52 Festive Easter Side Dishes To Round Out Your Menu

When you’re planning a special meal it can be easy to focus all your attention on appetizers or a showstopping main. But we all know that the sides make the meal, Easter dinner included. Colorful spring veggies, creamy potatoes and fresh, herbaceous pastas—there are so many seasonal favorites that deserve a spot on your table. So, don’t make the sides an afterthought; round out your spread with these essential recipes, starting with these perked-up peas. The addition of savory prosciutto and fresh green parsley to give them plenty of flavor.

Dress up your carrots with drizzles of delicious pesto and ricotta. Subtly sweet, wonderfully savory, and oh-so-flavorful!

Cheesy potatoes are perfect for any gathering—you've most likely seen them at family holidays, birthday parties and even funerals (they are often referred to as “funeral potatoes”). We spent days perfecting the BEST version—testing fresh vs. frozen potatoes and coming up with the perfect from-scratch sauce that doesn't rely on canned soup as its base. In the end, fresh potatoes won the competition, thanks to the creamy soft texture they provide and the way they soak up the silky smooth, rich homemade sauce. Of course, plenty of Cheddar tops it all off, as well as cornflakes for toothsome crunch.

This quick, herb-forward side combines tender orzo with sautéed scallions, fresh parsley, and dill, all simmered in broth for extra flavor and richness. Finished with Parmesan, it’s light yet savory—an easy, versatile dish that pairs well with just about anything.

These soft, pull-apart rolls are made from a rich, slightly sweet dough that requires no kneading, then shaped into classic cloverleaf portions and baked until golden. Light, fluffy, and buttery, they’re perfect for tearing apart and serving warm alongside any meal.

Olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon are all of the ingredients you need to make easy-to-steam asparagus.

This creamy, satisfying pasta feels light, thanks to a sprinkling of good-for-you peas and bright, citrusy lemon.

It’s impossible not to love these oh-so-rich-and-creamy potatoes. They’re a must-have at any holiday table — especially this simple version that’s studded with salty pieces of baked ham.

Parmesan cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt are stirred into risotto to make this dish extra creamy.

Serve up a tropical meld of textures and flavors with Alton's ambrosia; whip it up ahead of time so it can chill.

Toasting breadcrumbs in butter until crisp and then adding some Parmesan and fresh herbs transforms these simply cooked crisp-tender sugar snap peas in minutes.

Toss your carrots in a blend of seasonings before baking to give it a nice roasted flavor. Serve with a dollop of yogurt for a tasty (and elegant) presentation.

Chopped spring onions are used to give this gooey potato gratin an appetizing crunch.

These mashed potatoes are silky smooth and swirled with tons of sweet confit garlic flavor all throughout. They’re topped with sweet chives and crispy bacon for the perfect finish. They're guaranteed to be a hit at Easter dinner — so you might want to make a double batch!

Leave room for this decadent, Venetian-inspired macaroni and cheese. Diced ham and chopped parsley imbue the dish with fresh, springtime flavors.

This tiny pasta boasts big, bold flavor thanks to vibrant lemon and fragrant basil.

Sour cream and butter turn parsnips and potatoes into a creamy side dish.

"My mom made asparagus casserole as a green side for Easter, but I prefer lima beans. They've become the Brooks family tradition," says Trisha.

Quick as a rabbit, these honey-glazed baby carrots are ready to serve in just 15 minutes — the perfect side dish for your springtime feast.

This rich, buttery baked macaroni and cheese is the kind that will remind you of your childhood and holiday meals at Grandma's house.

Kardea says, "This stunning salad speaks for itself, and in my opinion, is best in the peak of spring when the asparagus is tender and in season. I dress it with a simple vinaigrette and top with crispy, lemony panko breadcrumbs that give the perfect texture contrast."

Blanching veggies helps them keep their bright, vibrant color — the secret to this eye-catching side dish.

Katie tosses her crunchy carrots in a handmade lemon and cinnamon vinaigrette to infuse them with some unexpected and exotic flare.

Looking for the perfect side to pair with your rack of lamb or Easter ham? This salad has everything you need: asparagus, sliced fennel, Boston lettuce, mixed greens, peas, celery and pistachios.

Add some drama to your Easter spread by adding a whole head of cauliflower to the menu. To infuse your cauliflower with garlicky flavor, combine thyme sprigs, sliced garlic, olive oil, salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small saucepan. Once cooked, brush the mixture across your cauliflower and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Trisha's spring salad is a stunning addition to your Easter spread. Aside from seasonal fresh strawberries, she adds in crush ramen noodles, almond and sunflower seeds for a surprising salty crunch.

This tricolored side dish is packed with buttery red potatoes, crispy shallots, garlic and chopped kale to give your Easter feast a healthy-meets-savory addition.

Thirty minutes is all you'll need to make this pan-roasted endive. When cooking, be sure to turn each endive head every ten minutes or so for an even, golden-brown finish.

Pomegranate seeds, parsley and mint give this rice dish an array of fresh flavors and textures.

Eggs and asparagus are a classic French combination. Top steamed asparagus with chopped boiled eggs, then dress it with Melissa's mustard vinaigrette.

Sunny sprays her carrot fries with cider vinegar and garnishes them with salt, mint and orange zest for some sweet-meets-salty tang.