, with just the right amount of seasoning to bring out its earthy taste. The result is a vibrant, refreshing dish that adds depth to your spread.
This sautéed vegetable pairs effortlessly with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to baked dishes, offering a bright and satisfying balance to the meal.
