Easter is the perfect occasion to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious feast. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or having an intimate dinner, these Easter dinner recipes are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe 1: Smoked Ham with Maple Glaze
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, this smoked ham with maple glaze is the perfect choice. The sweet and savory flavors of the maple glaze complement the smoky flavor of the ham perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 (10-12 pound) smoked ham
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to make the glaze.
- Place the ham on the smoker and brush with the glaze. Cook for 3-4 hours, brushing with the glaze every hour, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Remove the ham from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 4 oz
Calories: 260
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 1180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 23g
Cooking Time:
3-4 hours
Equipment:
- Smoker
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a classic Easter dinner.
Variations:
Use honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions:
You can use a bone-in or boneless ham for this recipe.
Storage:
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every hour for maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use this glaze on other types of meat?
Yes, this glaze would work well on pork loin or pork shoulder.
Recipe 2: Easter Bunny Carrot Cake
This Easter bunny carrot cake is not only adorable but also delicious. The carrot cake is moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan and a 9-inch square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Place the square cake on a platter, and cut the round cake in half. Place the two halves on top of the square cake to form the bunny’s head and ears.
- Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting.
- Use candy or frosting to decorate the bunny’s face and ears.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 560
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 360mg
Total Carbohydrates: 77g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 62g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Equipment:
- 2 round cake pans
- 1 square cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Variations:
You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the carrot cake batter for extra texture.
Substitutions:
You can use canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
Storage:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Use a toothpick to test if the cakes are done. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance and freeze them until you’re ready to assemble the bunny cake. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Conclusion
These Easter dinner recipes are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday celebration even more special. Whether you choose to make the smoked ham with maple glaze or the Easter bunny carrot cake, your family and friends are sure to love these delicious dishes.