Introduction
Easter is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to do that than with a delicious main dish? Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just having a small gathering, these recipes are sure to impress. So, put on your chef hat and let’s get cooking!
Recipe 1: Honey Glazed Ham
If you’re looking for a classic Easter main dish, you can’t go wrong with a honey glazed ham. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 pound bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Remove any packaging from the ham and place it in a roasting pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Brush the ham with the honey mixture, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining honey mixture.
- Bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the ham is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sodium: 1800mg
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Foil
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a classic Easter dinner.
Variations
You can swap out the honey for maple syrup or brown sugar for a different flavor.
Substitutions
You can use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham, but the cooking time may be shorter.
Storage
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- If your ham is too big for your roasting pan, you can cut off the bottom portion of the ham to make it fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spiral-sliced ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a spiral-sliced ham, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Recipe 2: Roasted Leg of Lamb
If you’re looking for something a little fancier than ham, a roasted leg of lamb is a great option. This recipe is simple but elegant, and perfect for a special occasion like Easter.
Ingredients
- 1 5-6 pound bone-in leg of lamb
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
- Rub the mixture all over the lamb, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
- Season the lamb with salt and pepper.
- Place the lamb in a roasting pan and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
- Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables and a mint sauce for a fresh and flavorful Easter dinner.
Variations
You can use different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Substitutions
You can use a boneless leg of lamb instead of a bone-in leg, but the cooking time may be shorter.
Storage
Leftover lamb can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure to let the lamb rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different cut of lamb, but the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted.
Conclusion
These two Easter dinner main dishes are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebration extra special. Whether you choose the classic honey glazed ham or the elegant roasted leg of lamb, your family and friends will be asking for seconds. So, put on your apron and get cooking!