These Easter Side Dishes Will Have Everyone Coming Back for Seconds
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As much as we love a big, glazed ham, everyone knows that the key to planning the perfect Easter menu is incorporating a few Easter side dishes to balance out the meal. Who are we kidding—the sides are one of the best parts! "You can never have too many sides,” Ree Drummond says. In fact, you’ll want to pick and choose a few different sides for ham or lamb chops from the list below. Everything is covered in this Easter roundup—hearty potatoes, asparagus recipes, seasonal salads, and even a few bread basket ideas. And don’t forget that Easter is the perfect time to highlight all the glorious garden-fresh veggies!
If you're looking for traditional Easter foods, you'll love the scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and Ree Drummond's pea salad that she remembers eating as a kid. But there are also some fresh spring recipes and creative side dishes worth trying, too! Check out the air fryer asparagus, spinach-feta buns, BLT pasta salad for a fun twist. Whether you need a side dish for your Easter dinner menu or brunch menu, these easy recipes will add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your holiday feast. Just be sure to save some room for those scrumptious Easter desserts.
Radish Salad
This side salad is refreshingly crisp, herbaceous, and easy to make on Sunday afternoon. It's a no brainer for any brunch, lunch, or even dinner menu come spring.
Get the Radish Salad recipe.
Pasta with Peas
This is the kind of pasta dish that anyone in the family would love. Even picky eaters won't be able to resist the creamy, cheesy sauce and pops of fresh peas and crispy bacon.
Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.
Asparagus Quiche
A spring quiche is hearty enough to act as a main course for the vegetarians at your table, but it would also make for a lovely side dish next to your holiday ham. Either way, you'll want a slice with plenty of asparagus, green onions, and feta cheese.
Get the Asparagus Quiche recipe.
Waldorf Salad
This salad is crunchy, sweet in flavor, and sophisticated. Basically, it's perfect for a holiday celebration. Serve it up in a bowl for scooping or over a bed of leafy greens for even more elegance.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
Squash Casserole
This old-school Southern dish will add instant comfort to your Easter meal. The best part is the buttery cracker topping!
Get the Squash Casserole recipe.
Mushroom Gravy
Serving biscuits or mashed potatoes? You'll want to have this savory mushroom gravy to pour over the top! It's vegetarian-friendly, too.
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Paska Bread
Who needs a bread basket when you can serve this over-the-top bread as the crowning centerpiece on your holiday table! It has a three-strand braid and a glossy egg wash for a golden finish.
Get the Paska Bread recipe.
Garlic Green Beans
You can't be shy with the garlic in this dish! It's the flavor-enhancing ingredient that takes the green beans from simple to stunning.
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are extra-devilish thanks to the spicy horseradish kick. If that weren't enough, there's also a few dashes of hot sauce and bbq potato chips on top for added crunch.
Get Ree's Horseradish Deviled Eggs recipe.
Gnocchi Alfredo with Peas
Ree calls the combination of gnocchi and peas a "match made in heaven!" It's a creamy and sweet twist on peas and potatoes.
Get Ree's Gnocchi Alfredo with Peas recipe.
Sautéed Asparagus
Ah, asparagus! Those tender green spears are one of the first signs of spring so they're perfect for brightening up your Easter table. Here, the veggies shine with just a simple seasoning of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dusting of parmesan cheese for good measure.
Get the Sautéed Asparagus recipe.
Candied Carrots
Thanks to the brown sugar glaze, these carrots will have every bunny hopping for joy! The classic spring dish is ready in just 20 minutes.
Get Ree's Candied Carrots recipe.
Egg Salad
You can make this classic egg salad ahead of your Easter brunch or lunch. It'll stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge.
Get the Egg Salad recipe.
Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
These are not your average biscuits! They're dressed up for the holidays with a pretty herb garnish and ranch-flavored butter that you'll want to slather over everything.
Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
When your oven and stovetop are working overtime during the holidays, this Crock-Pot recipe will come in handy! It makes the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese.
