Easter Sunday should feel joyful, not overwhelming. If you’re hosting family or friends, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else enjoys the day. That’s why we’ve created a simple, flavorful Easter menu featuring four recipes you can prepare without the stress.
With two main dishes, a fresh side, and a sweet dessert, this menu balances tradition and creativity. Everything can be prepped in advance or cooked with minimal fuss, so you can spend more time with family and friends and less time at the stove.
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Not everyone loves ham, and that’s okay. Baked salmon with garlic butter offers a light, elegant alternative that’s both nutritious and fast to prepare.
What you’ll need:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off) from our Seafood Department
- 4 tbsp garlic herb butter
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Add a tablespoon of garlic herb butter to each fillet.
- Top with a lemon slice.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily.
The butter melts into the fish as it bakes, infusing it with flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh finish. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or lemon water.
Classic Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
No Easter is complete without a glazed ham. Spiral hams are pre-sliced, easy to cook, and serve a crowd without much effort. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make a glossy, sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-cut ham (about 8–10 lbs) from our Meat Department.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan with a bit of water at the bottom.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours.
- Mix brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice in a saucepan over low heat.
- Uncover the ham and brush with the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking.
That’s it! Let it rest before serving. Any leftovers work great in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles the next day.
Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Add some vibrant color to your plate with honey-glazed carrots. They’re naturally sweet and gently savory, making them a side dish everyone will love, from toddlers to grandparents.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, and thyme in a large bowl.
- Spread them on a baking sheet.
- Roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Want to add to the flavor? Add crumbled feta or chopped walnuts just before serving.
Mini Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Carrot cake is an Easter classic. But instead of baking a full cake, try these easy-to-share cupcakes. They bake faster, cool quicker, and offer built-in portion control, plus decorating them is a fun family activity.
Ingredients:
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 tub of cream cheese frosting
- Optional toppings: shredded coconut, pastel sprinkles, crushed pecans
Directions:
- Mix cake ingredients according to the package.
- Line a muffin tin and fill each cup 2/3 full.
- Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Kids can help decorate with their favorite Easter toppings. You’ll have dessert on the table in no time and smiles all around.
Make It a Celebration to Remember
You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull off a memorable holiday meal. These recipes come together with simple ingredients, most of which you can find right here at Farmer Joe’s. The key to a smooth Easter Sunday is doing a little prep the day before:
- Bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container.
- Chop veggies for the carrots and store them in the fridge.
- Make your glaze in advance and refrigerate.
On the big day, you’ll only need to heat, assemble, and serve. That means more time with your guests—and more chances to enjoy the food you’ve made.
Easter doesn’t have to be a high-pressure event. With this menu, you’ll have a balance of flavor, tradition, and ease. Visit us at Farmer Joe’s for everything you need to bring this celebration to life. And remember, good food is meant to be shared. Happy Easter from all of us!