Easter Sunday Menu

Easter Sunday has always felt like a gentle pause in the year for me – a moment to gather family around the table, welcome the return of spring and enjoy good food made with care. Whether I’m hosting a full family feast or keeping things simple with a long, lazy brunch, planning the menu is one of my favourite parts of the celebration.

I like to think of Easter food as comforting yet seasonal – familiar dishes with a fresh, springtime lift.

A Relaxed Start: Easter Brunch

If the house is full early, I often begin Easter Sunday with a generous brunch. It sets the tone for the day and allows everyone to help themselves while conversations unfold.

A classic Quiche Lorraine is always on my table. Rich with eggs, cheese and bacon in a buttery pastry case, it’s perfect made ahead and served warm or at room temperature, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad.

For something sweeter, lemon ricotta pancakes bring a little sunshine to the plate. Light, fluffy and gently citrusy, they’re wonderful topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.

And when I want something effortlessly elegant, smoked salmon bagels never disappoint – soft bagels, silky salmon, cream cheese, capers, red onion and a scattering of fresh dill.

The Heart of the Day: Easter Sunday Lunch

Easter lunch is the true centrepiece of the celebration. I love leaning into tradition here, while keeping the flavours clean and seasonal.

For me, lamb is the natural choice at Easter. A beautifully roasted, herb-crusted joint scented with rosemary, thyme and garlic feels both celebratory and deeply comforting. Served with crisp roast potatoes and tender spring greens, it’s a meal made for sharing. When sourcing lamb, I always look for quality and provenance – which is why I recommend something like this excellent free-range half lamb box for anyone planning ahead and wanting outstanding flavour.

Alongside lamb, some families prefer a honey-glazed ham, its sweet, sticky crust balancing perfectly with creamy scalloped potatoes and green beans. A traditionally cured joint, such as this Wiltshire ham makes a wonderful centrepiece and is just as good enjoyed cold the next day. 

And I always make sure there’s a vegetarian centrepiece too. A spring vegetable risotto, studded with peas, asparagus and spinach, finished with Parmesan and a touch of lemon zest, feels indulgent yet light.

Fresh Salads for Balance

I like to add a couple of salads to the table – not as an afterthought, but as something that really lifts the meal.

A spinach, strawberry and feta salad with a sharp balsamic dressing brings colour and freshness, while a classic Caesar salad is a dependable crowd-pleaser, easily adapted with grilled chicken or prawns.

Simple Easter Breakfasts

If brunch feels like too much, I keep breakfast traditional and unfussy. Hot cross buns, lightly toasted and spread with butter, are hard to beat. A spring asparagus and goat’s cheese tart is another favourite – light, savoury and just right with a cup of coffee.

A Sweet Ending

No Easter table feels complete without dessert. Carrot cake, warmly spiced and topped with cream cheese icing, is always welcome, while a lemon meringue pie offers a bright, zesty finish that feels perfectly in tune with the season.

Little Extras That Make It Special

Devilled eggs often appear as a nibble while lunch is finishing, and a tray of roasted spring vegetables – carrots, radishes and Brussels sprouts caramelised with olive oil and herbs – ties everything together beautifully. I also love baking a traditional Easter bread, a nod to family traditions and shared heritage.

A Few Gentle Tips

Over the years, I’ve learnt that Easter is best enjoyed without rushing. Preparing dishes ahead of time, balancing sweet and savoury flavours, using seasonal produce and being mindful of dietary needs all help the day unfold effortlessly.

Above all, Easter is about slowing down, sharing food made with care, and enjoying the company of those around the table. With a little planning and good ingredients, it becomes a celebration to savour long after the last plate is cleared.

FAQs

What’s an easy Easter Sunday menu that I can prep ahead the day before?

An easy Easter Sunday menu is one that can be mostly prepared the day before, leaving you free to enjoy the celebration. Dishes like quiche, salads and desserts can all be made in advance, while vegetables can be washed, chopped and stored ready to cook. For the main course, lamb simply needs roasting on the day, and a traditionally cured Wiltshire ham can be glazed ahead of time and either warmed through or served cold. With a little planning, Easter lunch becomes relaxed, generous and stress-free.

What’s the best meat to serve for Easter Sunday lunch?

Traditionally, lamb is the most popular choice for Easter Sunday lunch, symbolising spring and new beginnings. A slow-roasted, herb-crusted joint makes a beautiful centrepiece and pairs perfectly with seasonal vegetables. For those who prefer an alternative, a traditionally cured Wiltshire ham is equally fitting, offering wonderful flavour and the added bonus of leftovers to enjoy over the following days. Both options work well for relaxed, family-style Easter celebrations.