20 Appetizers For Easter That Will Start Your Holiday On a Delicious Note
Whether you’re serving brunch, lunch, or dinner, we’ve got you covered.
Victor Protasio
When it comes to crafting the perfect Easter meal, it all starts with the appetizer course. This is where you set the tone for the rest of the holiday feast (be it a brunch, lunch, or dinner) and it’s the first culinary impression you make on your Easter Sunday guests. No pressure, right?!
Since appetizers for Easter can be tricky to nail down, and can really depend on what you plan to serve for the main course, we’ve come up with a list of 20 Easter appetizers that work no matter what. Serving a classic lamb dish for dinner? You might consider starting the evening with an equally traditional platter of Cacio e Pepe Deviled Eggs. Need some vegetarian appetizers for those meat-free guests at Easter brunch or lunch? Try Carrot Hummus or Whipped Ricotta Toasts. Keep reading for more Easter appetizer recipes that will start the holiday off just right!
Related: How to Glaze a Ham So the Meat Is Juicy and Flavorful
Smoked Gouda and Pepper Cheese Puffs
Everyone loves a cheese puff (or two) and these cheesy orbs of deliciousness will pair well with just about any main course. Each puff is packed with plenty of smoked Gouda and freshly ground black pepper, yielding a savory nibble your guests will enjoy. If you have any leftovers once your Easter meal is over, simply let them cool completely and freeze ‘em flat in a zip-top bag.
Cacio e Pepe Deviled Eggs
Greg Dupree
Start your Easter feast off with a classic recipe that includes a slight twist. Instead of preparing standard deviled eggs, you’ll make a few worthy, flavorful tweaks along the way. Go ahead and mix the hard-cooked egg yolks with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and add in plenty of umami-packed cheese and fresh pepper.
Carrot Hummus
True, carrots aren't what we usually think of as a base for hummus, but they bring so much more vibrant color than chickpeas do, and are perfect for an Easter spread. To make this version, whiz cooked carrots in a food processor with tahini, lemon juice, and garlicky olive oil. For dippers, we recommend pita chips, almond crackers, blanched spring green beans, and radishes.
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Greg DuPree
Cauliflower rice and collard greens are the base of this refreshing salad, which calls for an entire can of black-eyed peas. Inside this satiating recipe you’ll also find juicy cherry tomatoes and ready-to-eat Canadian bacon, yielding a balanced dish that works well as a celebratory appetizer. This recipe makes four servings, but simply double it if you need more.
Hot Honey Lamb Meatballs
Lamb is an Easter star for many, but if you’ve opted to serve something else for the main course this year, this 35-minute appetizer is a great way to still work the versatile protein into your holiday spread. The star here is the sweet-and-spicy glaze, which is made with a bold mixture of sriracha, honey, and ground coriander. This recipe will leave you with 50 meatballs, which should be plenty for your Easter guests.
Easter Bread
This colorful, celebratory bread is a tradition in Greek and Italian households on Easter. If you’re unfamiliar with the pastry, it’s basically a braided bread that we’ve stuffed with orange zest and rum-soaked dried fruit. As you can see, the bread also includes dyed eggs for a fun pop of color, but feel free to remove them before slicing.
Crab Cake Sliders With Capers
If you like crab cakes, we guarantee you’ll enjoy these crab cake sliders. Perfect as an appetizer, each one is made with fresh lump crabmeat, saltine crackers, and mayonnaise, while a splash of vinegar and a shower of briny capers ties everything together.
Whipped Ricotta Toasts
One thing we love about slathering homemade whipped ricotta on a piece of crunchy toast is the dozens of toppings you can add to the mix. In the mood for something sweet? Sprinkle on a strawberry basil topping. Prefer a savory snack? We love a lemon pepper toast topper. For an Easter celebration, we recommend topping your whipped ricotta toasts with a variety of different foods so guests can choose for themselves.
Antipasto Salad
As the name implies, this appetizer is basically an antipasto platter in salad form. In addition to melon and prosciutto, you’ll find crisp Little Gem lettuce, buttery Castelvetrano olives, creamy burrata, and crunchy pistachios. Since this salad is so packed with flavor, the only dressing you need is a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Related: 30+ Easter Side Dishes That Will Go With Any Main Course
Harissa Carrot Soup
Victor Protasio
Carrot soup gets a flavorful upgrade courtesy of harissa in this recipe. The spiced red chili paste adds a subtle kick without being too overpowering, but the real secret here is the two cups of pasta water that get added to the broth. The starchy byproduct helps season the soup while also giving it more body. It’s a great Easter appetizer, no matter what you’re serving for the main course.
