The Easter Feast
by Basil Roux
Your complete guide to Easter entertaining — from a laid-back brunch spread to a show-stopping dinner and all the sweet treats in between. 20 recipes organized by course, with tips to make it all come together.
About This Cookbook
Easter is one of those meals where the table matters as much as the food. It is about gathering people together after a long winter, celebrating spring, and eating really well without anyone (especially the cook) stressing out. This cookbook is designed to help you do exactly that. Whether you are hosting a casual brunch, a formal dinner, or both, every recipe here has been chosen because it works — it tastes great, it can be prepped ahead, and it plays well with the other dishes on the table. Pick your main, choose your sides, and let the desserts handle themselves. Happy Easter.
Contents(20 recipes)
Easter Brunch
Start the day with a relaxed spread that lets everyone graze and catch up. These brunch favorites can mostly be prepped the night before.
Brunch Timeline
The secret to a stress-free Easter brunch: do everything you can the night before. Assemble the French toast casserole, make deviled egg filling, and mix the scone dough. In the morning, all you need to do is bake, fill, and arrange. Set out a simple mimosa bar (orange juice, prosecco, and maybe some grapefruit juice) and let guests help themselves.
The Main Event
Whether you go with a classic glazed ham, an elegant rack of lamb, or a comforting roast chicken, these centerpieces are built to impress without chaining you to the kitchen.
Choosing Your Main
Not sure which route to go? Ham feeds a crowd and is incredibly forgiving on timing — it stays warm for ages and the leftovers are amazing. Lamb is more elegant and special-occasion. Roast chicken is the smart choice if you are cooking for a smaller group or want something lighter. There is no wrong answer.
Spring Sides
The sides make the meal. Fresh spring vegetables, creamy gratins, and bright salads that pair perfectly with any main.
The Side Dish Strategy
For a balanced Easter dinner table, pick one starchy side (scalloped potatoes or gratin), one green vegetable (asparagus or peas), one salad, and one colorful accent (glazed carrots or vegetable medley). That gives you variety without overwhelming anyone — or your oven space.
Sweet Endings
The grand finale. From a towering pavlova to a traditional simnel cake, these desserts are the perfect way to wrap up Easter.
A Note on Simnel Cake
Simnel cake is a traditional British Easter fruitcake topped with marzipan balls — eleven of them, representing the apostles minus Judas. It takes a bit of time but it is truly special and keeps beautifully. If fruitcake is not your thing, the carrot cake or pavlova are crowd-pleasers that never disappoint.