24 Easter Dinner Ideas That Go Way Beyond Ham

These delicious alternatives are worthy of a spot on your spring holiday menu.

Southern Living Roasted Lamb With Fresh-Herb Sauce on serving platter
Photo:

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

While we know there are certain sides (we're looking at you, deviled eggs) and desserts that you would never consider leaving off of your Easter dinner menu, you may not feel quite so convicted about the main dish. If you want to serve Easter dinner without ham this year, there are plenty of delicious options that are worthy of being on your holiday menu. From marinated chicken breasts to a whole roasted duck to herb-crusted beef tenderloin and more, there are plenty of recipes you can serve for Easter dinner that don't include ham. Whether you've got some picky eaters on your hands, are looking for a simpler main dish, or just want to give the ham a break this year, you can't go wrong with any of these recipes for your Easter dinner—no ham required.

01 of 24

Pork Crown Roast

Cornmeal Crescent Rolls
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Not only will this roast serve as an impressive main dish, but it also doubles as a beautiful centerpiece.

02 of 24

Herb-Crusted Roasted Leg of Lamb

Herb-Crusted Roasted Leg of Lamb
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

To get the lamb tender on the inside, you'll first cook it low and slow, and then increase the temperature for a crisp finish on the outside.

03 of 24

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Vegetables

Rosemary Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

We recommend serving with French bread for dipping and enjoying the pan sauce.

04 of 24

Baked Pork Tenderloin

Baked Pork Tenderloin with Shaved Vegetable Salad
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

To make sure the tenderloin remains juicy and moist, it's best to use a meat thermometer.

05 of 24

Herb Crusted Prime Rib

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

For the best flavor, rub your roast the night before with the oil, herbs, salt, and pepper, and then let it chill in the fridge until time to cook.

06 of 24

Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits

Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Your trusty slow cooker is the secret to tender and impressive lamb shanks that will be the star of Easter dinner.

07 of 24

Baked Chicken Roulade

Baked Chicken Roulade
Photo: Jennifer Davick

This chicken roulade recipe makes four servings, which means it's a great choice for small holiday gatherings but can also easily be doubled if you're expecting more guests for Easter dinner.

08 of 24

Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler

Chicken-and-Biscuit Cobbler
Alison Miksch

Casseroles are always a good idea, and the best part about this comforting recipe is that the biscuits are already included.

09 of 24

Roasted Lamb With Fresh-Herb Sauce

Southern Living Roasted Lamb With Fresh-Herb Sauce on serving platter

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A celebratory occasion calls for a special main dish, but that doesn't mean it needs to be labor-intensive. With just 30 minutes of hands-on time, this roasted leg of lamb is sure to be the center of attention on the spring table.

10 of 24

Classic Beef Pot Roast

Classic Beef Pot Roast

When family is gathered around the table, you can't go wrong serving a classic pot roast.

11 of 24

Apricot Chicken

Southern Living Apricot Chicken on a serving platter

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Once you try this simple, sweet and savory chicken, it's sure to become more than a once-a-year-dish.

12 of 24

Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

The coating made from mustard and mayonnaise helps the breadcrumbs and herbs stick to the tenderloin while also sealing in the moisture.

13 of 24

Slow-Cooker Pork Roast

Slow-Cooker Pork Roast
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

If you choose to cook vegetables along with your pork roast in your slow cooker, keep an eye on it to make sure the meet doesn't get overcooked before the veggies are done.

14 of 24

Grilled Lamb Chops with Green Garlic Chimichurri

Grilled Lamb Chops with Green Garlic Chimichurri
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This company-worthy (in-laws included!) main dish is the easiest star-of-the-show you'll ever make. Ready in just 30 minutes, these flavorful lamb chops are ideal for Easter dinner.

15 of 24

Honey-Mustard Baked Salmon with Vegetables

Honey-Mustard Salmon with Vegetables
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

A sheet pan will allow you to cook all of the salmon (and even some veggies) at once.

16 of 24

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Beth Dreiling Hontzas

This pork tenderloin is easy, impressive, and requires just 10 minutes of prep time.

17 of 24

Pam Lolley's Crispy Chicken with Rice and Pan Gravy

Pam Lolley’s Crispy Chicken with Rice and Pan Gravy
Hector Manuel Sanchez

This chicken gets its crispy finish from the oven, no frying required.

18 of 24

Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze

Classic Roasted Duck with Orange-Bourbon-Molasses Glaze
Southern Living

Be sure to pat the duck dry with a paper towel to ensure a deliciously crispy skin.

19 of 24

Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

Crab-and-Bacon Linguine
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Add a coastal flair to your meal with this decadent seafood pasta recipe.

20 of 24

Spice-Rubbed Tenderloin with Mustard-Cream Sauce

Spice-Rubbed Tenderloin with Mustard-Cream Sauce

Alison Miksch

For the most tender slices of tenderloin, use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't cook past 130°F in the center.

21 of 24

Broiled Lamb Chops

Broiled Lamb Chops
Southern Living

Keep your main dish easy with these no-fuss lamb chops. The simplicity lets the flavor of the lamb shine and pairs perfectly with all your favorite Easter side dishes.

22 of 24

Herb-Roasted Pork Loin

Herb-Roasted Pork Loin
Hector Sanchez

Season the pork loin ahead of time and chill it uncovered to help form a crust. This will give your meat a beautiful deep, golden brown color while cooking.

23 of 24

Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce

Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce
Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Make the holiday meal feel special without adding more time in the kitchen with this pan-seared flank steak dish that everyone will love.

24 of 24

Roast Chicken

Roast Chicken
Brittany Conerly; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

This dish might have a short ingredient list, but it's not lacking on flavor. To make roast chicken feel a bit more special for your Easter meal, plate it on your favorite platter garnished with greens or roasted veggies.

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