12 Easter Dinner Recipes (That Aren’t Ham)

By Jenn Segal

From a beautiful (but totally doable) rack of lamb to crowd-pleasing chicken cordon bleu, these Easter dinner recipes are guaranteed to make everybunny at the table happy. Bonus: several of them can be prepped ahead of time, so you can actually enjoy the holiday without feeling rushed in the kitchen.

Rack of Lamb with Dijon & Panko Crust

Rack of lamb is special occasion-worthy but quick and easy enough to prepare any night of the week.
Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Glaze

Sear-roasted pork tenderloin makes a fancy weeknight dinner or special holiday roast.
Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Chicken tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish of chicken pieces braised with spices, garlic, onion, olives, and preserved lemons. It’s company-worthy yet easy to throw together.
Salmon Cakes

Made from fresh salmon and dill, these salmon cakes are as elegant as crab cakes but so much more affordable to make.
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Sauce

Perfect for special occasions, this sear-roasted beef tenderloin served with a rich red wine sauce is easy to make and super elegant.
Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard and Pecan-Panko Crust

This baked salmon with a crunchy topping takes just 20 minutes to make, yet it’s elegant enough for company.
Moroccan-Style Brisket with Dried Fruit & Capers

This Moroccan-style brisket is so abundant and impressive looking, you can keep the sides super simple.
Slow-Roasted Salmon with French Herb Salsa

This slow-roasted salmon with an elegant fresh herb salsa is wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for a holiday brunch or buffet.
Braised Short Ribs

Savor the fork-tender goodness of red wine braised short ribs—the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening.
Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken with Carrots, Dates & Pistachios

This sheet-pan roast chicken dinner is the perfect no-fuss dish for company. Everything can be prepared and assembled a day in advance, so all that’s left to do at dinnertime is pop it in the oven.
Cioppino (Fisherman’s Stew)

Cioppino, a hearty Italian-American stew made with a medley of fresh seafood in a rich tomato and wine broth, perfectly captures the taste of the sea.
Chicken Cordon Bleu

Classic chicken cordon bleu features juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty Gruyère cheese, all bundled up in a crispy golden crust.
Moussaka

With its hearty veggies, savory meat sauce, and creamy topping, moussaka delivers all the comforting flavors you crave in one big Greek dish.