50 Traditional Easter Dishes from Around the World
- Xander Cabriana
- Sep 25, 2024
- 8 min read
Photo: vivoo / stock.adobe.com
Easter is celebrated in various ways across the globe, often with festive meals that highlight cultural traditions and symbolize renewal and rebirth.
Here’s a look at 50 traditional Easter dishes from different countries, showcasing the unique flavors, ingredients, and customs associated with this joyous occasion.
Hot Cross Buns (UK)
These spiced sweet buns, marked with a cross on top, are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. They are made with currants or raisins, often flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, and are typically enjoyed warm, with butter spread on top for an extra indulgence.
Easter Bread (Greece)
Known as “Tsoureki,” this sweet, braided bread is rich in flavor and often flavored with orange zest and a hint of mahleb, a spice made from cherry pits. It’s typically served during Easter Sunday celebrations and is sometimes decorated with red-dyed eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
Pashka (Russia)
A rich, creamy dessert made with farmer’s cheese, butter, sugar, and often dried fruits, Pashka is shaped into a pyramid and decorated with religious symbols. It’s a traditional dish for the Easter feast, embodying the spirit of resurrection and is often served alongside sweet breads.
Deviled Eggs (USA)
Hard-boiled eggs are halved, with the yolks mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices before being spooned back into the whites. This classic appetizer is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser during Easter gatherings, representing new life and fertility.
Lamb (Various)
Roasted lamb is a symbol of spring and rebirth, making it a popular choice for Easter meals in many cultures. It’s often seasoned with herbs such as rosemary and garlic, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that is often served with seasonal vegetables and rich gravies.
Eggs Benedict (USA)
A brunch favorite, this dish features poached eggs and Canadian bacon placed atop a toasted English muffin, all topped with a luscious hollandaise sauce. The creamy and tangy sauce combined with the savory elements makes it a decadent and satisfying way to celebrate Easter Sunday.
Colomba di Pasqua (Italy)
This dove-shaped cake is a sweet bread similar to Panettone, enriched with candied fruit, almonds, and sometimes a delicate glaze. It’s traditionally enjoyed during the Easter season in Italy, symbolizing peace and hope.
Baked Ham (USA)
A glazed ham, often brushed with a mixture of brown sugar and honey, becomes a centerpiece for many Easter dinners. Its sweet and savory flavor pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings.
Easter Pie (Italy)
Known as “Torta Pasqualina,” this savory pie is made with layers of spinach, ricotta, and hard-boiled eggs, all encased in a flaky crust. It’s a traditional dish in Italian Easter celebrations, often served as an appetizer or a main course.
Kulich (Russia)
This tall, sweet bread, often flavored with citrus and spices, is decorated with icing and colorful sprinkles. Kulich is typically served alongside Pashka during the Easter feast, embodying the joy of the season.
Sernik (Poland)
A traditional cheesecake made with farmer's cheese, often flavored with vanilla and served with fruit toppings or a dusting of powdered sugar. Sernik is a favorite dessert during Polish Easter celebrations, appreciated for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Capirotada (Mexico)
This bread pudding, layered with bolillo bread, cheese, raisins, and spices, is soaked in a sweet syrup made from piloncillo, a type of unrefined sugar. It’s a comforting dish enjoyed during Lent and Easter, representing the passion of Christ.
Tzatziki (Greece)
A refreshing yogurt dip made with grated cucumbers, garlic, and herbs like dill, Tzatziki is often served as an appetizer during Greek Easter feasts. It pairs well with grilled meats and adds a cool contrast to rich flavors.
Birria (Mexico)
A flavorful stew made from marinated goat or beef, seasoned with aromatic spices and often served with corn tortillas and fresh salsas. Birria is a festive dish that brings warmth and comfort to Easter gatherings.
Fried Fish (Various)
In many cultures, particularly among those observing Lent, fried fish is a popular Easter dish. Typically coated in a light batter and fried to perfection, it is often served with sides like coleslaw and tartar sauce, making for a satisfying meal.
Cheese Paska (Ukraine)
This sweet, creamy cheese dessert is made with farmer's cheese, sugar, and raisins, shaped into a pyramid and often garnished with dried fruit. It’s typically served during the Easter feast, representing the joy of the resurrection.
Pineapple Glazed Ham (USA)
A festive ham glazed with pineapple juice and brown sugar, often served at Easter brunches and dinners. Its sweet and savory combination is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Bunny Cake (USA)
A fun and decorative cake shaped like a bunny, often made with pastel-colored frosting and adorned with candy decorations. This cake is a delightful treat for Easter celebrations, especially for children, bringing a sense of whimsy to the festivities.
Matzo Ball Soup (Jewish communities)
A traditional Jewish dish, Matzo Ball Soup is served during Passover, which often coincides with Easter. The fluffy matzo balls are simmered in a savory chicken broth, creating a comforting dish that warms the soul.
Cabbage Rolls (Eastern Europe)
Stuffed with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices, these cabbage rolls are often simmered in tomato sauce and served during Easter celebrations. They represent tradition and family gatherings, offering hearty sustenance.
Egg Salad (USA)
A creamy mixture of chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and seasonings, egg salad is often served as a sandwich filling or a side dish during Easter meals. It’s simple to prepare and always a favorite among guests.
Pine Nut Cake (Italy)
This traditional Italian cake is made with ground pine nuts, sugar, and eggs, offering a unique flavor and texture that delights the palate. It’s often enjoyed during Easter festivities, celebrating the season with its nutty richness.
