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Not everyone wants ham on Easter and that’s okay. Whether you’re craving something a little cozier, more indulgent, or just different, these non-traditional Easter dinner ideas prove that your holiday main dish can still feel special without sticking to tradition.
From slow-cooked prime rib and smoked brisket to comforting chicken pot pie and juicy pork chops, this roundup is packed with crowd-pleasing mains that fit Easter just as beautifully as ham ever did.
Bold & Hearty Easter Main Dishes
If you’re looking to shake things up this Easter, these non-traditional mains offer hearty, impressive alternatives that still feel special enough for the holiday.
Slow Cooker Prime Rib
Tender, juicy, and nearly hands-off, this slow cooker prime rib is an elegant Easter main that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.
Smoked Beef Brisket
Low and slow smoked brisket brings deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture to your Easter dinner, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Oven Braised Short Ribs
Slow-braised until fall-apart tender, these short ribs are comforting, elegant, and ideal for a special Easter meal.
Chicken Pot Pie
Flaky, creamy, and packed with hearty flavor, chicken pot pie is a cozy Easter dinner option that everyone loves.
Smoked Prime Rib
For something truly unforgettable, smoked prime rib delivers bold flavor, tender meat, and serious wow-factor for Easter.
Roasted Chicken Thighs
Crispy-skinned, juicy chicken thighs are an easy, budget-friendly Easter main that still feels celebratory.
Greek Chicken Meatballs
Light, flavorful Greek chicken meatballs are packed with herbs and lemon, making them a fresh, spring-ready option for Easter dinner.
Panko Crusted Chicken
Golden, crispy chicken topped with a bright lemon cream sauce feels special enough for Easter while still being easy to make.
Easter Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
Easter sides should feel light, seasonal, and just a little indulgent. This collection includes bright salads, cozy classics, and easy breads that belong on every Easter table.
Jewish Kugel
Warm, comforting, and lightly sweet, this classic kugel is a timeless Easter side that pairs beautifully with savory mains.
Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Fresh spinach tossed with crispy bacon bits in a lightly sweet poppyseed dressing adds a bright, refreshing contrast to a rich Easter meal.
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Tender baked sweet potatoes piled high with roasted sweet potatoes make an easy, crowd-pleasing side that fits right into Easter dinner.
Italian Pasta Salad
This vibrant Italian pasta salad is a make-ahead Easter favorite loaded with bold flavor and plenty of crunch.
Easy Herb Focaccia Bread
Soft, fluffy focaccia baked with fresh herbs is a simple homemade bread that feels special enough for Easter.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
This colorful orzo salad is packed with fresh Mediterranean flavors and makes a light, make-ahead side perfect for Easter gatherings.
Easter dinner doesn’t have to look the same every year. These non-traditional Easter dinner ideas offer all the comfort, flavor, and celebration you want without relying on ham. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cooking for a smaller gathering, or just craving something new, these recipes make it easy to create an Easter meal that feels memorable and completely delicious.
If it feels too risky to skip the ham, check out our traditional Easter main dishes roundup. Then head to our Easter brunch and Easter dessert roundups to help you plan your menu for the whole day!
- ▢ 12 Pound Brisket
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt, coarse
- ▢ 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper, fresh cracked
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- ▢ 2 Tablespoons Granulated Garlic
- ▢ 1/3 Cup Apple Cider, or Apple Juice
Remove any silver skin or excess fat from the flat end of the muscle. Trim down the large portion of fat that looks like a crescent shape. Trim any excessive or loose meat and fat from the point of the meat. See notes.
12 Pound Brisket
Square the edges so the meat cooks more evenly. Flip the brisket over and trim the top fat cap to about 1/4" thickness. In a mixing bowl, mix the rub. Spread over the brisket.
2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt, 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper, 2 Tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika, 2 Tablespoons Granulated Garlic
Preheat your smoker to 225℉ using super smoke and your favorite chips. Place the brisket on the smoker with the pointed end facing your main heat source. Close the lid and smoke until 165℉, about 8-9 hours.
On a large work surface, roll out a big piece of peach butcher paper and center your brisket in the middle. Spray with apple juice. Wrap the brisket. Return the wrapped brisket to the smoker, seam side down so the weight from the brisket crimps the edges of the paper wrap down tight.
1/3 Cup Apple Cider
Close the lid on the smoker and, maintaining 225℉, until the internal temperature of the brisket reaches 202℉ in the thickest part of the meat (takes anywhere from 3-4 hours).
Remove the brisket to a large cooler and allow to rest for 2 hours before slicing. This is absolutely necessary and cannot be skipped in brisket smoking.
- Brisket fat does not melt down and make the meat juicy like pork does. Instead the fat sits and is awkward so it’s best to trim that fat away.
Left overs can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 days.
Serving: 6ounces, Calories: 548kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 71g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 211mg, Sodium: 1147mg, Potassium: 1159mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 290IU, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 7mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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