Still not sure what to cook for Easter this weekend? We’ve got you covered. From hearty mains to seasonal treats, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular Easter recipes loved by our Good Food audience for their traditional charm and festive appeal.
Each of the recipes below have been visited thousands of times, with hundreds of star ratings and comments from the community. Don’t forget to register for a My Good Food account so you can save your favourite recipes to make at a later date – you can organise them into your own collections for easy access.
For a memorable Easter Sunday lunch, discover our comprehensive guide to putting together the perfect plate. We’ve also rounded up our best vegetarian Easter ideas, ensuring your meat-free guests can fully enjoy the celebrations. Or try our vegan Easter ideas for your plant-based friends and family.
Curious about why lamb is such a popular choice at Easter? Find out more about Easter food traditions. And, to keep little ones entertained, our top Easter crafts and fun Easter baking for kids will provide hours of creative fun.
A classic Easter lunch centrepiece, roast lamb embodies the spirit of new life and the joys of spring. Traditionally paired with mint sauce, roasted vegetables and seasonal sides like tender asparagus or sweet peas, it’s a dish that celebrates the season’s bounty. Our roast lamb, studded with fragrant rosemary and garlic, makes the perfect centrepiece for your Easter feast. With fewer than 10 ingredients, it’s a beautifully simple yet flavour-packed dish. For even deeper flavour, try studding the lamb the night before – this allows the herbs time to infuse the meat overnight, ensuring every bite is succulent and aromatic.
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Fruitcake is often synonymous with Christmas, but its springtime counterpart, the simnel cake, is steeped in tradition. Lighter and sweeter, our classic simnel cake is topped with 11 marzipan balls, which represent the 11 disciples of Jesus (without Judas). Or, try our latest Easter simnel cake update, which features sour cherries and pistachios.
Discover more simnel cake recipes.
While not a traditional Easter dish, our next-level chicken pie offers a wallet-friendly and delicious alternative that’s become a firm favourite among Good Food users. By using a one-pan filling, you’ll save on both time and the washing-up, and if you bake your pie in a cake tin, it will turn out beautifully. A simple yet satisfying option for your Easter feast that doesn’t compromise on flavour or convenience.
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Carrot cake has long been a favourite Easter dessert, thanks to its cheerful connection to the Easter bunny and the fresh, vibrant flavours that signal the arrival of spring. Our simple carrot cake is a brilliant addition to your Easter menu. It can be prepared in advance and frozen (un-iced), so you can take the stress out of your festivities and decorate it just before serving. A delicious, hassle-free treat that’s sure to impress!
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Make these kid-friendly Easter-themed chocolate rice crispy cakes. It features a decadent chocolate sponge covered in rich fudge icing then decorated with Easter sweets and treats. They make a fun and creative Easter activity for little ones, as they can take the lead and personalise their cakes however they like. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up any leftover Easter chocolate. A playful, delicious way to get the whole family in the kitchen.
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If you’re after a lamb dish that melts in the mouth with minimal prep, this slow cooker lamb is the answer. After just 15 mins of hands-on time and 7 hrs in the slow cooker, the lamb will be so tender, it will practically fall off the bone, delivering rich, savoury flavour with every bite.
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Looking for a showstopping make-ahead dessert this Easter? Our no-bake mini egg cheesecake is sure to impress. The light, airy texture comes from whipping double cream to soft peaks before gently folding it into a smooth vanilla cheesecake base. For a truly indulgent finish, top your cheesecake not just with mini eggs, but an array of your favourite Easter chocolates for a colourful, decadent touch. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this easy yet elegant treat will be the highlight of your Easter celebrations. Looking for more Easter cheesecake recipes? We’ve got a ton of other ideas to try, including a cheesecake-filled Easter eggs that’s sure to be a hit with kids.
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Ham is often served as a celebratory centrepiece meat on the Easter Sunday lunch table. There’s also a logistical reason for eating ham at Easter. Before the invention of refrigerators, ham would be cured over winter (after being killed in autumn) and would become ready to be eaten by springtime. Now, it’s become a popular alternative to the traditional lamb for its affordability and accessibility. Our honey-glazed ham recipe is a go-to for feeding a large group and you’re bound to end up with plenty of leftovers, which can be easily repurposed into pies, salads and soups.
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Hot cross buns are an Easter classic, traditionally enjoyed on Good Friday – the cross on top symbolises the crucifixion of Jesus. Our most popular recipe belongs to none other than master baker Paul Hollywood. Check out his top 7 baking tips for perfect buns every time. Or, consider shaking things up this Easter. Our sourdough hot cross buns take a little more time, but the effort is worth it for a deliciously tangy, perfectly textured treat. If you’re catering for vegan guests, our vegan hot cross buns ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities. For those who prefer a savoury bite, try our cheesy hot cross buns for a flavour-packed alternative. And, if you’re feeling extra creative, try our latest favourite: banana bread hot cross buns with whipped banana & honey butter. Whatever your preference, these inventive versions will add something extra special to your Easter spread.
Discover more hot cross bun recipes.
Our simple yet flavourful roast leg of lamb comes in as the most popular choice among Good Food readers, offering a perfect balance of seasoning, with salty anchovies and aromatic rosemary. With just 20 mins of prep, this succulent roast serves up to six guests, making it an effortless and impressive centrepiece for your Easter feast.
Like this? Check out more of our ‘most popular’ series:
Most popular recipes on Good Food
Most popular vegetarian recipes
Most popular chicken recipes
Most popular vegan recipes
Most popular curry recipes on Good Food