17 Easter Recipes That’ll Blow Grandma’s Ham Out the Water

Easter doesn’t have to mean the same ham every year. These recipes bring something fresh to the table with bold flavors and simple ingredients. They’re built to stand out, whether you’re feeding a small group or a full house. If you’re ready to switch things up, this list has you covered.

A stack of three lemon bars dusted with powdered sugar on a metal plate, with more bars blurred in the background. — Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

A wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese crumbles, drizzled with creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted cabbage steaks take 40 minutes and feature cabbage, bacon, and cheese. The edges get crisp while the center stays tender and savory. The bacon adds salt and richness, making it feel more like a main than a side. It’s a bold swap that easily pushes ham off the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

California Steak Salad

Salad with sliced steak, avocado, strawberries, lettuce, and crumbled cheese in a bowl. — California Steak Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

California steak salad comes together in 30 minutes with grilled steak, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens. It’s hearty and fresh with a light vinaigrette to tie everything together. The mix of textures keeps it interesting bite after bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes ham feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: California Steak Salad

Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Strawberry shortcake with brown sugar biscuits takes about 30 minutes and uses fresh strawberries, soft biscuits, and whipped cream. The biscuits are just sweet enough and hold up to the fruit without getting soggy. The berries bring a clean, spring flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that people reach for first.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake with Brown Sugar Biscuits

Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers

Blackberry lime tart takes about 2 hours and includes blackberries, lime juice, and a buttery crust. The filling is smooth, tart, and just sweet enough with bright flavor. The flowers are mostly for looks, but the taste holds up without them. It brings something fresh and new to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Lime Tart with Edible Flowers

Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme

Blackberry white chocolate pots de creme take 2 hours including chill time and use cream, white chocolate, and blackberry puree. The texture is silky and the flavor is a mix of sweet and tart. It’s rich, but not too heavy. It’s the kind of Easter dessert that feels more special than pie.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry White Chocolate Pots de Creme

Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

A serving of pasta topped with a seared scallops and a sage brown butter sauce. — Brown Butter Scallop Pasta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown butter scallop pasta takes about 40 minutes and features seared scallops, browned butter, and herbs over pasta. The sauce is nutty and rich, pairing perfectly with the tender scallops. It’s light enough for spring but filling enough to stand on its own. It’s a main that doesn’t need a backup.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Scallop Pasta

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Charcuterie and cheese board takes 20 minutes to assemble and includes cured meats, cheeses, fruit, and nuts. The variety lets everyone build their own plate, no reheating required. It’s colorful, simple, and perfect for grazing through a long meal. It takes the spotlight with zero stove time.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken pot pie with tarragon gravy takes about 1 hour and includes chicken, vegetables, flaky pastry, and a tarragon-infused sauce. The crust is crisp and the filling is warm and creamy. Tarragon gives it a fresh spin that stands out. It’s comforting but still bright enough for spring.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous takes 30 minutes and combines asparagus, couscous, lemon, and herbs. It’s light, zesty, and full of fresh flavor. The asparagus gives it a little crunch, while the couscous keeps it filling. It works as a side or light main and beats out any leftover ham.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus Dream Tart

Citrus dream tart takes 2 hours and uses fresh citrus juice, eggs, and a sweet crust. The filling is creamy and tart, with a smooth finish and buttery base. It’s cool, not too sweet, and easy to slice. It’s the kind of dessert that stands out without needing frosting.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Dream Tart

Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops on a plate with oranges and limes. — Citrus Glazed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus glazed pork chops take 30 minutes and feature pork chops, orange juice, garlic, and herbs. The glaze is sticky, tangy, and slightly sweet with a citrus bite. The chops stay juicy and finish with a golden edge. It’s a bright update that easily replaces ham without losing the vibe.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Glazed Pork Chops

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes take 30 minutes and use russet potatoes, butter, and cream. They’re smooth, rich, and seasoned just enough to go with anything. The texture is light without being runny. It’s a classic that holds its own next to any modern main.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Baked dish in a pan with croissants, yellow tomatoes, ham, melted cheese, and sprigs of thyme on a countertop. — Croissant Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Croissant breakfast casserole takes about 45 minutes and includes buttery croissants, eggs, cheese, and herbs. The texture is soft in the middle with crisp edges. It’s savory, filling, and easy to prep ahead. It’s a solid brunch option that brings more to the table than a sliced ham.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole

Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Drop biscuits with orange honey butter take 25 minutes and combine flour, butter, and buttermilk with a citrus-sweet spread. The biscuits are fluffy and golden with a soft inside. The orange honey butter adds a fresh, sweet kick. It’s a side that feels like part of the main event.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter

Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Lemon bars take about an hour and feature lemon juice, sugar, and a buttery crust. The filling is firm and tart, with just enough sweetness to balance it out. The crust holds together well and doesn’t crumble. It’s the kind of dessert that’s easy to cut and harder to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy oven asparagus takes 20 minutes and uses fresh asparagus, olive oil, and salt. It roasts until tender with crisp tips and a slightly nutty flavor. The prep is quick and it fits on any Easter plate. It’s a green that actually gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries

Pork chops with blackberry applesauce on a gray plate. — Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pork chops and applesauce with blackberries takes about 45 minutes and includes seared pork, fruit sauce, and fresh herbs. The applesauce is smooth with tart notes from the blackberries. The pork stays juicy with a crisp outer layer. It’s a full plate that feels like a spring upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Applesauce with Blackberries