Easter is one of the most important celebrations—if not the most important—for us. In the Philippines, we observe fasting and abstinence, avoiding meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday leading up to Holy Week. From Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday, we keep things simple and reflective. But come Easter Sunday, after hearing Mass or attending the Salubong, it’s time to celebrate with family.
Our Easter table is never too fancy, just a gathering of loved ones with dishes that feel like home. For big celebrations, there’s lechon, but for small families like ours, we enjoy lechon manok or lechon kawali with classic favorites like pansit and native desserts—puto, cassava cake, or whatever sweet treat is on hand.
If you’re looking for Easter dinner ideas, here’s a list of dishes from around the world that celebrate this special day.
Main Dishes
Herb-Crusted Roast Lamb
Lamb is a classic Easter dish symbolizing sacrifice and new life. A simple herb-crusted roast lamb with garlic and rosemary is both flavorful and meaningful, perfect for a family gathering.
Lechon Manok
This juicy, flavorful roast chicken is a staple for Filipino celebrations, including Easter. For those who can’t cook it at home, it’s easy to buy from many shops on almost every corner at an affordable price.
Lechon Kawali
An equally delicious and more affordable alternative to lechon, lechon kawali is crispy, golden pork belly that’s easy to make at home. A Filipino favorite, it’s perfect for celebrations and best enjoyed with a side of liver sauce or vinegar dip.
Italian Easter Pie
This savory pie, filled with ricotta, spinach, and eggs, is wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s a wonderful dish to serve for Easter brunch or dinner, rich in flavor and tradition. For a simple, step-by-step guide to making this delicious pie, feel free to check out this recipe!
Honey-Glazed Ham
A beautifully glazed ham, often cooked with honey, brown sugar, and mustard, is a sweet and savory Easter dinner favorite. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm rolls.
Appetizers & Sides
Deviled Easter Eggs
A fun and colorful twist on the classic deviled eggs, these are dyed in pastel shades to match the Easter celebration. Creamy, tangy, and bite-sized, they’re a festive appetizer that both kids and adults will love.
Easter Egg Cheese Balls
These creamy and flavorful cheese balls are shaped like Easter eggs and coated with colorful herbs, nuts, or sprinkles. They make a fun and festive appetizer, perfect for spreading on crackers or bread.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Tender and lightly caramelized, these honey-glazed carrots bring a natural sweetness to the Easter table. With a buttery honey glaze, they’re a simple yet delicious side dish that kids and adults will enjoy.
Desserts
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, spiced, and packed with shredded carrots, this classic cake is a favorite for Easter celebrations. Topped with rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth in every bite.
Easter Egg Chocolate Truffles
These rich and creamy chocolate truffles are shaped like Easter eggs and coated in colorful sprinkles or cocoa powder. They’re a fun, bite-sized treat that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for Easter celebrations.
Final Thoughts on Easter Food Ideas
I hope you enjoy preparing these dishes and celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice and life with your loved ones. Easter is more than just the food on our table—it’s a time to reflect on His love, grace, and the new life He has given us. As we gather with family, let’s remember why we are here celebrating. His command to all of us is simple yet powerful: to love one another just as He loves us. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter!
