29 Italian Easter Recipes For An Elaborate Feast
When it comes to traditional Italian Easter fare, certain dishes are de rigueur. Artichokes, slow-roasted lamb, and sweet, buttery holiday breads are all staples of the season’s culinary celebrations. And let’s not forget the sweet treats – chocolate and cookies are abundant and eagerly devoured. For a veritable cornucopia of classic Italian Easter recipes that have stood the test of time, read on to discover the ones that will become new family favorites.
Easter Green Pie
A delightful Easter pie, imbued with the essence of springtime and nature’s vibrancy, takes center stage in this recipe by aqueeninthekitchen. This wonderfully light and savory treat is not only kid-friendly but also easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. While from-scratch crusts can be a joy, using a pre-packaged option saves time on busy days. The pie’s crowning glory is its generous filling of creamy ricotta and nutty parmigiano cheese, resulting in an irresistibly delicious Italian-inspired fare that’s sure to please.
Italian Frosted Easter Cookies
Easter cookies are an integral part of the holiday’s tradition, and it’s difficult to imagine celebrating without them. Most recipes rely on classic sugar cookie dough and rich frosting, making for a delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking on during Easter celebrations. This Italian-inspired recipe is no exception, offering a light and airy texture covered in vibrant, colorful frosting. With its ease of preparation and delightful presentation, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to resist these homemade cookies, which are sure to surpass store-bought alternatives.
Arancini Risotto Balls
In the south of Italy, there’s a beloved Easter dinner tradition that’s about to become your new favorite indulgence. Meet Arancini, crispy fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and peas, crusted in breadcrumbs for an irresistible appetizer. The name ‘Arancini’ literally means ‘little oranges,’ due to their resemblance and the burst of cheesy goodness with each bite. As a self-proclaimed risotto enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to discover this addictive twist on the classic Italian dish.
Easter Birds Nest Cake
The delightful Easter dessert created by Cookingwithnonna is a treat for the eyes and taste buds alike. Despite its complex appearance, this cake recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. The combination of lemon and vanilla flavors, along with the sweet glaze and chocolate nest on top, makes it a quintessential Easter element that’s sure to delight your dinner party guests. If you’re hosting children, be sure to save the egg nests for them to enjoy first – after all, who can resist the allure of those adorable little treats?
Pizza Rustica
Christinascucina’s Image and Recipe: A Traditional Easter Pie Filled with Eggs and Flavorful Meats
Pizza rustica, a classic Italian Easter pie, is a beloved tradition that never goes out of style. This rich and flavorful dish is packed with savory meats and eggs, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone.
As a traditional recipe, pizza rustica has a long history and significance behind it. Its creation involves a labor-of-love process that requires patience and dedication.
If you’re as egg-cited about Italian Easter pies as the next person, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe out. With its versatility in terms of fillings – think multiple cheeses and meats – you’ll undoubtedly find the perfect combination to share with your loved ones.
Maple Glazed Ham
This traditional Italian Easter dinner recipe, courtesy of theslowroasteditalian, is sure to delight everyone at the table. The star of the show is a classic maple glazed ham, featuring a harmonious balance of sweet maple and subtle spices. To offset the saltiness of the ham, a rich and indulgent glaze is applied, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations this year.
Traditional Lasagna
Indulge in a hearty, cheesy lasagna, reminiscent of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, perfect for an Easter celebration. This classic recipe is easy to make, thanks to generous helpings of ground beef, ricotta, and an assortment of cheeses. As the flavors meld together, transport yourself to the Tuscan countryside with each satisfying bite. Share this delightful Italian-inspired dinner with loved ones and create lasting memories.
Italian Anise Cookies
As spring arrives, it’s the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats that radiate joy and color. The Italian Easter cookie recipe I’m sharing today is a delightful combination of tender crumbs and subtle anise flavor, elevated by a delicate pastel glaze and sprinkles. This charming treat is sure to melt hearts and bring a splash of springtime cheer to any gathering.
Torta Pasqualina
Easter brunch wouldn’t be complete without a satisfying serving of Torta Pasqualina on the table. This traditional Italian dish, made with eggs and spinach, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With its double crust, this Italian Easter pie is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. It’s the perfect way to kick off your celebrations.
Cassata Siciliana
Manusmenu brings us the iconic Italian cake that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds – Cassata! This show-stopping dessert is filled to the brim with sweet ricotta and rich chocolate, but its crowning glory lies in its vibrant decorations featuring colorful fruits and intricate royal icing. The aromatic flavors of almond and citrus add depth and warmth to this beloved Italian Easter tradition, which has a rich history that’s been passed down through generations. For those who adore all things traditional, there’s no better way to celebrate Easter than with a Cassata – a true masterpiece of Italian confectionery.
Rotolla di Manzo Ripieno
For an unforgettable Italian Easter dinner, look no further than this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to be the star of the show. The genius combination of ground beef and ricotta with sautéed mushrooms and spinach is elevated to new heights when crumbled and baked in a rich tomato sauce. This delectable entree is sure to impress even the most discerning palates, so don’t believe us – try it out for yourself and see why it’s destined to become a family favorite.
Tiramisu
Indulge in a lighter take on the classic Italian dessert without sacrificing flavor. This Tiramisu recipe, courtesy of Taste of Home, is a game-changer for busy Easter cooks. With its quick and easy preparation, you’ll have more time to focus on other dishes while still impressing your guests with a decadent dessert. The harmonious balance of coffee, vanilla, and chocolate flavors will leave everyone craving another bite.
Pesce al Forna
Eataly’s culinary expertise shines in this delectable Italian Easter dinner recipe, where a crunchy crust made from ground pecans and crisp crackers elevates the dish to new heights. The key to its sophistication lies in the choice of cod filets, which yield a generous portion that cooks to perfection alongside the nutty, cracker flavors. Yet, the versatility of this recipe knows no bounds – substitute your preferred fish filet, and you’ll still be rewarded with a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become an instant family favorite.
Italian Easter Bread
Get ready to indulge in an Italian Easter bread recipe that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious – without the need for yeast! This recipe is a game-changer, producing a sweet-tasting, flaky-textured loaf that rivals its traditional counterparts found in Italian streets. In just minutes, you’ll have a batch of this scone-like masterpiece ready to be devoured with a piping hot cup of coffee on Easter morning or brunch.
Sicilian Cassatelle with Ricotta
Indulge in these scrumptious Ricotta-filled Crescents, a delightful summer treat that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether enjoyed during a festive gathering or as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these crispy and soft pastries are the perfect Italian-inspired delight to savor. Imagine the joy of sharing this traditional Easter dessert recipe with friends and family, a sweet tradition that’s sure to be cherished.
Italian Easter Frittata
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Italy at your Easter brunch with a traditional frittata, packed with rich cheese and savory sausage. While this dish may require a bit more effort, the creamy ricotta and egg combination ensures a satisfyingly filling meal – perfect after an energetic egg hunt. Once you’ve savored this Italian-inspired delight, you’ll find yourself returning to it time and again.
Italian Style Easter Lamb
This quintessential Italian Easter dinner recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to go wrong with. Whether you choose to roast, grill, bake or pan-sear the lamb, it’s sure to impress. When done correctly, lamb is tender and flavorful, falling off the bone in the most satisfying way. This year, do yourself a favor and try this effortless and uncomplicated Italian lamb dish. The combination of parsley, pancetta and peas adds a delightful simplicity to the main course, making it a true showstopper.
Italian Easter Pie
Saveur’s image and recipe star in this delectable Easter pie, featuring cured salami and Italian cheese in a rich egg filling that shines at brunch, lunch or dinner. This satisfying treat boasts a lightly golden crust and yields enough to impress at any large gathering. For a straightforward and authentic Italian Easter pie recipe, look no further – this one is sure to become a beloved tradition.
Italian Easter Bread
For an authentic Italian Easter bread experience, look no further than this traditional recipe from epicurious. While the process of making this sweet bread can be time-consuming, the end result is well worth the effort. The bread’s simplicity and richness are elevated by a glaze made with almonds and sugar, resulting in a truly special treat that stays true to its heritage.
Pastiera
A sweet and comforting Italian tradition comes alive in the form of Pastiera, a rich Neapolitan Easter cake that’s sure to bring joy to those who taste it. While some variations may use buckwheat pasta dough, this recipe stays true to its roots by employing traditional pasta dough instead. The result is a delightful confection filled with the creamy sweetness of ricotta and the bright, citrusy flavor of orange. This simple yet satisfying pie is perfect for sharing with loved ones during the Easter season, providing a sense of warmth and comfort that’s sure to be felt around the dinner table.
Taralli Dolci di Pasqua
For Easter, why not try something a little different from the usual Italian cookie recipes? Thespicedlife’s contribution to the holiday is a unique and delicious treat that looks like a glazed donut. These cookies are thick and sturdy, with a fragrance that’s both inviting and tantalizing. When you take a bite, the citrus and vanilla flavors will transport you straight to Italy. But what really sets these cookies apart is the sugar glaze, infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla and the warm spice of flor di sicilia extract. It’s an unexpected twist on traditional Easter treats, but one that’s sure to impress your family and friends this year.
Rustic Savory Neapolitan Pastiera
In the traditional sense, Pastiera is often associated with sweet fillings and shared with loved ones on Easter Sunday. But what if we want to mix things up a bit without sacrificing the essence of this Italian classic? Enter our savory take on the recipe, which swaps out sugary sweetness for a medley of peas, rice, carrots, and cheese. The result is a flavor profile that’s just as delightful whether enjoyed hot or cold – making it the perfect candidate for make-ahead meal prep.
Fresh Herb Baked Fish and Chips
Indulge in the taste of Italy with this delectable Easter dinner recipe, featuring fresh herbs and delicate fish. Ready in just 30 minutes, these fish and chips are sure to impress your guests. The combination of parsley, oregano, and thyme adds a depth of flavor to the perfectly roasted potatoes and fish, transporting you straight to the heart of Italy.
Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newcomer, cooking lamb leg is surprisingly effortless. This Italian Easter dinner recipe boasts a rich and indulgent flavor profile, courtesy of garlic and rosemary’s harmonious union with the lamb meat. The aroma alone will have your guests raving for days to come. For an added layer of depth, consider incorporating dry red wine into the recipe – its subtle nuances will elevate the dish to new heights.
Soft Italian Easter Cookies
Indulge in the sweetness of Easter morning with these scrumptious sugar cookies, generously coated with frosting and sprinkles. A perfect treat for Easter baskets, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful gift. This Italian-inspired recipe boasts a unique almond and vanilla flavor profile, resulting in light and fluffy cookies that rise effortlessly in the oven. The scrambledchefs’ image and recipe bring this delightful tradition to life.
Rhubarb Ricotta Almond Tart
Spring’s arrival is inextricably linked to the sweet and tangy flavors of rhubarb tart, reminiscent of family gatherings and Easter celebrations. While not typically an Italian flavor combination, this tart’s creamy ricotta and almond filling strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and subtlety. The firm yet airy texture makes it an ideal choice for breakfast or brunch, while the buttery almond crust and orange-infused rhubarb, paired with crunchy almond filling, come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert.
Manicotti with Spinach and Ricotta
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s a departure from the usual suspects, consider making manicotti this year. This Italian Easter dinner recipe features long tubes of pasta stuffed with a delightful combination of spinach and ricotta cheese. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with a rich herb tomato sauce, creating a truly satisfying meal. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Sicilian Easter Cookies with Eggs
Mangiabedda’s Italian Easter cookies are a sweet treat that’s been passed down through generations. This recipe, made fresh for Easter celebrations with family and friends, yields a deliciously simple cookie dough that gets elevated by the traditional Sicilian touch of adding an egg to the center. The idea of serving these tender treats at your breakfast table on Easter morning is almost too charming to resist. Inspired by a classic breakfast cookie, this recipe brings a taste of Italy to your holiday celebrations.
Cannoli Cake
Indulge in a stress-free Italian Easter dessert experience with this recipe, where a packaged cake mix serves as a convenient foundation for authentic flavors. The real showstopper is the decadent chocolate cannoli filling layered between moist cake, reminiscent of a classic cannoli in cake form. This dual-layered masterpiece is elevated by a light mascarpone frosting and crunchy diced almonds, making it a visual treat that’s almost too beautiful to eat. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love combining two beloved desserts into one? This spectacular dessert is the perfect way to cap off your Easter celebration.