Get Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Just like a tuna noodle casserole, this recipe is loaded with albacore tuna, green peas, and even potato chips. But the lightened-up version is made in the form of a pasta salad rather than a baked dish.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas
These seasonal sugar snap peas don't need much to make them shine. Just a quick sauté and a simple butter lemon sauce. Add some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Get the Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas recipe.
Deviled Eggs
You can't go wrong with deviled eggs on Easter. Whether you serve them up for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, they're guaranteed to be gobbled up by everyone seated at the table.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts
Colorful spring radishes are the center of attention thanks to these pretty puff pastry tarts. But making them is easier than you might think.
Get the Upside-Down Puff Pastry Radish Tarts recipe.
Couscous Salad
Fluffy couscous makes the perfect base for this potluck-friendly salad! The colorful cherry tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and pop of pomegranate seeds make it all the more enticing.
Get the Couscous Salad recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Save yourself some time and oven space by using your slow cooker to make a few Easter sides! Here, the handy kitchen appliance will make green beans perfectly tender with tomatoes and smoky bacon.
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Greek Lemon Potatoes
You don't need to be serving lamb to make this classic Greek dish. However, they do happen to taste delicious alongside a big holiday roast or even lamb burgers.
Get the Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe.
Collard Greens
This recipe for collard greens uses tender, meaty smoked turkey legs, but you can also uses smoked ham hocks. Either way, they're a delicious taste of the South, especially when you pair it with a basket of cornbread.
Get the Collard Greens recipe.
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
If you've never worked with phyllo dough, don't worry! This recipe shows just how easy it is and just how delicious it can be in a homemade spinach pie.
Get the Spanakopita recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
This foolproof cornbread is made in a cast-iron skillet so it has those crispy edges you know and love.
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Air Fryer Snap Peas
Come springtime, we love sugar snap peas any which way. But if you've never tried making them in your air fryer before, you're in for a treat! They get extra crisp and flavorful thanks to fresh oregano and grated parmesan cheese.
Get Ree's Air Fryer Snap Peas recipe.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This side dish is loaded with creamy potatoes, sour cream, pickles, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and bacon. If that doesn't convince you to make it, we don't know what will!
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
Carrot Salad
The combination of carrots, apples, and raisins will make your heart sing! It's perfect for lunch, brunch, or Easter dinner.
Get the Carrot Salad recipe.
Ranch Potatoes
Crispy potatoes are always delicious, but ranch seasoning and they'll become a new family favorite! You can even serve them up over buttermilk ranch dressing.
Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.
Strawberry Arugula Salad
Nothing says springtime quite like a fresh arugula salad with sweet berries. The toasted pecans and salty feta are an added bonus!
Get the Strawberry Arugula Salad recipe.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Give your tender asparagus spears texture and flavor by wrapping them up in slices of prosciutto. It's similar to bacon, but will feel even more elegant for the holidays.
Get the Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus recipe.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Easter candy is great, but candied sweet potatoes are even better! Trust us, you'll want a second serving of these sweet and comforting delights!
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken salad meets pasta salad in this fun side dish mash-up. It's loaded with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and lots of fresh herbs.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
Grilled Asparagus
Looking to take your Easter meal outdoors? Try making everyone's favorite spring veggie right on the grill! It adds a unique charred element you never knew you needed.
Get the Grilled Asparagus recipe.
Perfect Potatoes au Gratin
There's a reason why Ree calls this side dish "perfect!" It's creamy, comforting, and delicious alongside just about any main course (ham included!).
Get Ree's Perfect Potatoes au Gratin recipe.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
It doesn't get easier than this creamy pasta salad. The simple mix-ins include shredded carrot, crunchy celery, and onion, but you can also add chopped hard boiled eggs or pickles if that's your thing!
Get the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe.
Green Bean Salad
You only need 20 minutes to make this colorful salad loaded with crisp green beans, salty olives, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese! Even the French-style vinaigrette is shaken up in a mason jar to make it even easier.
