Easter Entrée Ideas: What to Cook for Easter Dinner

Key Takeaways

• A roast chicken with hearty sides is one of the simplest, springtime Easter entrées.
• Not a big chef? Cook Prime beef brisket in a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours for a deliciously tender Easter entrée.
• Slather lamb chops in garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and then pan-sear them for an easy, yet elegant Easter meal.
• If you’re wondering what to cook for Easter that’ll rival a glazed ham, look no further than Prime rib or brown butter salmon.

Ham is the default Easter dinner entrée for many families. You know the one: big, juicy, and lacquered to perfection. Sure, it’s impressive. But why limit yourself when there are tons of other high-quality meats that can anchor your holiday spread?

Mix things up in the kitchen with these Easter dinner meat ideas from Don Peter’s Carniceria!

Prime Rib is a Luxurious Alternative to Ham

Prime rib is a special-occasion centerpiece that rivals your classic baked ham in both appearance and flavor.

Rubbed with a generous helping of our meat seasonings at Don Peter’s Carniceria, each bite promises a tender, rosy interior and beefy flavor that pairs well with all your traditional Easter sides, from grilled vegetables to roasted potatoes.

Roast this premium-cut beef for edge-to-edge pink and tenderness, or break out your grill for a charred, deeply flavorful crust…and to impress guests with your grilling skills.

Keep it Simple with a Roast Chicken

Prefer chicken for Easter dinner? A roast chicken with hearty sides, like mashed potatoes, is your perfect solution for what to cook for Easter, providing comforting flavors and a crispy finish the whole family will love. 

Just make sure to pat dry the fresh-cut chicken before cooking and to use a high heat (425°F), so it becomes crispy rather than leathery.

Hosting a small dinner? You can roast chicken thighs, quarters, or breasts instead!

Don’t Feel Like Cooking? Slow Cook a Beef Brisket

When it comes to beef dishes for Easter, it doesn’t get much easier than slow-cooked beef brisket. No fancy cutting techniques. No complex cooking methods. Your USDA Prime beef brisket cooks low and slow in a crock pot with the fat side up for 6 to 8 hours.

Add in spices and aromatics to really make this Easter entrée sing.

Make Lamb Chops That Are Guaranteed to Impress

Wondering what else to cook for Easter that’ll wow everyone at the table? Garlic and herb lamb chops are easy, elegant Easter entrée ideas worth trying! Lamb chops get marinated in olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and then pan-seared until they get a beautiful herb crust and tender center.

Note: The USDA recommends cooking lamb to a safe internal temperature of 145°F. We suggest cooking your Easter dinner lamb chops to 140°F to get the ideal temp of 145°F. Your meat continues cooking once it’s removed from the heat, which also helps lock in its juices.

Surprise Guests with Lemon Brown Butter Salmon

Salmon is the perfect ham alternative for what to cook for Easter, especially if you’re looking for something quick. Pan-seared or baked salmon fillets get topped with a rich, nutty sauce made from browned butter, lemon juice, and herbs, like thyme and parsley.

The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes!

Prepare A Special Holiday Dinner with Premium Meats

Ham is impressive, but no more so than a delicious Prime rib or rich lamb chops. So, whether you’re not a fan of the holiday staple, or you’re just looking for new ideas for what to cook for Easter, these dishes make excellent centerpieces for your table.

Shop premium meat online at Don Peter’s Carniceria, or come visit our stores in Rialto or Whittier, CA to customize your cuts!

FAQs

What can I serve for Easter other than ham?

Meat ideas for Easter dinner (that aren’t ham) include pan-seared lamb chops, roasted chicken, grilled Prime rib, slow-cooked beef brisket, and lemon brown butter salmon.

What can I cook for Easter dinner easily?

Roast chicken and slow-cooker brisket are easy Easter entrée ideas with minimal prep work. Just make sure to use quality meats for superior taste and texture.

What’s a good side dish for Easter?

Roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, and spring salads go well with all your favorite meats for Easter.