Introduction
Easter Sunday is not just about the egg hunt; it is about the feast that follows.
After a morning of church services or chasing toddlers around the yard for plastic eggs, everyone is ready to eat. And Easter brunch is arguably the best meal of the year. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet breakfast treats and savory lunch classics.
But hosting can be stressful. You want a menu that impresses your guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day.
Whether you are hosting a large family gathering or an intimate meal, we have curated the best Easter brunch recipes and menu ideas for 2026.
These dishes are vibrant, delicious, and—most importantly—manageable.
1. The Centerpiece: Honey-Glazed Ham
No Easter table is complete without the ham. It is the star of the show.
- The Cut: Look for a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. It stays juicier and is easier to serve.
- The Glaze: Forget the packet that comes with the ham. Make your own simple glaze using honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of orange juice.
- The Method: Bake low and slow. Brush the glaze on every 20 minutes during the last hour of cooking. The result is a sticky, sweet, caramelized crust that screams “celebration.”
2. The Must-Have Appetizer: Classic Deviled Eggs
If you dyed real eggs for your decorations, you probably have a fridge full of hard-boiled eggs. Deviled eggs are the perfect way to use them.
- The Classic: Mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- The 2026 Twist: Add crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top. Or, try mixing in some avocado for a green, creamy filling.
- Presentation: Use a special deviled egg platter so they don’t slide around.
Want your table to look as good as the food? We have tips on creating stunning centerpieces and napkin folds. Check out our decoration guide here: Easter decor guide
3. The Sweet Treat: Hot Cross Buns
These spiced, sweet buns marked with a cross on top are an Easter Friday tradition, but they are perfect for Sunday brunch too.
- The Flavor: Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and currants or raisins.
- The Symbolism: The cross represents the crucifixion, making it a meaningful addition to the religious celebration.
- Serving Tip: Serve them warm with plenty of salted butter.
4. The Side Dish: Spring Asparagus Tart
Utilize the best vegetable of the season: Asparagus.
- The Hack: Use store-bought puff pastry. You don’t need to make the dough from scratch!
- The Assembly: Roll out the puff pastry. Spread a layer of herbed cream cheese or goat cheese. Lay the asparagus spears on top in a neat row. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven until golden and puffy. It looks like something from a French bakery but takes 10 minutes to prep.
5. The Dessert: The Ultimate Carrot Cake
Easter without carrot cake is like Christmas without a tree. It just feels wrong.
- The Cake: It should be moist, spiced, and packed with grated carrots (and walnuts if you like crunch).
- The Frosting: Cream cheese frosting is non-negotiable. It provides the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
- Decoration: Top with chopped pecans or cute little marzipan carrots for a festive touch.
6. The Drink: Mimosas (and Mock-mosas)
A brunch isn’t a brunch without a fizzy drink.
- Classic Mimosa: Champagne and orange juice. Simple, effective.
- Spring Twist: Use grapefruit juice or pear nectar instead of orange juice for a fresh flavor profile.
- For the Kids: Sparkling apple cider or lemonade with frozen berries looks fancy but is alcohol-free.
Tips for a Stress-Free Easter Brunch
- Prep Ahead: You can boil the eggs, make the ham glaze, and bake the cake on Saturday.
- Buffet Style: Instead of plating everyone’s food, set up a buffet station. It’s more casual and allows people to graze.
- Ask for Help: If guests ask, “What can I bring?”, tell them! Ask someone to bring a salad or the wine.
Need to keep the kids entertained while you cook? Send them on an egg hunt! We have all the tips for baskets and activities in our main guide: Ultimate Easter Guide
Final Thoughts
Easter brunch brings everyone together to break bread and celebrate new beginnings.
The most important part of the menu isn’t the ham or the cake; it is the laughter and conversation around the table. So, don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect. Enjoy the food, enjoy the company, and Happy Easter!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a traditional Easter dinner menu?
In the US, baked ham is the most common centerpiece, often served with potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. In the UK and parts of Europe, roast lamb is the traditional choice, symbolizing Jesus as the “Lamb of God.”
2. Can I make Easter brunch ahead of time?
Yes! Dishes like quiches, stratas (egg casseroles), and pastries can be made the night before and simply reheated in the morning. Cold sides like deviled eggs and salads can also be prepped in advance.
3. What are good vegetarian options for Easter?
Vegetable quiches, roasted carrots with honey glaze, spring salads with strawberries and goat cheese, and the asparagus tart mentioned above are all delicious meat-free options.