Get the Green Bean Salad recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
Fettuccine and asparagus are the stars of this springy pasta recipe. It can work as either a hearty side or even another main course along with your holiday ham.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Red Potato Salad
Small red potatoes are boiled until creamy, then tossed with an herby dressing and crispy bacon pieces for this classic side dish.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
The combination of bacon, ranch, and pasta makes this a winning recipe all around! Your friends and family will thank you!
Get the Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.
Jalapeño Cornbread
If you like your foods with a spicy kick, try adding sliced jalapeños to a classic skillet cornbread. You'll wonder why you've never done it before!
Get Ree's Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
This dish is simple, but that's what makes it so great! We've got an easy method for making roasted cauliflower perfect every time.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy, comforting, elegant, and all made in your slow cooker! This potato recipe is basically the perfect dish.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Butter, maple syrup, and fresh thyme give this simple side dish a ton of flavor. Plus, the shallots get tender and caramelized in the oven!
Get Ree's Maple-Glazed Carrots recipe.
Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage isn't just for St. Paddy's Day! You can keep this popular, bacon-infused dish going through Easter, too.
Get the Fried Cabbage recipe.
Spinach Casserole
A make-ahead casserole recipe (like this spinach version) is great for when you have a big menu to plan. You can prep the spinach filling and refrigerate the night before, then top with the crispy onions just before baking.
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
Watercress Salad
Watercress isn't your average leafy green. It's bright, peppery, and delicious come springtime! It also pairs well with the crunchy radish and fennel in this salad.
Get Ree's Watercress Salad recipe.
Ciabatta
Easter is a special occasion so it's worthy of a special bread! Give this homemade ciabatta loaf a try, then serve it up with thick slices of ham.
Get the Ciabatta recipe.
Chickpea Salad
Pop open a can of chickpeas and chop up some fresh veggies to make this crowd-pleasing salad. You can make it ahead of time similar to any marinated bean salad, but just be sure to keep the avocado and basil on the side until you're ready to serve.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Give this classic holiday side a fire-y kick by adding flavorful Cajun seasoning and hot sauce! It's great for a family who isn't afraid of a little spice.
Get Ree's Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Give your oven (or stovetop) a break this Easter and make asparagus in your air fryer instead! It comes out extra-crispy every time.
Get the Air Fryer Asparagus recipe.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This classic potluck recipe will be a hit with everyone at your Easter table, especially if they're a fan of pickles and cheese! Oh, and pasta!
Get the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Whether you're serving brunch or dinner, these homemade biscuits are always a hit. If you want to add some sweetness, serve them up with butter and a drizzle of honey.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
Sweet Potato Hash
If a potato hash is popular in your household, consider this twist made with sweet potatoes instead! They're bright and colorful with a natural sweetness and smoky flavor thanks to the bacon.
Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe.
Potato Galette
This is one of the most impressive ways to serve hash browns at your Easter brunch. Cut it into wedges so everyone get a slice of the crunchy goodness.
Get the Potato Galette recipe.
Succotash
The combination of lima beans and fresh veggies makes this Southern staple hearty enough for a Vegetarian Easter dinner menu. Just be sure to swap the chicken stock for veggie stock if you prefer.
Get the Succotash recipe.
Creamed Peas
Creamed peas are an old-school favorite for a reason! They're comforting, quick, and topped with as many crispy fried onions as your heart desires.
Get the Creamed Peas recipe.
Cucumber Salad
Crisp, cool cucumbers are the star of this simple salad. Look for English or Persian cucumbers which have thinner, more tender skin.
Get the Cucumber Salad recipe.
Grilled Potatoes
Placing the red baby potatoes onto wooden skewers helps to keep them from rolling around the grill. And it makes for a cute presentation.
Get the Grilled Potatoes recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Having a few simple sides on your holiday menu will help keep the day a bit easier. Try this recipe for green beans that only takes 15 minutes to make.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Broccoli Salad
This crunchy salad is loaded with tasty mix-ins like dried cranberries, shredded cheese, and bacon. It gives sweet, smokey, and savory flavor that everyone will love.
