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    Home » Recipe Roundups » What To Cook For Easter Dinner Besides Ham

    Published: Apr 6, 2023 · Modified: May 3, 2023 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    What To Cook For Easter Dinner Besides Ham

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    Wondering what to cook for easter besides ham? well, I have just the best and easy alternative easter dinner ideas you, your family, and your guests would love. These recipes are perfect for any time of the year and would definitely be worth your time.

    Easter dinner ideas

    It is that time of the year when you start planning how to make the holiday dinner special or even how to beat yourself to last year's easter dinner. Well, we've all been there, if you are like me and you haven't planned anything yet and you want to make a good impression on the family then this collection of recipes will definitely do its job. No ham in sight here and these recipe alternatives will make your easter celebration special.

    These recipes are a no-brainer and you can easily source the ingredients. If you head out to the shops now, you can still make one or even a few of these delicious recipes. So no stress, keep calm, make a list and make it fun!

    Easter main dishes besides ham

    A little confession, I hardly or rarely cook ham, most ham you will see on my plate are mostly deli ham and I mostly use it for sandwiches. There are so many delicious Easter main dishes you can prepare that don't have to involve ham. The recipes below are easy, tried, and tested and you can be creative with is as well, you can't go wrong making any of these recipes.

    Roasted leg of lamb with gravy

    This is one of the most classic easter dishes out there and a great alternative to ham. You just need a good marinade that is made with simple herbs and aromatics you may likely have on hand. This recipe is 2-in-1, the delicious pan juice is turned into the best and most delicious lamb gravy you would ever make. This recipe is sure a keeper and would make an appearance again for your special occasions.

    Roast Leg Of Lamb With Gravy Recipe
    You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to make this tender and flavourful roast leg of lamb. This recipe requires a handful of pantry staple ingredients, patience, music of choice and love. Serve this roast leg of lamb with cubed potatoes, mash, mint sauce, vegetables and gravy made from the lamb dripping for your Sunday roast dinners or Easter.
    get this recipe
    roast leg of lam and gravy.

    Dutch oven whole chicken with vegetables

    Another classic dish that is sure to please. This one-pot wonder will give you a juicy succulent chicken and tender vegetables. If your family loves roasted chicken, this is definitely the recipe for them.

    Dutch oven Roast Chicken and Vegetables
    This Dutch oven roast chicken and veggies is going to become your family's favorite and best way to prepare chicken. Herby whole chicken is roasted over a bed of veggies until the skin is crispy and the meat tender and flavourful to the bones.
    get this recipe

    Slow roasted lamb shoulder

    If you are looking for something to cook other than the traditional leg of lamb or ham, then this is the one for you. Slow-roasting will give you a tender and flavorful lamb that melts in your mouth. The flavors in this dish are incredibly delicious! The slow process also allows all the flavors to develop fully giving you an amazingly juicy and delicious roast.

    Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder
    Slow roasted boneless lamb shoulder! This crowd-pleasing meat is slowly cooked to perfection in the oven, it is flavourful, tender and the meat literally melts in your mouth.
    get this recipe
    a pot of roast with a side of green sauce.

    Air fryer lamb chops

    This is a perfect recipe for you if you are only cooking for yourself or up to 4 people.  Air-frying lamb chops will give you a perfectly crisp outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and succulent. And since everything is cooked in one place, it's an easy cleanup as well!

    Air fryer lamb chops
    Did you know cooking lamb in the air fryer is a simple and quick task? The Lamb chops are Marinated in simple everyday spices and then cooked in the air fryer until tender and juicy just as the food gods recommend.
    get this recipe

    Pesto butter salmon

    This is an easy recipe and very tasty too, all you need to do is season a side of salmon with salt and pepper and smother it with homemade pesto butter then bake until cooked. This is a very healthy and delicious option for your easter dinner.

    Pesto Butter Salmon
    This baked pesto butter salmon is ready in 20 minutes, it is quick and easy, delicious, and packed with flavor! With only 4 ingredients it is an easy weeknight tender and flaky fish dinner the whole family would love.
    get this recipe
    freshly baked pesto salmon fillets in a baking sheet with a fork flaking the salmon fillet in the middle.

    Baked pork steak

    Simple ingredients but massive flavor. No cap, you will find yourself making this recipe over and over again, even after easter. It is so so good!

    Baked Pork Steak Recipe
    These easy oven-baked pork steaks are tender, juicy, and super easy to make. Ever wondered how to always cook boneless pork steak in the oven perfectly? You are in luckas this recipe Is what you need. The result is amazing, juicy, and delicious pork meat you will love.
    get this recipe
    Baked pork steak

    Baked cod with tomatoes

    Another main dish you will be glad you made. It is light, fresh and healthy, more importantly, the recipe is foolproof and your oven would do most of the job for you.