Jelly Beans (USA)
A sweet candy often associated with Easter, jelly beans come in a rainbow of colors and flavors, symbolizing the sweet joy of the season. They are often included in Easter baskets and are loved by children and adults alike.
Roast Beef (Various)
A hearty roast beef dish, seasoned and slow-cooked, is commonly featured on Easter tables in many cultures. It’s often served with rich gravies and seasonal vegetables, making for a satisfying family meal.
Spiced Wine (Germany)
Known as “Gluhwein,” this warm, spiced wine is a comforting beverage enjoyed during Easter markets and gatherings. Its aromatic spices create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
Chocolate Eggs (Various)
These sweet treats come in various flavors and sizes, often filled with creamy fillings. Chocolate eggs are a beloved symbol of Easter, enjoyed by children and adults alike as a delightful indulgence.
Carrot Cake (USA)
A moist cake made with grated carrots, often topped with rich cream cheese frosting and garnished with nuts or edible flowers. Carrot cake is a festive dessert that aligns perfectly with the Easter theme of renewal.
Eggnog (USA)
This creamy, spiced drink, traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, can also be a festive beverage during Easter brunches. Its rich and satisfying flavor makes it a delightful choice for gatherings.
Pork Roast (Various)
A succulent pork roast, seasoned with herbs and slow-cooked to perfection, is often featured at Easter dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and hearty sides, bringing comfort to the table.
Marzipan (Germany)
This sweet almond paste, often shaped into decorative figures, is a popular candy enjoyed during Easter celebrations. Its smooth texture and sweet flavor make it a delightful treat for all ages.
Almond Cake (France)
A moist cake made with ground almonds, often flavored with vanilla and served with a dusting of powdered sugar. This delightful dessert is a popular choice for Easter celebrations in France, embodying the elegance of the season.
Herb-Crusted Salmon (Various)
A healthy and flavorful option, herb-crusted salmon is often served as a centerpiece for Easter meals. Its combination of fresh herbs and tender fish pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables, creating a light yet satisfying dish.
Pork Schnitzel (Germany)
Breaded and fried pork cutlets, served with a side of potato salad or sauerkraut, are a hearty dish enjoyed during Easter gatherings in Germany. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them a favorite among families.
Honey Glazed Carrots (Various)
Sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots are a popular side dish during Easter meals, often roasted to enhance their natural sweetness. Their vibrant color and flavor make them an appealing addition to any festive table.
Beef Wellington (UK)
A show-stopping dish featuring beef tenderloin coated with pâté and wrapped in flaky pastry, Beef Wellington is often reserved for special occasions like Easter. Its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it a standout centerpiece.
Roasted Vegetable Medley (Various)
A colorful assortment of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection with herbs and olive oil is a healthy and vibrant side dish for Easter dinners. The caramelization enhances their natural sweetness, making them irresistible.
Cheese Fondue (Switzerland)
A warm and gooey cheese fondue, perfect for dipping bread and vegetables, is often enjoyed during Easter gatherings in Switzerland. It’s a communal dish that brings friends and family together for a fun dining experience.
Pea Soup (France)
A creamy, flavorful pea soup often made with fresh peas and herbs is a comforting starter for Easter meals. Its bright green color and fresh taste herald the arrival of spring, making it a fitting choice for the season.
Caprese Salad (Italy)
This simple yet delicious salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with olive oil, is often served as an appetizer during Easter feasts. Its fresh flavors are a celebration of the season and pair well with various main courses.
Chocolate Bunnies (USA)
Chocolate bunnies are a classic symbol of Easter, representing fertility and new life. These sweet treats come in various sizes and flavors, delighting children and adults alike during the holiday season.
Quiche Lorraine (France)
A savory tart filled with creamy custard, cheese, and crispy bacon, Quiche Lorraine is a popular dish for Easter brunches. Its rich flavors and flaky crust make it a satisfying option that pairs well with salads.
Coconut Cream Pie (USA)
This luscious pie features a creamy coconut filling topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. Its tropical flavor and light texture make it a delightful dessert choice for Easter gatherings.
Asparagus Tart (France)
A flaky pastry tart filled with fresh asparagus and cheese, this dish is often served as an appetizer or side during Easter meals. Its vibrant green color and rich flavor embody the freshness of spring.
Biscotti (Italy)
These crunchy almond cookies are often enjoyed with coffee or tea during Easter celebrations. Their twice-baked nature makes them perfect for dipping, offering a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
Potato Gratin (France)
Creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked with cheese and cream create a decadent side dish known as potato gratin. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a popular choice for Easter dinners.
Baba au Rhum (France)
A rum-soaked sponge cake often served during festive occasions, Baba au Rhum is a delightful dessert that adds a touch of elegance to Easter celebrations. Its moist texture and rich rum flavor create a memorable sweet ending to any meal.
Grilled Asparagus (Various)
A simple yet elegant side dish, grilled asparagus is often served during Easter meals. Its fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant green color pair beautifully with various main courses, making it a staple on holiday tables.
Spinach and Cheese Soufflé (France)
This light and airy dish made with spinach and cheese is a delicious option for Easter brunch. It’s elegant, packed with flavor, and showcases the beauty of seasonal ingredients, making it a lovely addition to any spread.
Potato Salad (Various)
A creamy or vinegar-based potato salad is a popular side dish during Easter celebrations. Its comforting flavors and versatility make it a perfect complement to many main courses, ideal for potluck gatherings.
Fruit Tart (Various)
A colorful dessert featuring a buttery crust filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh fruits. A fruit tart is a light and refreshing end to an Easter meal, celebrating the sweetness of spring.