Get the Broccoli Salad recipe.
Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
Take creamy mashed potatoes to a whole new level with this spicy, cheesy variation. The kick comes from cayenne pepper, chili powder, and pepper jack cheese.
Get Ree's Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Lemon Roasted Asparagus
Homemade lemon salt is the secret to this side dish. Simply let your fresh grated lemon zest air-dry, then mix it together with kosher salt for a flavorful seasoning blend.
Get Ree's Lemon Roasted Asparagus recipe.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is so simple and fresh; plus, it only takes ten minutes to make! Add the citrusy lemon-poppy seed dressing for extra bright flavor.
Get the Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Cheddar and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
To make these creamy mashed potatoes even better, they're loaded with lots of cheese. Use any cheese that melts easily like cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or fontina.
Get Ree's Cheddar and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
You can't go wrong with a comforting casserole dish—especially when it involved mashed potatoes, cheese, and bacon!
Get the Twice-Baked Potato Casserole recipe.
Carrot Tart
This gorgeous side dish looks elegant but it's surprisingly easy to make. The trick is using thawed puff pastry and a package of store-bought garlic and herb spreadable cheese.
Get the Carrot Tart recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
Whether you're having an Easter picnic outdoors or a holiday feast at the dining room table, this pasta salad is a welcome addition. It's loaded with fun mix-ins and great for making ahead.
Get the Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble
Transform your roasted vegetables by topping them with a sweet and smoky pecan crumble. It's perfect for a Southern-inspired holiday menu.
Get Ree's Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble recipe.
Cauliflower Gratin
Looking to lighten things up for spring? While this cauliflower gratin still has plenty of creamy cheese sauce, it swaps out starchy potatoes in favor of cauliflower.
Get Ree's Cauliflower Gratin recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
This is just the way we like our pasta salads... with plenty of hearty mix-ins! Mozzarella pearls, diced salami, olives, and veggies, to name a few.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Cheesy Asparagus Tart
With seasonal asparagus, leeks, and two types of cheese, this stunning tart is sure to be a hit. And it may even take the spotlight from your main course!
Get Ree's Cheesy Asparagus Tart recipe.
Baked Gnocchi Alfredo
Creamy, cheesy, and slightly more elegant than your typical mac and cheese—this casserole recipe is perfect for a special Easter dinner.
Get the Baked Gnocchi Alfredo recipe.
Creamy Pasta Primavera
This pasta recipe is both comforting and fresh all at the same time. Load it up with spring produce like asparagus, snap peas, parsley, and mint.
Get Ree's Creamy Pasta Primavera recipe.
Air Fryer Potatoes
Your oven will likely be doing double time during the holidays, so when it comes to making Easter sides, put your air fryer to work instead! It'll make the crispiest potatoes.
Get the Air Fryer Potatoes recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
It doesn't get more comforting than this creamy casserole dish—it's one of the Drummond kids' favorites! The key is to slice the potatoes extra thin—use a mandoline (carefully) if you have one or invest in a sharp knife.
Get Ree's Scalloped Potatoes and Ham recipe.
Slice-Baked Potatoes
These potato rounds are delicious no matter how you slice it. (See what we did there?) But they really are that good!
Get Ree's Slice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
Classic Three-Bean Salad
This colorful salad uses a combination of fresh and canned beans, so it's full of flavor and texture while still being easy to toss together.
Get the Classic Three-Bean Salad recipe.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Get creative with your baked sweet potatoes: add a touch of honey for a sweet twist or go all-out savory with sour cream and bacon. Either way, you can't go wrong!
Get the Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Skillet Biscuits with Cinnamon-Honey Butter
Use a cast iron skillet to give these biscuits a beautiful crust, then serve them right in the pan for easy clean-up. The cinnamon-honey butter makes them perfect for Easter brunch.
Get Ree's Skillet Biscuits with Cinnamon-Honey Butter recipe.
