Gathering for a Paschal feast: An Easter dinner menu

As the Lenten season draws to a close, the anticipation of the Resurrection is upon us — and with it comes the joy of gathering to celebrate. Easter invites us to move from fasting to feasting, from simplicity to abundance, and from quiet reflection to radiant hope. Planning a Paschal feast is one of the most beautiful ways to mark this transition. Look no further than this thoughtfully curated Easter dinner menu, complete with hosting tips, a grocery list, and a simple timeline to help you prepare a gorgeous and delicious spread worthy of Christ’s Resurrection without overcomplicating it.

Appetizer

Prosciutto Crostini with Burrata and Lemon Honey Drizzle – Golden crostinis topped with creamy burrata, crispy prosciutto, and a bright lemon honey glaze. It’s the perfect spring appetizer to kick off your Easter dinner. 

Tip: You can bake the crostinis and crispy prosciutto, and whisk the lemon-honey glaze ahead of time, then store it in air-tight containers. Assemble just before serving. 

Mains

Rosemary Garlic Rack of Lamb – A classic way to prepare a rack of lamb that lets the lamb shine. A Paschal feast usually includes lamb, symbolizing the Lamb of God and His sacrifice that has renewed us and freed us from sin. If desired, you can also serve it with Salsa Verde, as Nagi, the recipe creator, suggests. 

Or

Baked Ham – Perfectly roasted and glazed ham with pineapple, brown sugar, and spices. It’s a straightforward crowd-pleaser that is sure to be a main event. 

Sides

Garlic Rosemary Crispy Potato Stacks – A beloved Zeale Lifestyle recipe! Thinly sliced potatoes tossed in garlic-rosemary butter, stacked, and baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These potato stacks are absolutely addictive and may just be your new favorite way to prepare potatoes. 

Honey Roasted Carrots and Whipped Feta – An unexpected take on traditional honey-glazed carrots. Roasted carrots tossed in honey and served warm over a creamy bed of whipped feta, topped with more honey and salted pistachios for some crunch. 

Tip: Feel free to add some spice with red pepper flakes or use hot honey if you have it. You can also add other nuts of your choice or use pumpkin seeds. The whipped feta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. 

Roasted Asparagus – Something green for the table. Simply seasoned and roasted asparagus that bakes in 10 minutes. 

Dessert

Pavlova – An iconic Aussie dessert that is perfect for finishing an Easter meal. Beautifully light, crisp, and fluffy meringue topped with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream. This recipe provides you with step-by-step instructions for a foolproof pav. 

Tip: Get creative with the toppings, like adding jams, jellies, or the classic lemon curd. Also, this pavlova base can be prepped a few days in advance or the night before (at the latest) and stored in an airtight container (or wrapped) at room temperature. 

Easter dinner grocery list

(Includes both main options — choose lamb OR ham)

Bakery

• 1 baguette 

Dairy & eggs

• Burrata
• Butter
• Ghee or unsalted butter 
• Feta cheese
• Greek yogurt 
• Heavy cream 
• Eggs

Meat (Choose lamb or ham)

• Option 1: Lamb

Racks of lamb, frenched 

• Option 2: Ham

Bone-in, fully cooked spiral ham

• Also Need: Prosciutto 

Produce

• Lemon
• Garlic 
• Fresh rosemary
• Yukon gold potatoes 
• Carrots 
• Fresh thyme
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• Asparagus 
• Fresh fruit for pavlova topping (berries, cherries, etc.)

Pantry & dry goods

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Light brown sugar (if baking ham)
• Ground cinnamon (if baking ham)
• Ground cloves (if baking ham)
• Cornstarch
• Granulated sugar
• White vinegar
• Roasted salted pistachios
• Canned pineapple tidbits (if baking ham)

Plan-ahead timeline 

2 days before (Good Friday)

• Check pantry and shop for groceries
• If making lamb: Prepare rosemary garlic marinade and marinate lamb (cover and refrigerate)
• Wash and dry produce

1 day before (Holy Saturday)

• Make whipped feta (store covered)
• Slice potatoes (store submerged in cold water in fridge)
• Prep crostini ingredients (toast baguette, crisp prosciutto, make lemon honey glaze)
• Bake the pavlova shell. Cool completely in oven overnight (do not refrigerate)

Easter day

2–3 Hours before dinner

• Drain and dry potatoes
• Assemble potato stacks in a muffin tin (cover until baking)
• Preheat oven(s)

1½–2 hours before dinner

• Start ham (if using)

45 minutes before dinner

• Roast lamb (if using)
• Bake potato stacks

20 minutes before serving

• Assemble burrata crostinis and serve
• Roast carrots
• Roast asparagus 

Just before serving dessert

• Whip cream
• Top pavlova with cream and fruit

As you prepare to celebrate, my hope is that this Easter dinner menu — along with the grocery list and simple timeline — helps make the planning feel lighter and the day itself more joyful. May your table be filled with good food, meaningful conversation, and the quiet happiness that comes from gathering together in celebration of the Resurrection. Wishing you and your loved ones a truly blessed Easter, full of peace, hope, and joy.