Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and gathering with loved ones. A centerpiece of many Easter traditions is a bountiful feast, and no feast is complete without delicious and carefully crafted meat dishes. Whether you’re looking to serve a traditional glazed ham, experiment with a succulent lamb roast, or surprise your guests with something unconventional, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Easter meat recipes that will make your holiday meal unforgettable.
Classic Glazed Ham
A glazed ham is the quintessential Easter dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe ensures a moist and flavorful ham with a caramelized glaze that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham on a roasting rack and cover with aluminum foil.
Bake for 1.5 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Remove the ham from the oven and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
Brush the glaze generously over the ham and return to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
For a touch of elegance, try this herb-crusted rack of lamb. The tender, juicy meat pairs perfectly with a fragrant herb crust, making it an ideal choice for your Easter table.
Ingredients:
2 racks of lamb (about 1.5 pounds each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1/4 cup rosemary, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the lamb racks with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, rosemary, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Brush the lamb with Dijon mustard and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the lamb on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare.
Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
This stuffed pork tenderloin combines savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, creating a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying.
Ingredients:
2 pork tenderloins
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butterfly the tenderloins by slicing them lengthwise without cutting through completely.
Season the meat with salt and pepper.
Spread spinach, cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts evenly over one side of the tenderloin.
Roll the tenderloin tightly and secure with kitchen twine.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork on all sides.
Transfer to a baking dish and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Chicken
A whole roasted chicken is a crowd-pleaser and a versatile option for Easter dinner. This recipe highlights the earthy flavors of rosemary and garlic for a moist and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken dry and season the cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with rosemary and half the garlic.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and remaining garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken on a roasting rack and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Honey-Mustard Glazed Salmon
If you’re looking for a lighter yet flavorful option, this honey-mustard glazed salmon is a delightful choice for Easter.
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil.
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the glaze generously over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Braised Beef Brisket
For those who love rich and hearty dishes, a braised beef brisket is a perfect option. Slow cooking ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Ingredients:
3-4 pounds beef brisket
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and sear the brisket on both sides.
Remove the brisket and sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine.
Return the brisket to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven.
Cook for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Breast
This dish combines the tenderness of turkey with the smoky, crispy goodness of bacon for a flavor-packed Easter treat.
Ingredients:
1 boneless turkey breast (2-3 pounds)
8-10 slices of bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the turkey breast with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Wrap the turkey breast with bacon slices, overlapping slightly.
Place the turkey on a baking sheet and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto
For a fresh and vibrant twist, serve grilled lamb chops with a zesty mint pesto. This dish is perfect for an outdoor Easter celebration.
Ingredients:
8 lamb chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mint Pesto:
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup parsley
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Brush lamb chops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
To make the pesto, blend mint, parsley, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
Serve the lamb chops with a dollop of mint pesto.
Conclusion
Easter is a time for joy, family, and indulgence. These meat recipes cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring that your Easter feast will be memorable and satisfying. Whether you stick to traditional dishes or explore new flavors, the key is to celebrate the occasion with love and delicious food. Happy Easter!
