Easter should be about family, not a kitchen marathon. These 15 recipes bring big flavor without the big effort, so there’s more time for egg hunts and dodging Aunt Linda’s life advice. From hearty mains to quick sides and desserts that look fancy but require minimal work, this lineup covers all the holiday bases. No complicated techniques, no endless prep—just reliable dishes that get the job done while making everyone think you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
Simple, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet, Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms are an easy win for Easter. The candy adds a festive pop of color, making them look special without extra work. They’re crisp yet tender, perfect for dunking in coffee or just grabbing straight off the plate. No complicated steps, no fancy decorating—just a straightforward cookie that everyone will want more of. Great for baking ahead and pulling out when the dessert table needs a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Shortbread Cookies with M&Ms
Mediterranean Cod
Light but packed with flavor, Mediterranean Cod proves that seafood can be both easy and satisfying. It comes together with simple ingredients that do all the heavy lifting, so there’s no need for complicated prep. The result? A dish that feels fresh and balanced without being bland. Works well for Easter dinner or any night you want something good without spending hours in the kitchen. Pairs well with just about anything, making it an easy go-to.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Blueberry Grunt
A warm, comforting dessert that’s as fun to say as it is to eat, Blueberry Grunt delivers big flavor without a lot of effort. The fruit cooks down into a rich filling while the topping keeps things balanced. No need for fancy plating or complicated techniques—just scoop and serve. Works as a casual dessert, a brunch addition, or even a quick way to use up extra fruit. Easier than pie, just as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Grunt
Baked Pesto Salmon
A dish that looks fancy but requires almost no effort, Baked Pesto Salmon is perfect for Easter dinner without the stress. The bold flavors do all the work, so there’s no need for extra seasoning or last-minute adjustments. It bakes quickly and comes out perfectly every time, making it a solid choice for guests or a simple weeknight meal. Serve it with veggies, grains, or on its own—it’s versatile enough to fit any meal. Great food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon
Strawberry Upside Down Cake
A cake that looks impressive without the hassle, Strawberry Upside Down Cake flips expectations in the best way. The fruit caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sweet topping that makes frosting unnecessary. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade without the stress of perfect decorations. Serve it warm or chilled, and it still delivers the right balance of sweetness without being over the top. Great for Easter or any day that needs dessert without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Upside Down Cake
Seafood Stuffed Salmon
When a simple salmon fillet isn’t enough, Seafood Stuffed Salmon steps in. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it feel like a special occasion dish with minimal work. No need to overthink the sides—it’s already loaded with everything needed to stand out. Bakes up fast, looks impressive, and saves you from spending the whole day cooking. A solid option when Easter calls for something a little extra without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Ambrosia Salad
A retro classic that still holds its own, Ambrosia Salad brings just the right amount of sweetness to the table. It’s a mix of textures and flavors that somehow just work, making it an easy favorite at any holiday gathering. Light, refreshing, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat, it’s one of those dishes people keep going back for. Whether served as a side or a dessert, it fits right in without a lot of effort. Simple to make, even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ambrosia Salad
Lemon Loaf
If Easter brunch needs something sweet but not too heavy, Lemon Loaf is the answer. Soft, flavorful, and balanced with just the right amount of citrus, it’s a bake-and-forget kind of recipe that delivers every time. No need for fancy toppings or complicated layers—it’s perfect straight from the pan or with a simple drizzle. Works as breakfast, dessert, or that snack you grab when no one’s looking. Expect it to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Loaf
Smoked Lamb Chops
When Easter calls for something bold, Smoked Lamb Chops answers. Slow-cooked flavor meets a tender texture, making them a centerpiece-worthy dish with surprisingly little effort. The smoky finish adds just enough depth without overpowering, creating a dish that feels fancy but doesn’t require a restaurant-level skillset. Whether served with classic sides or something fresh and light, they hold their own without needing extra fuss. Great for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something beyond the usual holiday fare.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lamb Chops
Easter Dessert Cups
These Easter Dessert Cups are proof that a holiday treat doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. Layers of simple ingredients come together for a dessert that looks festive and feels like it took way more effort than it actually did. No complicated techniques, just an easy way to serve up something fun without the mess of slicing cake or pie. Perfect for guests who want their own portion without fighting over the last piece. Great for kids and adults who don’t want to wait for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easter Dessert Cups
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
A fresh side that doesn’t try too hard, Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan adds just the right amount of crunch and brightness to any Easter spread. It’s simple but effective, bringing a balance of crisp texture and bold flavor without any unnecessary steps. No heavy sauces, no complicated dressings—just a straightforward dish that complements everything else on the table. Whether paired with ham, lamb, or seafood, it works without getting lost in the mix. Easy to throw together, but definitely doesn’t taste like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Mini Egg Cookies
Easter isn’t complete without a little chocolate, and Mini Egg Cookies check that box with minimal effort. They bring just the right mix of crunch and chewiness, making them hard to resist. The festive touch makes them look like they took more effort than they actually did, which is always a win. Perfect for filling cookie jars, serving up at brunch, or sneaking straight from the baking tray. Holiday baking without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Mini Egg Cookies
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Holiday ham doesn’t have to be complicated, and Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham proves it. This classic gets its signature flavor from a balance of sweetness and savory richness, creating a glaze that does all the work. No need to constantly check on it—just let the flavors do their thing while you focus on everything else. Perfect for Easter, but honestly, good enough to bring out any time a big meal is on the table. Leftovers won’t last long, and that’s a good problem to have.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Lemon Cake Pops
Bite-sized and easy to serve, Lemon Cake Pops take the fuss out of dessert while still making an impression. The bright flavor stands out without being overwhelming, and the smooth coating gives them a polished look without needing advanced decorating skills. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast, mostly because they’re easy to grab and even easier to eat. No need for plates or utensils, just a simple way to bring something sweet to the Easter table. Perfect for parties, quick snacks, or just because.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Pops
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli
When a side dish needs to be filling but not complicated, Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli gets it done. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with enough flavor to hold its own next to the main course. No fancy prep work, just a simple mix-and-bake dish that comes together fast. Works well for holiday meals but is just as good for an easy weeknight dinner. Expect no leftovers—this one disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli