From Ham To Lamb: 21 Easy Easter Recipes Anyone Can Master Gallery

There seem to be two camps when it comes to Easter: those who eat lamb and those who eat ham. Serving lamb on Easter is a European tradition, whereas European settlers in the Americas had to adapt to what was available by swapping lamb for the more readily available cured pork.

No matter what your Easter traditions include, we have 21 impressive recipes for an Easter main course that are simple enough for anyone to master. Glaze a whole ham in Coca-Cola for a sweet and salty main course or slow-roast a whole leg of lamb with garlic and oregano.

If you are running low on time, utilize your slow-cooker for a simple ham recipe that will cook while you go about your day or try a make-ahead casserole for Easter brunch.

Preparation is half the battle when feeding a large crowd on a holiday, so check-out our guide for making the perfect Easter ham that will explain everything from which ham to buy to getting it on the table in time for the celebration. If ham isn't your thing, we have a step-by-step guide to ensure your Easter leg of lamb turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful every time.

For more main course-worthy dishes to serve this Easter, including everything from ham to lamb, check out our 21 recipes that are easy enough for anyone to master.

Try this simple recipe that beats any of the pre-seasoned hams you might find at the grocery store. Cooking a fresh ham will keep you from ingesting all that extra bloating sodium this Easter.

For the Baked Ham With Wheat Germ Crust recipe, click here.

Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks are the perfect main course for your Easter party. Start cooking early so that your lamb has plenty of time to slowly braise in the flavorful broth.

For the Braised Lamb Shanks recipe, click here.

Need a simple breakfast item for your Easter table? This ham and leek frittata uses fresh spring vegetables with delicious Easter ham in a quick and easy way that any cook can perfect.

For the Classic Ham and Leek Frittata recipe, click here.

Try this old Southern recipe this Easter for a sweet baked ham that uses Coca-Cola to achieve that shiny, sugar-coated ham.

For the Coca-Cola Glazed Ham recipe, click here.

What's better than a smoked ham for Easter Sunday? How about a double smoked ham that's been ramped up with a little peach-ginger injection and a peach finishing glaze? — Clint Cantwell

For the Double Smoked Easter Ham recipe, click here.

Serve this ham strata with spring vegetables at your Easter morning brunch. This simple breakfast casserole can be assembled the night before and then baked the day of your family gathering.

For the Easter Ham, Asparagus, and Tomato Strata recipe, click here.

Spring grilling wouldn't be complete without a great lamb recipe. And when I think of flavoring lamb, I always stick with light, bright tastes. Good olive oil, fresh rosemary, lemons, a little red wine, and not much more. I tend to cook my lamb hot and fast, providing guests with the bite of a quick char and the richness of a medium-rare interior. — Clint Cantwell

For the Grilled Boneless Leg of Lamb recipe, click here.

We can't help but co-opt this classic Roman dish for our Easter table. These lamb chops are cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and are served with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, drizzle of olive oil, and spring beans.

For the Lamb Chops With Fava Beans recipe, click here.

This simple-to-follow recipe teaches you how to grill your lamb over indirect heat while still developing that caramelized crust.

For the Lemon and Fresh Herb Grill-Roasted Leg of Lamb recipe, click here.

Whether you are Greek or not, you can enjoy this classic Greek Easter soup recipe that is richly flavored with lamb and offal in a lemony broth.

For the Mageiritsa (Easter Lamb Soup) recipe, click here.

The rich flavors of maple syrup and vanilla combine to create the perfect complement for your salty Easter ham.

For the Maple-Vanilla Ham recipe, click here.

Serve these mini baked ham sandwiches at your Easter picnic. These sandwiches are easy-to-make with a store-bought precooked ham and perfect for a large crowd enjoying the beautiful spring weather.

For the Mini Baked Ham Sandwiches recipe, click here.

Looking for a way to add a brunch-y touch to your Easter party this year? Try serving these ham and pimento cheese biscuits. Use store-bought country ham for a simple, time-saving trick.

For the Pimento Cheese Biscuits With Country Ham recipe, click here.

If you are having a smaller crowd this Easter, try serving lamb chops instead of leg of lamb. These pistachio-crusted chops take less than 15 minutes in the oven and taste heavenly.

For the Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Rack recipe, click here.

This leg of lamb recipe calls for mild-flavored baby lamb that is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, crushed anchovies, and mint. The lamb is roasted and then served with artichokes for a delicious addition to your Easter dinner table.

For the Roast Baby Lamb With Rosemary recipe, click here.

A simple lemon and rosemary rub add bright, peppery flavors to this flavorful [leg of lamb]. Serve with tzatziki dip or chimichurri. — Julie Ruggirello

For the Roasted Bone-in Lamb Leg With Rosemary and Lemon recipe, click here.

Mint salsa verde brightens up earthy roasted lamb. Remove the lamb from the fridge about two hours before you want to start cooking to coat with the herb salsa to infuse the flavor and bring the meat to room temperature. — The American Lamb Board

For the Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb With Fingerling Potatoes, Leeks, and Mint Salsa Verde recipe, click here.

It doesn't get much simpler than this ham recipe that uses a precooked store-bought ham. Just add the homemade orange and honey glaze for a finishing touch, and serve to your hungry Easter guests.

For the Roasted Whole Ham With Orange Honey Glaze recipe, click here.

Your perfect secret weapon for a delicious Easter dinner on a time crunch. This honeyed ham is sweet and salty and cooks in your slow-cooker while you go about your hectic day.

For the Slow-Cooker Brown Sugar and Honey Ham recipe, click here.

Southwest Glazed Rack of Lamb

This rack of lamb recipe packs a hidden punch. Seasoned with Tabasco sauce, chili powder, and serrano chile peppers this dish has plenty of spicy Southwestern flavor.

For the Southwest Glazed Rack of Lamb recipe, click here.

This lamb shoulder recipe is perfect for a special occasion. Rubbed with fennel seed, allspice, pepper, and garlic, the dish has a distinctly Middle Eastern flavor. The shoulder rests on a bed of chickpeas that only enhance the dish's flavor.

For the Zahav Lamb Shoulder recipe, click here.

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