Easter is a time for fresh beginnings, colorful celebrations, and, of course, delicious food! Whether you're gathering with family, hosting friends, or having an intimate meal at home, Easter brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the season. To make your brunch spread extra special, we’ve curated five mouthwatering recipes that are as festive as they are tasty. From savory bites to sweet treats, these dishes will make your Easter table come alive with flavor and joy.
1. Spring Vegetable Quiche
No Easter brunch is complete without a beautiful quiche. This savory delight combines tender springtime vegetables like asparagus, baby spinach, and leeks with creamy eggs and cheese. The buttery, flaky crust adds a touch of indulgence, making it a centerpiece-worthy dish. You can even customize it with your favorite mix-ins like mushrooms, feta, or smoked salmon. Slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature for effortless brunch elegance.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyere or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced leeks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Press the pie crust into a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Poke the base with a fork to prevent bubbling and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Scatter the spinach, asparagus, tomatoes, leeks, and cheese evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pro Tip: Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
2. Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat with a rich history, and they double as a sweet and satisfying brunch addition. These soft, spiced rolls are lightly sweetened with just the right hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Dried fruit, like raisins or currants, adds a chewy texture to every bite, and the iconic cross on top is traditionally made with icing or a flour paste. Serve them warm with butter or jam, and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
Instructions:
- Combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Mix in butter, milk, water, and egg. Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins. Divide into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish. Cover and rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly.
- Mix powdered sugar with a little water to form icing. Pipe crosses on the tops of the buns.
Pro Tip: Serve warm with a dollop of butter for ultimate comfort.
3. Orange-Glazed Ham and Cheese Sliders
For a savory option with a festive twist, these sliders are perfect. Mini rolls are layered with smoky ham and gooey cheese, then baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy orange glaze brushed on top. The citrusy glaze adds a fresh, seasonal flavor that feels just right for Easter. These sliders are easy to assemble, serve, and share, ideal for both adults and kids.
Ingredients:
- 12 slider rolls
- 1/2 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the baking dish.
- Layer ham and cheese over the rolls evenly, then cover with the top layer of bread.
- Mix the marmalade, mustard, melted butter, and poppy seeds in a bowl. Brush the glaze over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden on top.
Pro Tip: Sliced almonds sprinkled on top before baking add a delightful crunch!
4. Honey-Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
These pancakes are delicate, bright, and oh-so-fluffy, making them the perfect sweet addition to your Easter spread. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and top with fresh berries for a brunch showstopper that’s equally beautiful and delectable.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- Butter for the skillet
Instructions:
- Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl.
- Whisk ricotta, milk, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey in another bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat a buttered skillet over medium heat. Scoop the batter onto the skillet and cook small pancakes until bubbly on one side, then flip to finish.
Pro Tip: Layer pancakes with mascarpone cheese and chopped pistachios for a luxurious touch.
5. Carrot Cake Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake fans, rejoice! These individual-sized muffins combine the warm, spiced flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of handheld treats. To make it festive, consider sprinkling crushed pecans or adding tiny pastel sprinkles.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Whisk sugars, eggs, oil, and pineapple together. Gradually add dry ingredients, then fold in carrots and nuts.
- Spoon batter into liners and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Pro Tip: Garnish with shredded coconut or sprinkles for extra cheer!
From savory quiches to sweet muffins, these five recipes will make your Easter brunch unforgettable. With festive touches and fresh flavors, you’ll have a spread that captures the joyful spirit of the holiday.