Easter Menu Cravings: Grandma's Classic Recipes
Dozen Personal Preferred Easter Treats by Our Editors
When it comes to Easter feasts, there are some traditional recipes that simply must grace the table. You might have some new dishes you're eager to experiment with, but let's face it, it just doesn't feel like Easter without deviled eggs, pineapple casserole, and, of course, a slice of carrot cake. Trust us, our editors are already salivating at the thought of these scrumptious treats this year.
From the main course to the sides to desserts, these are the recipes our editors and their families can't get enough of on Easter Sunday.
A Dozen Delights from Grandma's Kitchen
1. Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
"This has been my Easter brunch main for several years running," says Deputy Editor Lisa Cericola. "The presentation is so pretty and it's easy to put together."
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2. Angel Biscuits
"Growing up, we would always have breakfast at church, and the highlight was Mr. Phil's biscuits. I couldn't figure out why they were so good and different from the biscuits we had at home," says Senior Food Editor Josh Miller. "Turns out they were Angel Biscuits like these, made with yeast. Typically I stay 10 paces from yeast at all times, but this year I'm going to break my rule and give these a try."
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3. Deviled Eggs
"A given, but deviled eggs are definitely what I look forward to most on Easter," says Newsletter Editor Hannah Zepeda. "The first time I ever had deviled eggs as a kid was on Easter and they just taste nostalgic to me!"
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4. Hashbrown Casserole
"A lot has changed since my grandfather passed away several years ago, including the menus for our many holiday gatherings. But there is one constant at Easter: hashbrown casserole," says Editorial Director Kimberly Holland. "It will be served, no matter the main or other sides. My sister-in-law makes it now, but it tastes just like my grandfather's version. It's our special way of remembering him - and of course, it's one of the most delicious side dishes of all time."
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5. Best Carrot Cake
"Carrot cake is an Easter must in my family and this one is especially delicious," says Senior Writer Meghan Overdeep.
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6. Mini Coconut-Key Lime Pies
"I made these last year and when I say that my family RAVED about these mini key lime pies is an understatement," says Digital Editor Kaitlyn Sadik. "I actually suggest using store-bought bottled key lime juice (such as Nellie and Joes's) instead of fresh-squeezed, because I made a batch of each and the bottled juice had much more punchy flavor and tanginess!"
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7. Carrot Soufflé
"This is a family favorite not just as Thanksgiving, but Easter too," says Associate Editor Cameron Beall.
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8. Cool Whip Cookies
"Something about a crinkle cookie screams spring to me," says Senior Travel & Culture Editor Tare Massouleh McCay. "I do a variation on this recipe that swaps devil's food for strawberry cake mix. It's super simple and always a hit."
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9. Breakfast Potatoes
No Easter brunch is complete without home fries!
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10. Old-Fashioned Caramel Cake
"My great aunt also makes an amazing caramel cake that we all look forward to for its one-a-year debut," added Beall.
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11. Pineapple Casserole
Travel and Culture Editor Caroline Rogers, whose aunt makes this dish every year, and Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom both agree that it's not Easter without Pineapple Casserole.
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12. Classic Potato Salad
"It's not Easter for my family without Nana's classic potato salad," says Senior Digital Editor Jenna Sims. "Everyone wants the classic recipe with just potatoes, mustard, mayo, eggs, and relish. She does make two batches, one with onion and one without for those who aren't fans."
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Classic Easter Recipes (Enrichment Data)
Here are some classic Easter recipes that editors and families enjoy year after year:
Classic Easter Recipes
1. Deviled Eggs
These are a timeless favorite and can be made with various twists, such as adding paprika, chives, or a dash of cayenne for extra flavor[3][4].
2. Pineapple Casserole
A sweet and savory side dish featuring pineapple rings, brown sugar, and buttered breadcrumbs, often served alongside main courses at Easter gatherings.
3. Carrot Cake
A classic dessert that combines grated carrots, cream cheese frosting, and spices. It's often served as a layer cake or made into carrot cake bars for a more portable treat[3][4].
4. Lamb or Ham
Both lamb and ham are traditional Easter main courses. Lamb is often roasted with rosemary and garlic, while ham is typically glazed with honey and mustard for a sweet and savory flavor[3][4].
- Christians enjoy traditional Easter recipes that have been passed down through generations, such as deviled eggs, which are a timeless favorite that can be made with various twists, like adding paprika, chives, or a dash of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Southern Living's editors and families can't get enough of angel biscuits, a yeast-based biscuit that was a highlight at church breakfasts growing up. Despite typically staying away from yeast, this year, some are planning to break their rule and give these biscuits a try.
- Easter brunch isn't complete without home fries, also known as breakfast potatoes. A lot has changed since the editors' grandfathers passed away, but hashbrown casserole remains a constant at Easter gatherings.
- Carrot cake is an Easter must in many families, and Southern Living's editors recommend the best carrot cake recipe for a delicious addition to your Easter table.
- Mini coconut-key lime pies are a must-try for Easter dessert. Made with store-bought bottled key lime juice, these pies are a hit with the whole family. Edwards found that the bottled juice has much more punchy flavor and tanginess than fresh-squeezed juice.
