Easter is one of the most anticipated events of the year, and it’s a perfect occasion to gather with family and friends. While the centerpiece of the Easter meal is usually a succulent ham or a roasted lamb, it’s the side dishes that can really elevate the meal. Here are some excellent Easter side dish recipes that will make your guests ask for seconds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Recipe 1: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (32oz) package frozen hash brown potatoes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the hash brown potatoes, melted butter, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Crush the cornflakes cereal and mix with 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cornflakes mixture over the potato mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 423
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 9g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish hot out of the oven as a side dish to your Easter ham or lamb. This dish also goes well with a green salad or some roasted vegetables.
Variations:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. You can also add some diced cooked ham or crumbled bacon for a meaty version.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cornflakes cereal, you can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers instead.
Storage:
You can store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips:
Make sure the potatoes are thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients. You can also mix the ingredients the night before and keep the dish covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns? Yes, you can use fresh potatoes, but you’ll need to shred them yourself or use a food processor. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Swiss.
Recipe 2: Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 lb asparagus, tough ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and browned in spots.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 91
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is a perfect side for any Easter meal, especially if you’re serving ham or lamb. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or a green salad.
Variations:
You can add some sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the asparagus for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use feta cheese or blue cheese instead.
Storage:
This dish is best served fresh out of the oven, but you can store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips:
Make sure to trim the tough ends of the asparagus before roasting. You can also use a vegetable peeler to peel the bottom of the asparagus if it’s too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh? Frozen asparagus won’t work well for this recipe since it will release too much water and won’t brown properly. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Yes, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic will give you a stronger flavor.
Final Thoughts
These two Easter side dish recipes are easy to make, delicious, and will impress your guests. Whether you’re looking for a cheesy and creamy potato casserole or a simple and flavorful roasted asparagus, these recipes will elevate your Easter meal to a whole new level. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make these recipes your own. Happy cooking and Happy Easter!