    Baked Cod with Tomatoes
    This baked cod with tomatoes is easy, and fool proof and its all done in a baking sheet in 30 minutes. Cod loin seasoned with homemade fish seasoning then baked on a bed of fresh tomatoes, garlic and shallots then baked until perfectly tender and juicy.
    get this recipe
    baked cod loin with tomatoes in a baking dish.

    Easter side dishes

    No roast dinner is complete without a side dish. Here are some easter dinner ideas that you can make to accompany your main dish.

    Garlic butter rice

    We can all agree that garlic and butter are food marriage made in heaven and this recipe is no exception. This buttery garlic rice will make a great accompaniment to any of your main dishes.

    Garlic Butter Rice
    Garlic butter rice is one of the simple rice recipes for dinner you can whip up in 30 minutes. This is an easy rice dish with few ingredients you may already have in your pantry. It is vegetarian and utterly delicious. Perfectly flavoured rice that tick all the boxes of deliciousness.
    get this recipe

    Air fryer asparagus

    Asparagus can be really boring but not with this parmesan air-fried asparagus! Cooking the asparagus in the air fryer with parmesan cheese takes the flavors up a notch making it the perfect side dish.

    How To Cook Asparagus In Air Fryer
    Learn how to cook asparagus in air fryer, this air fryer asparagus is tender-crisp, delicious, and ready in 8 minutes with a handful of ingredients. Let me show you how to make this delicious vegetable side dish.
    get this recipe
    cooked asparagus in air fryer basket garnised with parmesan cheese.
    • Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
    Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    Delicious creamy garlic mashed potatoes made with red potatoes. A perfect side dish recipe for busy weeknight’s dinner or Sunday roasts. Learn how to make the best garlic mashed potatoes with this easy recipe.
    get this recipe
    Creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
    • Mushroom gravy
    Mushroom Gravy Recipe
    Are you looking for a homemade mushroom gravy recipe that will have everyone savoring every drop of gravy on their plate? The one you can serve with everything and not just steak? This is it! loaded on the umami flavor, it is rich and delicious. let me show you how to make it easy steps.
    get this recipe
    a plate of mashed potatoes, pork chops and mushroom gravy.
    • Gravy without drippings
    Gravy Without Drippings Recipe
    This gravy without drippings recipe is a delicious, smooth, and velvety all-purpose gravy for your chicken, beef, pork, or even chips. Serve along with your favorite roasts at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Sunday dinners.
    get this recipe
    brown gravy in a gravy boat.

    Roasted root vegetables

    Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe
    Roasted root vegetables are an easy side dish made with a mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The vegetables are seasoned with my homemade vegetable seasoning and roasted on a sheet pan in the oven until caramelized and tender. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make and can be adapted using the vegetables you have on hand.
    get this recipe
    rpasted root vegetables, carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes on a white oval platter.
    • Roasted rainbow carrots
    Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe
    These roasted rainbow carrots make a delicious vegetable side dish on your Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, or daily dinner table. In fact, it is perfect all year round. Rainbow carrots tossed in olive oil honey and thyme and roasted until golden and tender.
    get this recipe
    roasted rainbow carrots on a serving spoon.
    • Boursin mashed cauliflower
    Boursin Mashed Cauliflower
    You only need 5 ingredients to make this ultra creamy and fluffy Boursin mashed cauliflower. Are you looking for a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to mashed potatoes? Look no further! This Boursin Mashed Cauliflower is the perfect side dish that you can serve for any occasion. It’s so easy to make and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
    get this recipe
    a bowl of cauliflower mash topped with melted butter and chives
    • Boursin mashed potatoes
    Boursin Mashed Potatoes
    This Boursin mashed potatoes is so good you could eat it as a meal on its own! Potatoes are mashed with creamy Boursin cheese, roasted garlic, and milk. This mashed potato recipe is ultra-creamy and full of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The perfect potato side dish for any meal!
    get this recipe
    a bowl of mashed potatoes drizzeld with melted butter.
    • Scalloped potatoes: this is the healthy version of the classic one
    Easy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
    This easy scalloped potatoes is about to be the best potato side dish on your dinner table. This recipe is healthy, flavourful, simple and easy to make.
    get this recipe
    a pan of baked potatoes.
    • Seasoned rice
    Seasoned Rice Recipe
    This herb seasoned rice is a versatile side dish that can be made in less than 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients, this rice dish is packed with flavor, perfect for any day of the week, and can be served with just about anything. Chicken, steak, fish, or vegetables, this rice will complement any main dish. Let me show you how to make it with my step-by-step guide.
    get this recipe
    herbed seasoned rice on a grey plate with a large spoon set on a marble surface.

    Easter dessert

    No Easter would be complete without some delicious desserts too, here is a quick rundown of some yummy treats you can whip up in no time.

