Easter celebrations are a time for family, joy, and of course, food. Italians truly excel in the culinary department, especially during this special holiday.
From vibrant dishes that embody the flavors of the season to traditional sweets that bring a touch of nostalgia, the Italian Easter menu is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
In this article, we will explore a collection of Italian Easter recipes that will elevate your holiday gatherings and leave your guests asking for seconds.
1. Italian Easter Bread
Italian Easter Bread is not just a delicious treat; it is a visually striking centerpiece. This sweet, festive bread is traditionally braided into a wreath shape, with colorful, hard-boiled eggs nestled in the center.
The vibrant colors of the eggs symbolize new life, making this bread an ideal representation of the season. The dough is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for serving with your Easter brunch or dinner. Plus, this recipe is a fantastic activity for the little ones—watching them help with the dough and dyeing the eggs can create wonderful family memories.
2. Tuscan Style Roast Leg of Lamb
For an Easter feast, few entrees are as spectacular as a roasted leg of lamb. The Tuscan style is particularly special, as it involves marinating the lamb in a fragrant mixture of olive oil, rosemary, lemon, and garlic.
Once roasted, the lamb becomes tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a more intimate dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and you’ll have a truly memorable Easter meal.
3. Fried Lamb Chops
If you prefer a slightly more casual option, fried lamb chops make for a fantastic Easter entrée. Marinated in a mixture of egg, garlic, and rosemary, each chop is coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown.
This method brings out the rich flavors of the lamb while providing a crispy exterior that adds texture to each bite. Simple yet elegant, these fried lamb chops will quickly become a family favorite during Easter celebrations.
4. Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Sometimes, it’s nice to go with a dish that’s a little more comforting yet still rich and flavorful. Chicken fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
The creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce perfectly coats the fettuccine noodles, while the pan-seared chicken adds a juicy, tender component to the dish. This is an excellent choice for those looking to add a little variety to their Easter spread without compromising on flavor or elegance.
5. Cacio E Pepe Pie
Cacio E Pepe Pie combines two of Italy’s finest culinary traditions: pasta and pie. The dish features tender pasta baked in a rich egg mixture, seasoned with black pepper and copious amounts of cheese. While it might sound like an unusual combination, the result is a savory, cheesy pie that’s every bit as delicious as it sounds. This pie can be served as a side dish or a main course, and its simplicity makes it the perfect addition to your Easter table.
6. Italian Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
No Italian meal is complete without the perfect side dish, and these Italian Parmesan roasted potatoes are just what you need. With a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, these potatoes are seasoned with Italian herbs and coated in Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors makes them a delightful side that pairs beautifully with both lamb and chicken. They’re easy to make and sure to impress at your Easter gathering.
7. Easter Pie
Easter Pie, or Pizza Rustica, is a savory dish that’s perfect for brunch. This hearty pie is filled with a mixture of Italian meats, cheeses, and eggs, creating a rich, flavorful experience in every bite.
The crust is buttery and flaky, providing a delicious contrast to the savory filling. It’s like a quiche, but with a whole new level of flavor. Whether served hot or cold, this Easter Pie is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
8. Spring Risotto with Asparagus and Peas
This creamy risotto brings the freshness of spring to your table. The earthy flavor of asparagus and the sweetness of peas perfectly complement the cheesy, savory risotto base.
It’s a light yet satisfying dish that works wonderfully as a side or even as a main course for those who prefer a vegetarian option. The combination of flavors will transport you straight to the heart of Italy, where fresh ingredients are always the star of the show.
9. Smoked Salmon Crostini
For a lighter, more elegant appetizer, smoked salmon crostini is a great option. This dish combines the richness of smoked salmon with the tanginess of a lemony, dill-infused Greek yogurt sauce.
Served on crispy crostini, it’s a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that’s perfect for starting your Easter meal. The freshness of the salmon paired with the creamy sauce creates a balanced and flavorful bite that’s sure to impress your guests.
10. Chicken Francese
If you’re looking for a main dish that’s both comforting and refined, Chicken Francese fits the bill. This dish features breaded chicken breasts that are pan-fried until crispy and then simmered in a buttery, lemony sauce.
The result is a dish that’s both rich and tangy, with tender chicken that melts in your mouth. It’s a great choice for an Easter dinner, offering a light yet flavorful alternative to heavier meat dishes.
11. Lemon Curd Tart
For dessert, a Lemon Curd Tart offers a refreshing, tangy finish to your meal. The shortcrust pastry shell is filled with smooth, luscious lemon curd, providing the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
This dessert is bright and zesty, making it the ideal way to cleanse your palate after a rich Easter feast. The vibrant lemon flavor will leave your guests smiling long after the last bite.
12. Pumpkin Risotto
While pumpkin is typically associated with fall, this savory pumpkin risotto is an excellent way to enjoy the vegetable during the spring.
The creamy, cheesy risotto is infused with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe is a perfect example of how different cultures use ingredients in creative and unexpected ways, showcasing the versatility of pumpkin in savory dishes.
13. Clam Pasta
Clam pasta is a beautiful combination of rustic simplicity and elegant flavors. The dish is made with fresh clams, pancetta, garlic, shallots, and a hint of white wine.
The savory, briny flavor of the clams pairs perfectly with the richness of the pasta, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. It’s a great option for seafood lovers and adds a touch of coastal Italian charm to your Easter meal.
