If you're looking to make your Easter brunch an unforgettable feast, look no further. Here are five scrumptious recipes guaranteed to wow your guests and make your Easter celebration delightful. From sweet and savory dishes to refreshing drinks, these recipes cater to all tastes and preferences.
Sweet and Savory Easter Ham
The centerpiece of any Easter table often involves some form of ham. This version combines the rich flavor of ham with sweet glaze, making it both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
- Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- Whole cloves
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves at the intersections.
- Mix brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and honey to make the glaze.
- Brush the ham with the glaze, reserving some for basting during cooking.
- Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining glaze.
🍖 Note: For a deeper flavor, marinate the ham overnight in the glaze before cooking.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Start your Easter morning with fluffy, light, and zesty lemon ricotta pancakes that will impress both kids and adults alike.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Butter for the pan
- Maple syrup or fresh berries for serving
- Instructions:
- Mix the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, flour, sugar, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, pour batter to make pancakes, and cook until bubbles form before flipping.
🍋 Note: Fresh lemon zest adds a vibrant flavor; don't skip it!
Herb and Cheese Easter Egg Bread
This savory bread not only looks festive with its egg adornments but also provides a delicious base for your brunch spread.
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, rosemary)
- 6 dyed hard-boiled eggs
- Instructions:
- Activate yeast with sugar in warm water, then combine with flour, salt, cheese, and herbs to form dough.
- Let the dough rise, then shape into a braided loaf with the eggs nested in.
- Bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Spring Asparagus Tart
Light and sophisticated, this tart is a perfect companion to your brunch, highlighting the fresh flavors of spring.
- Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 8 oz asparagus
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Lemon zest
- Salt and pepper
- Instructions:
- Roll out the puff pastry, score a border around the edge.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper for the filling.
- Spread the filling over the pastry, top with asparagus, and bake at 400°F until the pastry is golden and asparagus tender.
Raspberry and Rosewater Mimosa
End your meal on a bubbly note with this elegant, floral twist on the classic brunch cocktail.
- Ingredients:
- Prosecco
- Chilled raspberry puree
- Rose water
- Fresh raspberries
- Instructions:
- In each flute, add a spoonful of raspberry puree, a drop of rose water, top with prosecco.
- Garnish with a raspberry.
🍓 Note: Adjust the amount of rose water to taste; it can be overpowering if not used judiciously.
To wrap up this culinary journey, these Easter brunch recipes offer a blend of traditional and inventive dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you choose the hearty Easter ham or the delicate raspberry mimosa, your guests are sure to be enchanted by the flavors and presentation of your festive feast. Each dish not only provides a delightful taste experience but also brings joy and festivity to your Easter celebration.
Can I prepare any of these dishes in advance?
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Yes, several dishes can be prepped in advance. The Easter Ham can be glazed and marinated the night before. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes batter can be made ahead, though whisk the egg whites and fold them in just before cooking. The Herb and Cheese Easter Egg Bread can be prepared up to the point of baking and refrigerated, then baked the next day. The Spring Asparagus Tart’s filling can be made and refrigerated, and the Asparagus can be par-cooked. The mimosas should be made fresh.
What can I do if I don’t like asparagus on the tart?
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There are plenty of alternatives to asparagus for the tart. Consider using sliced tomatoes, spinach, leeks, or even a combination of bell peppers and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Are there vegetarian options for Easter brunch?
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Absolutely, both the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Spring Asparagus Tart are vegetarian. You could also create a vegetarian quiche or a strata with veggies for more options.
How can I make the brunch more child-friendly?
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To make the brunch more appealing to children, consider simpler versions of the recipes. Cut the ham into fun shapes, serve the pancakes with lots of sweet toppings, and replace the rose water in the mimosas with strawberry or orange juice for a child-friendly mocktail.
What’s a good dessert for Easter brunch?
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For Easter, consider desserts like carrot cake cupcakes, Easter egg cookies, or a light lemon tart. Chocolate-dipped strawberries also make for a fun and festive treat.
