Holidays & Occasions Easter 55 Easter Side Dishes To Complete Your Holiday Dinner By Southern Living Editors Updated on February 19, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas A Southern-style Easter feast calls for bright and fresh ingredients inspired by the season. Whether you're serving ham or lamb (or something else entirely!), round out your holiday menu with a handful of our easy yet elegant Easter dinner sides. From sauteed asparagus and carrots to springy berry salads, these menu options were crafted in celebration of the flavor and bounty spring brings each year. Our Skillet Roasted Carrots take just 10 minutes to prepare; no table is complete without a potato side, and our Roasted Potato Salad fits the bill. And, of course, you can't forget a family-favorite: homemade dinner rolls. It wouldn't be a holiday supper without them, and for Easter, our Resurrection Rolls are a spectacular choice. Choose a creamy macaroni and cheese, stick to a traditional pineapple casserole, or plate a dish of party-ready deviled eggs. No matter which recipes you choose, we're sure these Easter side dishes will be the tasty tribute to the season your whole family will enjoy. 01 of 55 Skillet Roasted Carrots Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley Every bunny loves carrots, and these perfectly roasted carrots are a classic combination with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Pick up some rainbow carrots at the farmers market and cook these for 10 minutes. 02 of 55 Garlic Parmesan Green Beans Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn We all have a soft spot for those classic cooked green beans made with bacon, but these Garlic Parmesan Green Beans give our favorite veggie a cheesy, garlicky update. The best part? These greens will be ready in just 35 minutes. 03 of 55 Roasted Potato Salad Joy Howard Believe it or not: The secret to the perfect potato salad is not your favorite mayonnaise, it's your oven. Theses roasted spuds add just the right amount of bite to your classic potato salad. 04 of 55 Our Best Deviled Eggs Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Deviled eggs never go out of style, and this recipe for Our Best Deviled Eggs is one that every Southern cook should master. Sprinkle paprika or chives on top of these classic beauties. 05 of 55 Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots Iain Bagwell A variety of carrot colors makes for pretty presentation in this delicious side. Using whole, peeled, small carrots makes this side all the more festive and special. 06 of 55 Roasted Broccolini Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas This one-step side has everything that makes a cruciferous veggies taste delicious. With some charred lemon, Parmesan, and some good olive oil, your everyday Broccolini is transformed into something that is worthy of the Easter table. 07 of 55 Herbed Potato Stacks Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith A short list of ingredients transforms basic potatoes into an elegant side ready to be served to company. You might be wondering: What's the secret to the perfect little stacks? It's a muffin tin! 08 of 55 Warm Carrot Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing McCormick This spring side dish from best-selling author, and television personality Carla Hall deserves a spot on your holiday table. Easter's favorite vegetable is dressed up with a creamy lemon dressing and a sweet topping of fruit. 09 of 55 Spring Salad with Berries and Bacon Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry This bright salad is perfect to offer as a lighter option alongside your heavier side dishes. The bite of the red wine vinegar and feta cheese cuts through all the richness. 10 of 55 Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes Southern Living Tangy goat cheese makes for a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes. Even though these mashed potatoes have complicated flavors, the recipe is not all complicated. In just two steps, these delicious mashed potatoes come together in just 30 minutes. 11 of 55 Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls Laurey W. Glenn Is it really a holiday dinner without a side of beautiful, buttery rolls! The best part about these tender rolls is in the name—you can make them ahead of time! 12 of 55 Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall When there's macaroni and cheese on the table, you know there's one dish even the pickiest eaters will love. It's also the relatively unsung hero of almost every Easter table. 13 of 55 Sumac Carrots with Feta Mousse and Crispy Panko Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry A Feta mousse serves as the base for cooked carrots while toasted panko sprinkled on top gives the dish a crispy finish. It also takes just 30 minutes to put together. 