14. Quick Colomba di Pasqua (No-Yeast Italian Easter Cake)
For those looking to make an Easter cake without the hassle of yeast, the Quick Colomba di Pasqua is a great choice.
This cake is filled with the bright flavors of almond, lemon, and orange, and its texture falls somewhere between a bread and a cake. It’s perfect for serving with a cup of coffee, making it an ideal treat before or after your Easter feast.
15. No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert, and these No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles take the flavors of the beloved dish and transform them into bite-sized treats.
With bold coffee flavors and the soft, chewy texture of cake pops, these truffles are dangerously delicious.
They’re an easy-to-make dessert that will have everyone reaching for just one more. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the need to turn on the oven.
16. Italian Green Beans
These Italian Green Beans are an incredibly simple side dish that’s packed with flavor. The green beans are sautéed in butter, then tossed with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
The result is a side dish that’s rich, savory, and satisfying, with a perfect balance of textures. Whether served alongside lamb, chicken, or any other Easter entrée, these green beans will be a welcome addition to your table.
17. Italian Easter Sweet Bread
This Italian Easter Sweet Bread, or Pane di Pasqua, is a lightly sweetened bread with a delicate orange flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to any Easter meal, especially when paired with coffee or tea.
The bread has a beautiful texture and a flavor that’s not too overpowering, making it a perfect choice for a light dessert or a sweet breakfast treat. Be sure to plan ahead, as this bread requires some time to rise, but the end result is definitely worth the wait.
18. Pizza Rustica
Pizza Rustica, or Italian Easter Pie, is a savory dish that combines a pizza dough crust with a delicious filling of eggs, cheese, and Italian meats. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a festive Easter brunch or dinner. This pie is a great way to bring the flavors of Italy to your holiday table, and its versatility means you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.
19. Pizza Gana
For a gluten-free alternative to Pizza Rustica, try Pizza Gana. This crustless version of the Easter pie is just as delicious as its dough-filled counterpart.
It’s packed with cheese, eggs, and Italian meats, creating a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still wanting to enjoy the flavors of a traditional Italian Easter meal.
20. Spumoni Cake
Spumoni Cake is an Italian-inspired dessert that takes the flavors of spumoni ice cream and transforms them into a beautiful layered cake.
The cake is flavored with cherry, pistachio, and vanilla, then topped with pistachio and vanilla buttercream. This colorful, indulgent dessert is the perfect way to end your Easter meal on a sweet note.
21. Italian Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are an Italian favorite that’s always a crowd-pleaser. These pasta shells are stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
The result is a gooey, cheesy dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Stuffed shells are a great option for feeding a crowd, making them an excellent choice for Easter dinner.
22. Lamb Ragu
Lamb Ragu is a hearty, flavorful sauce made with tender lamb, vegetables, and stock. The ragu is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to develop and create a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta. This dish is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and bring a taste of Italy to your Easter meal.
23. Tuna Pesto Crostini
For a light appetizer, Tuna Pesto Crostini is a fantastic choice. The crispy crostini is topped with fresh pesto, mozzarella, and quality tuna, creating a simple yet flavorful bite. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors, making this a delightful starter for your Easter meal.
24. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for spring. The pasta is tossed with a variety of roasted vegetables, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The result is a colorful and delicious dish that celebrates the fresh, seasonal produce of the spring months. Pasta Primavera is a light yet satisfying option for your Easter table.
25. Easy Italian Baked Fish
For a lighter entrée, Easy Italian Baked Fish is a wonderful choice. The fish is baked with Italian dressing, creating a flavorful and moist dish that’s perfect for a pescatarian Easter celebration. This dish is simple to prepare but impressive in flavor, making it a great addition to your holiday spread.
26. Italian Pork Loin Braised in Milk
Italian Pork Loin Braised in Milk may sound unusual, but it is absolutely delicious. The pork is braised in milk, which tenderizes the meat and adds incredible flavor.
The combination of herbs, spices, pancetta, and garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for Easter dinner.
27. Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies is a great option.
A mix of mushrooms, cauliflower, tomatoes, and garlic is tossed with olive oil and Italian seasonings, then roasted until golden and tender. This dish is light, flavorful, and a great way to add some extra vegetables to your Easter meal.
28. White Chocolate Florentine Cookies
These delicate Florentine cookies are the ultimate treat for those who love caramel and nutty flavors. Made with almonds, orange zest, and caramelized sugar, these cookies are thin, crisp, and chewy. The addition of white chocolate rounds out the flavor profile, making these cookies a perfect sweet ending to your Easter celebration.
29. Italian Easter Bread (Pizza Chiena)
Pizza Chiena, or Italian Easter Bread, is a savory dish made with Italian sausage, eggs, and cheese.
This hearty dish is the perfect accompaniment to your Easter brunch or dinner. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make, making it a great addition to your holiday spread.
30. Soft Italian Biscotti
Traditional biscotti are known for their crunch, but these Soft Italian Biscotti are a delightful variation. They have the same great flavor but with a softer texture, making them perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying on their own. These biscotti are the perfect treat for an Easter gathering.
Summary
These Italian Easter recipes bring a blend of tradition and modern flavors to the table, offering something for everyone.
Whether you’re serving classic favorites like Easter Bread and Lamb, or adding a twist with Pasta Primavera and Tiramisu Truffles, these dishes will make your holiday celebration unforgettable. Buona Pasqua!
