Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious dinner with your family and friends? While the main course is usually the star of the show, the sides are just as important. They can make or break the meal, so it’s essential to choose the right ones. In this article, we’ll be sharing two of our favorite Easter dinner ideas sides that are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe 1: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the carrots out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the carrots for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the carrots and return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the carrots from the oven and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 110
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Bowl
- Oven
Serving Suggestions:
You can serve these roasted carrots alongside your favorite Easter main dish, such as ham or turkey. They also pair well with roasted potatoes and green beans.
Variations:
If you don’t have baby carrots, you can use regular carrots that have been peeled and cut into sticks. You can also add other seasonings, such as dried thyme or rosemary, to the carrots before roasting.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have parmesan cheese, you can use other grated hard cheeses, such as pecorino romano or asiago.
Storage:
Store any leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet, so they cook evenly.
- If you want to add some extra flavor to the carrots, you can drizzle them with honey before roasting.
- For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese or use a vegan parmesan substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can use other root vegetables, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips.
Yes, you can roast the carrots ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Recipe 2: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat and cook them until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the garlic butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the pot with the potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a hand mixer until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 190
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Small saucepan
- Potato masher or hand mixer
Serving Suggestions:
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any Easter meal. They pair well with ham, turkey, or roasted beef. You can also top them with gravy or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Variations:
You can add other ingredients to the mashed potatoes, such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, or roasted garlic. You can also use other types of potatoes, such as russet or red potatoes.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use margarine or olive oil instead of butter.
Storage:
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips:
- Make sure to drain the cooked potatoes well before mashing them, so they don’t become too watery.
- If you want to make the mashed potatoes in advance, you can prepare them up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze mashed potatoes?
- Can I use a potato ricer instead of a potato masher?
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them.
Yes, a potato ricer will give you a smoother and fluffier texture than a potato masher.
Conclusion
These two Easter dinner ideas sides will add flavor and color to your holiday meal. The garlic parmesan roasted carrots are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, while the creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a small dinner with friends, these sides are sure to impress. So, give them a try and enjoy a festive and delicious Easter dinner!