If you are anything like me, you probably feel like Easter came out of nowhere this year. It feels like the start of Easter season — Ash Wednesday — was just last week, and now here we are, only about 48 hours away from the holiday, feeling totally unprepared. Well, some of us are, at least. This feeling comes with a lot of pressure if you also agreed to make something for Easter dinner. And if you agreed to actually host Easter dinner, you're probably having a small panic attack right now. It's a big holiday that warrants fancy entrees, but don't worry - there are still some last minute Easter dinner recipes that will absolutely get the job done.
All you have to do is run to the store, pick up a few items, and then dedicate as much time as you can to cooking something everyone will love. You might not have time to do a giant ham or turkey or something like that, but that won't matter once you check out the recipes below. Filled with delicious flavors and offering great presentations, these last minute Easter dinner ideas are perfect for anyone who procrastinated just a little bit on cooking this year — I'm not judging!
1. Baked Shells With Tomato And Mozzarella
When in doubt, go for pasta — this is my life motto. In all seriousness, it is always a good option, especially this one from Big Girls Small Kitchen. Shells are usually associated with a fancier dinner, and this baked dish includes lots of cheese and tomato sauce. It's easy and fast, and it will definitely be a crowd pleaser.
2. Salmon In Tomato And Feta Sauce
Another great last minute idea to rely on is salmon. It's super accessible, very versatile, and cooks quickly. It usually doesn't require much, since it has a good flavor on its own. This recipe from Closet Cooking uses Mediterranean flavors like tomatoes and feta cheese for a perfectly savory entree. Add some simple asparagus, and you're good to go.
3. Easy Chicken Breasts With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Another great choice for something last-minute is chicken, because it's hard to really mess it up. This recipe from Foodie Crush mixes simple chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce that looks super impressive and tastes even better.
4. Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp cooks so quickly, and it pairs well with so many things. This dish from A Pretty Life In The Suburbs is so easy that you'll definitely have time to make a side dish if you'd like.
5. Dilled Red Potatoes And Peas
Speaking of side dishes, this is a great one for Easter. It just looks like spring, doesn't it? This option from Foodie Crush has a lot of fresh flavor, thanks to the dill, and the baby potatoes and peas are super easy to make.
6. Meat And Cheese Board Pairing
If you don't want to make anything too heavy or if you're in charge of an appetizer (or a side), a meat and cheese board is something you can't go wrong with. You just buy the meat and cheese, along with some nuts and fruit, and put it all together on a pretty plate. The Little Epicurean has some great ideas for the perfect pairing.
7. Easy Skillet Lasagna
Lasagna is a pretty popular Easter dinner option, but it's also time-consuming and a pain to put together. Try this skillet lasagna from House Of Yumm — it's much more simple and still tastes amazing.
8. Shrimp Scampi
Another easy classic is shrimp scampi, and this recipe from Closet Cooking is great. This is a fan favorite that doesn't take a lot of time or effort, so it's a great choice for anyone who's scrambling for an idea.
9. One Pot Oven Roasted Bone In Pork Rib Roast With Vegetables
OK, so you probably wouldn't associate a rib roast with a last-minute meal, but this one from A Pretty Life In The Suburbs isn't that complicated since it's made all in one pot. Just cut up some veggies and stick in the oven!
10. Creamy Lemon Grilled Chicken, Asparagus, And Artichoke Pasta
Opt for something simple but delicious, like this chicken pasta recipe from Closet Cooking. It's full of spring flavors and a creamy lemon sauce that makes it a lot more special than your average chicken and pasta dish.
11. Creamy Lemon Pasta With Tuna
One other lemon pasta idea that's a little different is this one from House Of Yumm. It's made with tuna instead of chicken, and it's filled with lots of yummy veggies.
12. Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon
Into the seafood idea? This salmon recipe from Table For Two is a great choice. The sweet and spicy sauce on top is super unique and will pair well with almost any vegetable side.
13. 30 Minute Caprese Chicken
You can't go wrong with the crowd pleasing flavors of caprese. This chicken dish from Foodie Crush features them in the best way possible with warm mozzarella and lots of tangy flavor.
14. Chicken Caccitore
Keep things simple with a basic dish like chicken caccitore from A Spicy Perspective. It's easy, fast, and something a lot of people really love, so it's hard to go wrong with it.
15. Oven-Baked Salmon With Parmesan Herb Crust
One way to make a salmon dish even better? Add lots of Parmesan cheese. This recipe from A Spicy Perspective features a buttery, cheese crust with easy to make salmon.