14 of 55 Spoon Bread with Mushrooms and Herbs Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Spoon bread regularly makes it onto the Southern sideboard, but this recipe might give it a place of honor. Mushrooms shine in this recipe, offering earthy flavors that will complement your Easter lamb. 15 of 55 Tarragon Chicken Salad Photo: Jennifer Davick Creamy chicken salad pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onions, and celery. It might take a little extra work than store-bought, but every step is worth it. 16 of 55 Country Ham Hash Hector Manuel Sanchez If your family gathers at brunch, this flavorful hash will be eaten right up. With a side of scrambled eggs and a piece of toast, everyone will enjoy this hearty breakfast side. 17 of 55 Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Emily Laurae/Southern Living This mouthwatering Easter side dish will satisfy lovers of crunchy pecans and cornflakes as well as marshmallows. It includes all the toppings you love on your sweet potatoes in one casserole. 18 of 55 Pineapple Casserole Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle,Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn If you've never had this quirky Southern casserole, don't knock it until you try it. It's also perfect for spring holidays with its tropical flavors. 19 of 55 Oven-Roasted Asparagus Southern Living It doesn't get more simple than this 10-minute side dish you can throw together right before the meal. If you want a super roasted asparagus, turn up your oven to 400 degrees. 20 of 55 Tee's Corn Pudding Jennifer Davick This is our most popular corn pudding recipe of all time, and for good reason. If you're having trouble getting fresh corn, you can use frozen or canned corn. 21 of 55 Potato Hash Hector Sanchez "The potato hash reminds me of the classic hash browns Mom used to make for breakfast." - Chef John Hall Potatoes, onions, and bell pepper make one delicious hash. The potatoes will start in the oven and finish cooking in a pan along with the other veggies. Don't skimp when it comes to mixing up our crème fraîche sauce—drizzle on top and serve on the side for one satisfying finish. Pair this potato hash with John's Braised Lamb shank for a brunch worthy of a special occasion. 22 of 55 Cheesy Grits Soufflé Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Cheese grits always have a place on our table, and these light and fluffy, baked grits bring them to a whole new level. One reviewer says its "definitely a keeper," and we couldn't agree more. 23 of 55 Old-School Green Bean Casserole Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Emily Hall It wouldn't be a holiday in the South without green bean casserole on the sideboard. Make sure you don't forget the crispy onions! 24 of 55 Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Beth Dreiling Hontzas Cheesy and creamy potatoes pair deliciously with your Easter ham. It's the 9x13 side that everyone wants. 25 of 55 Potato-Bacon Hash Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox You only need a handful of ingredients to throw together a colorful hash that's perfect for Easter brunch. A touch of hot sauce gives it just the right kick. 26 of 55 Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake Hector Manuel Sanchez Baked pasta gets an update with creamy kale. We love the crunchy, savory topping made with Japanese-style breadcrumbs. 27 of 55 Garden Potato Salad Photo: Helen Norman New potatoes are baby spring potatoes with beautifully thin skins. We love how red-skinned potatoes contrast with vibrant green peas and herbs, but you can use any kind of potato you like. 28 of 55 Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox This fresh, seasonal take on finger sandwiches will look beautiful in your Easter lineup. It's just about as springy as a bouquet with dill, chives, asparagus, and eggs. 29 of 55 Broccoli Cheese Casserole Courtney West Eating your veggies has never been easier than with this cheesy casserole. You can even prepare this dish ahead of time. 30 of 55 Sautéed Radishes with Bacon Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox With the help of a little bacon grease, cooked radishes prove to be as tasty as their raw counterparts. A little brown sugar, salt and pepper go a long way. 31 of 55 Fresh Fruit Salad Jen Causey No brunch table is complete without a bowl of fresh fruit. You can choose which fruit you want to include depending on your family's preference. 32 of 55 Resurrection Rolls Southern Living These sweet rolls are a fun way for the kids to get involved with cooking this Easter. All you need are cans of croissant rolls, marshmallows, butter, cinnamon and sugar. 33 of 55 Creamed Spinach Antonis Achilleos Butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese make for the dreamiest spinach side you've ever had. Serve your Creamed Spinach over cornbread for a super Southern touch. 34 of 55 Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Jennifer Causey The buffet line will move smoothly with these easy-to-serve green bean bundles. The first step might shock you, but you heat up the bacon in the microwave to get things going. 