    Vanilla sponge cake

    This is hands-down one of the best recipes on my website and I bet you would love it too. The review does speak for itself and the recipe is actually easy and quick to make. You can even go the extra mile by adding some colorful eggs on top!

    Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe
    Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe! If you have been on the hunt for a basic vanilla cake recipe then you are welcome, as I have just the right, easy and quick vanilla sponge cake for you. It is fluffy, light, moist and delicious!
    get this recipe
    vanilla sponge cake

    Chocolate cake

    this chocolate cake is heavenly. You can double or half the recipe to suit your need. Decorate this cake with some easter eggs and Bob is your uncle. You will have people asking you for the recipe for this one.

    The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
    This is literally the best chocolate cake you will ever make. 2-layered chocolate cake sandwiched with ganache, it is simple, decadent, moist and delicious. It is about to be your favourite go-to recipe. Let me show you how to make this with my step by step guide.
    get this recipe
    a slice of chocolate cake on a plate.

    Lemon Scones

    You can serve these scones on the morning of easter or as brunch. It can be served alongside some fresh fruits and hot cross buns.

    Lemon Scones Recipe
    Are you looking for a scones recipe without eggs then you will love my homemade lemon scones recipe with lemon glaze, it is soft, lemony, big and fluffy.
    get this recipe
    the overhead shot of lemon scones with icing glazing.

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    What To Cook For Easter Dinner Besides Ham

    Ajoke
    Wondering what to cook for easter besides ham? well, I have just the best easy dinner ideas you, your family and your guests would love. These recipes are perfect for any time of the year and would definitely be worth your time
    This roasted leg of lamb with gravy is an example of a classic easter dinner that is not ham. You just need a good marinade that is made with simple herbs and aromatics you may likely have on hand. This recipe is two in one, the delicious pan juice is turned into the best and most delicious lamb gravy you would ever make.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 16 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs
    Resting time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 hours hrs 46 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, British, New Zealand
    Servings 8
    Calories 259 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 kg leg of lamb (boned in) 4lb
    • 1 ½ tablespoon s Fresh spring rosemary chopped
    • Freshly ground black pepper and salt
    • 1 medium onion
    • 2 Whole garlic head cut into halves reserve 1 half to use in marinade
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock substitute with vegetable or beef stock
    • 2 cups water

    Gravy

    • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour or Cornflour slurry
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Bring the lamb out of the fridge one hour before prepping so it comes to room temperature. This helps the meat to cook evenly in the oven. No need to remove the fat of the meat as it adds to the overall flavour of the drippings that make the best lamb gravy ever. Prepare your roasting pan
    • Preheat the oven at 190C/374F for a conventional oven or 170C/338F for a fan oven (30 minutes before roasting time is fine)
    • Pat the lamb dry with a kitchen towel and score the fatty side some few times then add salt and pepper making sure you rub it all over the lamb
    • Cut the head of garlic and onions into 2 and place on the prepared roasting pan (peel and reserve half of one garlic head for the marinade)
    • Add rosemary, garlic cloves and olive oil to a small blender or mortar and blitz until marinade is coarse (you could finely chop the rosemary and garlic if you want)
    • Rub the marinade all over the lamb including the scored bits and place it fat side up on the onions and garlic. Then add water and chicken stock to the bottom of the pan.
    • Place it in the oven and roast for 1 hour, carefully take it out of the oven and turn it over to the other side and continue to roast for another 30 minutes, baste the lamb with its dripping at this time. Bring the lamb out of the oven one last time and turn it over then roast for additional 30 minutes (see notes for time and doneness)
    • Carefully bring out the lamb from the oven, cover with an aluminium foil loosely and rest for at least 20 minutes before serving, the meat stays warm this way. Move on to making the gravy

    Lamb Gravy

    • Skim off the oil from the dripping then transfer the content in the roasting pan into a sauce pan, add one cup of water or more to the roasting pan and scrape all the bits remaining in it to the pan.
    • Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring to boil for about 3 minutes. Whisk the flour into the sauce and mix to combine (don’t worry if there are lumps in it), add water if it is too thick. Continue to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until you get the desired gravy consistency. Take it off the heat
    • Strain the sauce through a sieve until all the gravy is extracted. Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Serve with lamb and other sides of choice

    Notes

    Cooking temperature for lamb
    Rare, the internal temperature would read 50-54C
    Medium rare, 55-59C / 130-138F
    Medium, 60-66C / 140-150F
    Well done, 68-74C / 155-165F

    Nutrition

    Calories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 34gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 119mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 3mg

    Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.

    Keyword easter dinner recipe ideas, what to cook for easter dinner, what to cook for easter dinner besides ham
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    Filed Under: Recipe Roundups

    About Ajoke

    Hello, Nice to meet you! Welcome and thanks for visiting my food blog "The Dinner Bite". Feel free to browse through, you are guaranteed nothing here but a yummy experience

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