Grilled Asparagus and Hot Honey Flatbreads
While this flatbread can be a meal unto itself, it works as a sweet, savory, and spicy appetizer for your Easter meal, so long as you divide it into multiple pieces. The flatbread is topped with lemon-spiked ricotta, peppery arugula, crunchy pistachios, and grilled asparagus, as well as a drizzle of hot honey that ties everything together. Delicious!
Carrot-Ginger Dip
As you may have guessed, this bright dip gets its orange hue from a few large carrots—an Easter favorite. The carrots are cooked until tender with peppery ginger, and then pureed in a blender with maple syrup to add a subtle sweetness to the dip. Garlic adds kick, while olive oil lends depth and smooth texture. Garnish the final product with a bit of pickled ginger for a pop of freshness.
Roasted Carrot Salad
Greg Dupree
While this dish might be more at home as a side, it also works as an Easter-friendly appetizer. So, what’s in this vibrant salad? Rainbow carrots are roasted alongside shallots, thyme sprigs, and a touch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat. A sprinkle of lemon zest and a pinch of flaky sea salt add vibrancy and texture. Serve this prior to lamb, a roast chicken, or just about anything else, and you’re all set.
Pesto Egg Salad Toasts
CAITLIN BENSEL
Not a deviled egg fan? Try this elevated take on egg salad, which features a simple stir-together pesto and plenty of peppery arugula. To bump this dish up a notch, pile said egg salad onto high-quality crusty bread. We love this dish as a brunch appetizer, but it works before Easter dinner, too.
Glorious Green Dip
While dips may get a bad rap, this nutritious iteration combines decadent flavors with healthy spring vegetables and other ingredients. Start by charring scallions, which adds unparalleled depth of flavor and crowd-pleasing onion-y notes. Then, blend with fresh spinach, mild cannellini beans, punchy chives, and just enough mayonnaise to get that perfect creamy texture. A squeeze of lemon juice adds some zesty brightness. Serve with fresh veggies, chips, or whatever else you like to dip.
Smashed Pea and Ricotta Toasts
You can use frozen peas for these savory toasts, but since it’s spring and you’re celebrating Easter, we recommend opting for fresh peas if you can. The green orbs are mixed with fresh mint and joined by creamy ricotta cheese with a little lemon juice and salt atop perfectly toasted bread.
Caramelized Veggies With Poppy Seed Dressing
In this appetizer recipe, fresh rainbow carrots, vibrant beets, parsnips, and fennel get an upgrade courtesy of a punchy dressing made with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, poppy seeds, and olive oil. Don't forget the parsley topping for added freshness and a pop of color. A topping that includes fresh lemon zest, a shower of pine nuts, and a pinch of flaky sea salt ties the whole thing together.
Garlic Toast With Squash, Pesto, and Olive Oil-Braised Chickpeas
For a unique take on savory toasts, we love this squash, pesto, and braised chickpea number. This vegetarian dish calls for just 25 minutes of hands-on work, and shines with either homemade or store-bought pesto. Just don’t forget to braise the chickpeas in oil and garlic, as this makes them irresistibly scrumptious.
Related: 70+ Easy Easter Dinner Ideas That Are Celebration-Worthy
Spiced Carrot Salad
If you enjoy Moroccan carrot salad, give this recipe a whirl. It features plenty of carrots and sweet, citrus-plumped raisins. But that’s not all! It’s seasoned with a warm garlicky cumin-spiced oil for a spicy kick. Serve it alongside that spiced lamb you’re making for Easter dinner for a complete feast.
Tomato-Burrata Toasts
This appetizer is a classic for a reason, and it goes with just about anything. Opt for the juiciest tomatoes you can find, and don’t forget to rub the toast with a clove of garlic for even more flavor. Once each piece is assembled, go ahead and top with flaky salt, the oil from the tomato mixture, oregano leaves, and several grinds of pepper.
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