35 of 55 Hashbrown Casserole Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox This old-school favorite will never get old or go out of style. Everyone will want some. 36 of 55 Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith This light but flavorful side dish will complement any main you serve. The blanched green beans give them more flavor and a delightful crispness. 37 of 55 Potatoes Patio Iain Bagwell Your guests won't believe how simple the ingredient list is for this decadent casserole. It is easy, but it does include all of the rich, dreaminess you could want. 38 of 55 Vidalia Onion Soufflé Abigail Wilt If you've never had an onion soufflé, this recipe made with sweet Georgia Vidalia onions is the tastiest place to start. Make this soufflé the night before to simplify your party menu. 39 of 55 Smothered Green Beans Photograher: Greg Dupree Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall This side dish recipe is packed with flavor but only takes five ingredients to make. The secret that makes these green beans a little unique? Tomato paste! 40 of 55 Smashed Baby Red Potatoes Emily Laurae / Southern Living We know you love mashed potatoes, but you're going to fall for smashed potatoes—trust us. It might take a few extra steps, but it is worth it! 41 of 55 Sweet Potato-Carrot Casserole Photo: Iain Bagwell Give your classic sweet potato casserole an Easter Bunny-approved update. Sugar-And-Spice Pecans make this all the more sweet. 42 of 55 Classic Fresh Field Peas Photo: Iain Bagwell This vintage recipe is one we'll keep coming back to. The smoky ham hock really is the star of this dish. 43 of 55 Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in side-dish heaven. Smaller Brussels sprouts are better for this dish due to their delicate yet delicious flavor. 44 of 55 Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Hold the mayo and try this zesty lemon-dill vinaigrette potato salad for Easter Sunday. It includes all of the bright vegetables you love from radishes to shallots to, of course, the veggies in the title. 45 of 55 Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This will be your new favorite take on classic macaroni and cheese. The addition of eggs and crispy bacon almost makes this dish a baked carbonara. 46 of 55 Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Whether you make these in individual ramekins or in a big casserole dish, everyone will be asking for seconds. This recipe full of cheddar cheese and all the goodness you could ever imagine. 47 of 55 Spring Vegetable Frittata Iain Bagwell A slice of this frittata is sure to please your brunch bunch. It's full of bright, spring flavor that is sure to impress. 48 of 55 Reunion Pea Casserole Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox This casserole recipe includes just about everything you could ever imagine, which means it belongs in your Easter recipe lineup. With a mix of yellow squash and zucchini, it has a fun, festive look, too! 49 of 55 Watergate Salad Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle You probably grew up eating this side and wondered if it was actually dessert. With it's bright green color and delicious flavor, everyone in your family will be surprised at how much they love it. 50 of 55 Party Potatoes Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Prepare to dazzle the Easter celebration with a tray of these tasty potatoes. The best part is that you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand. 51 of 55 Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts photographs by ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; RECIPE: ANNA THEOKTISTO; FOOD STYLING: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINA DALEY The secret to the best Brussels sprouts ever? Roast them in the oven. Additionally, make sure to cut off the base of the stems to ensure that your Brussels sprouts are super tender. 52 of 55 Smoky Greens Soufflé PHOTO: JAMES RANSOM, PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN This fancy dish gives beloved collards a festive twist. The rise of the soufflé is sure to impress, too. 53 of 55 Pimiento Cheese Creamed Spinach Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller You've probably had creamed spinach at most every gathering you go to, but the addition of pimiento cheese transforms this seemingly ordinary dish into something made for special occasions. Make this recipe in ramekins or a large baking dish. 54 of 55 Layered Squash Casserole Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Transform your squash into this rich and creamy casserole. With some cheddar cheese crackers and some other goodness, you have something that will have everyone asking for this recipe next year. 55 of 55 Classic Coleslaw Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Is any gathering really complete without coleslaw? We don't think so. Even if you are having the fanciest Easter dinner, this side is truly a necessity. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit