Spring has sprung, and Easter is just around the corner! It’s time to gather your loved ones and celebrate with a delicious Southern-style Easter dinner. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a big family feast, we have some mouthwatering recipes that will make your Easter celebration extra special. From savory ham to sweet desserts, these Easter dinner ideas Southern will inspire you to create a feast that your family will remember for years to come.
Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Our first recipe is a classic Easter ham with a twist. This slow cooker ham with pineapple glaze is easy to make and packed with flavor. The sweetness of the pineapple perfectly complements the salty ham, making it a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham (7-8 pounds)
- 1 can pineapple rings (20 oz)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
Instructions:
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the slow cooker.
- Drain the pineapple rings and set them aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Pour the mixture over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the ham and pour the juice from the can over it.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is fully cooked.
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/16 of the ham
Calories: 336
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1854mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 31g
Cooking Time:
6-8 hours
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Bowl
- Knife
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the ham with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the leftover glaze over the ham before serving!
Variations:
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the ham in the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F and place the ham in a roasting pan. Follow the same steps for the glaze and pour it over the ham. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the ham is fully cooked.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular mustard instead. You can also substitute the pineapple rings with canned peaches or apricots.
Storage:
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a bone-in ham for maximum flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
- You can also add some chopped garlic or onion to the glaze for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use a spiral ham instead of a bone-in ham?
A: Yes, you can use a spiral ham if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
Recipe 2: Southern-Style Sweet Potato Casserole
No Easter dinner is complete without a sweet potato casserole. Our Southern-style sweet potato casserole is a crowd favorite that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of sweet potatoes, pecans, and marshmallows will make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small cubes.
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot of water for 15-20 minutes or until they’re soft.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or fork.
- In a bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows on top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1/12 of the casserole
Calories: 283
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 62mg
Sodium: 138mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Potato masher or fork
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sweet potato casserole as a side dish with ham, turkey, or chicken. It also goes well with green beans, cornbread, and cranberry sauce.
Variations:
You can add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for extra flavor. You can also use chopped walnuts instead of pecans.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use regular marshmallows instead. You can also substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey.
Storage:
Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to mash the sweet potatoes well to avoid lumps in the casserole.
- If you don’t have a potato masher, you can use a food processor or blender.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to drain them well before using.
Q: Can I make the sweet potato mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the casserole.
Personal Thoughts
Both of these Easter dinner ideas Southern are perfect for a festive feast with your loved ones. The slow cooker ham with pineapple glaze is juicy and flavorful, while the sweet potato casserole is sweet and crunchy. These recipes are easy