Easy Easter Side Dishes That Can Stack Up to the Main Dish

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Anna Williams

Anna Williams

Fast forward to Sunday morning, when the Easter bunny has come and gone, the last eggs in the yard have been hunted and the heads of marshmallow Peeps have been nibbled off. After such a busy morning, the only thing left to do is eat. This Easter Sunday, load up on seasonal side dishes that stack up to your family’s holiday ham. Not only are the ingredient lists oh so spring, they’re also as easy to make as it gets.

If you haven’t snatched up some in-season peas at the market yet, there’s never been a better time. Food Network Magazine’s Creamy Spring Peas with Pancetta (pictured above) combines a trio of fresh English peas, crunchy sugar snap peas and sliced snow peas with pancetta and cream.

A weekend meal in a single black ceramic baking dish that is placed on a dark blue surface

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A weekend meal in a single black ceramic baking dish that is placed on a dark blue surface

Cooked down with white wine till soft and sweet, Creamed Vidalia Onions by Food Network Magazine are a sure brunch standout. The additions of cream and savory breadcrumbs don’t hurt either.

With baby artichokes at their peak from April till May, it’s high time to give them a try for this special occasion. Top Anne’s Braised Baby Artichokes with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for the most-elegant side of your Easter meal.

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Photo by: Yunhee Kim

Serving potatoes is an easy way to satisfy brunch guests, and these recipes do it especially well. Simple Scalloped Potatoes by Food Network Magazine are a no-sweat way to please the whole gang, while Bobby roasts Greek Potatoes with Lemon Vinaigrette for a side dish that shines.

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Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

Have leftover Easter eggs on hand? Chop them up for a side of Broccolini with Hard-Boiled Eggs.

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Photo by: Con Poulos

Con Poulos

Or use fresh egg yolks for creamy Asparagus with Bacon Sabayon.

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Photo by: Christina Holmes ©2013

Christina Holmes , 2013

For colors that match those of your dyed Easter eggs, try Roasted Rainbow Carrots — they’re are striking, and merely need to be roasted to achieve huge wows.

If the strawberries at the market are looking good, bring some home for Trisha’s Strawberry Salad. Sprinkled with crushed ramen noodles and nuts for added crunch, this salad makes a refreshing addition to any decadent Easter brunch menu.

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