Duchess Potatoes
These pretty dollops of mashed potato might look fancy, but they're surprisingly easy to make. Try them for a special occasion like Easter dinner!
Get Ree's Duchess Potatoes recipe.
Greek Salad
Loaded salads are the best kind of salads. And this Greek salad is no exception—it has crunchy veggies, olives, red onion, and feta.
Get Ree's Greek Salad recipe.
Pea Salad
Ree Drummond always enjoyed this simple salad as a kid on Easter—and she still loves it every bit as much today. You can toss everything together in the morning, then serve it up whenever guests arrive.
Get Ree's Pea Salad recipe.
Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
The combination of honey and butter gives these root vegetables a sweet glaze, while the fresh thyme adds a bit of savory goodness. It's an impressive and tasty side dish.
Get Ree's Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips recipe.
Skillet Dinner Rolls with Garlic-Herb Butter
There’s nothing quite like fresh baked dinner rolls right out of the oven. The best part about this recipe is there’s no kneading required! Brush them with melted garlic-herb butter and watch them get devoured.
Get Ree's Skillet Dinner Rolls with Garlic-Herb Butter recipe.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a tried-and-true side for any holiday meal. You can use all cheddar cheese or switch it up and try a combination of cheddar, jack, and fontina.
Get Ree's Mac and Cheese recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a tradition on Thanksgiving, but this twist on the classic is perfect for Easter. It features creamy cheddar cheese, pimentos, and crisp bits of bacon.
Get Ree's Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Looking to save time cooking and cleaning? Make these buttery mashed potatoes right in your Instant Pot. It’s the holiday time-saver we never knew we needed.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Arugula and Three-Pea Salad
Not one, not two, but three types of peas can be found in this springy salad. It’s a fresh, green addition to any holiday table.
Get Ree's Arugula and Three-Pea Salad recipe.
Ravioli Primavera
Serve this pesto pasta as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish alongside ham. Either way, it’s perfect for spring!
Get Ree's Ravioli Primavera recipe.
Whipped Deviled Eggs with Dill
The Drummond family always has deviled eggs on Easter. Whether you serve these as an appetizer or side, they’re the perfect accompaniment for your holiday table.
Get Ree's Whipped Deviled Eggs with Dill recipe.
Spring Salad with Radishes
Ree’s Aunt Trish came up with the dressing for this salad and we could put it on just about anything. The combination of parmesan, paprika, and garlic is so flavorful.
Get Ree's Spring Salad with Radishes recipe.
Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread
A cast iron skillet gives this flavor-packed cornbread the crispy edges we love. Cook the bacon right in the skillet, then use the same pan to make the cornbread.
Get Ree's Bacon-Cheddar Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Creamy Potatoes with Chives
Slice the potatoes with a mandoline or as thinly as possible—this will help them soften for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Just be careful when using a mandoline—it’s super sharp!
Get Ree's Creamy Potatoes with Chives recipe.
Layered Salad
This make-ahead salad can easily be customized with your favorite veggies, but you won't want to miss the layer of hard boiled eggs and bacon. It's truly magnificent!
Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.
Pepper-Parmesan Biscuits
Impress all your guests with these not-so-average biscuits—they’re savory, peppery, and perfect for Easter brunch.
Get Ree's Pepper-Parmesan Biscuits recipe.
Roasted Carrots with Spring Pesto
Swap out regular pesto for this spring-inspired version that's made with fresh mint, parsley, and toasted almonds.
Get Ree's Roasted Carrots with Spring Pesto recipe.
Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise
Hollandaise can be an intimidating sauce to make, but this foolproof version is made right in a blender for easy prep work (no whisking required).
Get Ree's Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise recipe.
Twice-Baked Potatoes
There's nothing fussy about this classic potato recipe, but that's precisely why it's so great!
Get Ree's Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes
This method for roasting potatoes ensures flavor in every bite. The small slits allow the spuds to soak up all the buttery, herby flavors.
Get Ree's Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes recipe.
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