15 Southern Easter Dinner Recipes

Easter dinner in the South is all about comfort, tradition, and generous tables filled with familiar flavors. This roundup of Southern Easter dinner recipes is designed to help you plan a memorable holiday meal without stress, whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a smaller Sunday supper.

These recipes focus on classic Southern cooking techniques, rich textures, and crowd-pleasing flavors that pair perfectly with ham, lamb, or your favorite Easter main dish.

Inside this series, you’ll find a mix of timeless favorites and easy homemade dishes that work beautifully for Easter Sunday. Each recipe is beginner-friendly, made with simple ingredients, and ideal for make-ahead planning.

From creamy casseroles to slow-cooked comfort foods, these dishes bring warmth, tradition, and reliability to your Easter table.

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Recipe #1: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This Southern baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and finished with a golden, cheesy crust. The inside stays soft and velvety, while the top adds just the right amount of texture. It’s a holiday staple that feels both comforting and celebratory.

Perfect for Easter dinner alongside ham or roasted meats, this dish is always one of the first to disappear. It’s simple enough for beginners but delivers classic Southern flavor every time.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni
• Unsalted butter
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Large eggs
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Colby jack cheese, shredded
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain.
3. In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Layer half of the macaroni in the baking dish and sprinkle with half the cheese.
5. Add remaining macaroni and top with the rest of the cheese.
6. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the dish.
7. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Recipe #2: Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

Southern deviled eggs are creamy, tangy, and lightly seasoned, making them a must-have Easter appetizer or side dish. The filling is smooth with just enough bite, while the egg whites provide a tender contrast.

They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for grazing before the main meal. These deviled eggs fit seamlessly into any Southern Easter dinner spread.

Ingredients

• Large eggs
• Mayonnaise
• Yellow mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Instructions

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat for 10 minutes.
3. Transfer eggs to ice water and cool completely.
4. Peel eggs and slice them in half lengthwise.
5. Remove yolks and mash them in a bowl.
6. Mix in mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
7. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites.
8. Sprinkle lightly with paprika before serving.
9. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Recipe #3: Southern Green Bean Casserole

This Southern green bean casserole is creamy, savory, and comforting with tender green beans and a rich sauce. It’s a classic holiday side that balances heavier Easter dishes beautifully.

The casserole is simple to assemble and bakes into a warm, satisfying dish that works for both brunch and dinner. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for any Easter table.

Ingredients

• Fresh or frozen green beans
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Fried onions

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
2. Cook green beans until tender, then drain well.
3. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
4. Stir in green beans until evenly coated.
5. Transfer mixture to the casserole dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and top with fried onions.
8. Return to oven and bake 10 more minutes until golden.
9. Serve warm.

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Recipe #4: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern cornbread dressing is moist, savory, and deeply flavorful, with a soft interior and lightly crisp edges. It’s seasoned with herbs and vegetables that give it a rich, homemade taste.

This dish pairs especially well with ham or roasted chicken and is a traditional favorite for Easter dinner. It’s comforting, filling, and ideal for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• Cornbread, crumbled
• Onion, finely chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Unsalted butter
• Chicken broth
• Large eggs
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion and celery until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine cornbread and cooked vegetables.
4. Add eggs, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Slowly stir in chicken broth until mixture is moist but not soupy.
6. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and lightly browned.
8. Let rest before serving.

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Recipe #5: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern candied sweet potatoes are tender, buttery, and coated in a sweet syrup with warm spices. The potatoes soften as they bake, soaking up all the rich flavors.

This dish adds sweetness and color to the Easter dinner table and pairs beautifully with savory mains. It’s easy to prepare and always feels special enough for a holiday.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. Arrange sweet potato slices evenly in the dish.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar.
4. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
5. Pour the syrup evenly over the sweet potatoes.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until tender and glazed.
8. Spoon sauce over potatoes before serving.

Recipe #6: Southern Collard Greens

Southern collard greens are slow-cooked until tender and deeply flavorful, with a savory broth that’s rich and comforting. The greens become silky and well-seasoned, making them the perfect balance to heavier Easter dishes.

This classic side works beautifully alongside ham and cornbread and can be made ahead for stress-free holiday cooking.

Ingredients

• Fresh collard greens
• Smoked ham hock or smoked turkey
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Wash collard greens thoroughly and chop into large pieces.
2. In a large pot, add ham hock, onion, garlic, and chicken broth.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add collard greens and stir to combine.
5. Cover and simmer for 60–90 minutes until greens are tender.
6. Stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot with some of the cooking liquid.

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Recipe #7: Southern Honey-Glazed Ham

This Southern honey-glazed ham is juicy, tender, and coated in a sweet, sticky glaze with just a hint of spice. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a glossy finish that looks beautiful on the Easter table.

It’s a classic Easter centerpiece that pairs perfectly with traditional Southern side dishes.

Ingredients

• Fully cooked bone-in ham
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Dijon mustard
• Ground cloves
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface lightly.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter with honey and brown sugar.
4. Stir in mustard, cloves, and pepper.
5. Brush glaze generously over the ham.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½–2 hours.
7. Remove foil, brush with more glaze, and bake 20 minutes uncovered.
8. Let rest before slicing and serving.

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Recipe #8: Southern Cheesy Squash Casserole

This Southern squash casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a lightly crisp finish. The squash stays tender while blending perfectly with the rich, savory filling.

It’s an easy Easter side dish that adds freshness and color to the table while still delivering classic comfort.

Ingredients

• Yellow squash, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Unsalted butter
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cracker crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
2. Cook squash and onion in boiling water until tender, then drain well.
3. In a bowl, mix squash with butter, sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer mixture to the casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Recipe #9: Southern Creamed Corn

Southern creamed corn is rich, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting. The kernels stay tender while the creamy sauce ties everything together into a smooth, spoonable side dish.

This recipe is perfect for Easter because it pairs well with both ham and poultry and comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add corn and cook for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
3. Stir in cream, milk, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally until slightly thickened.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve warm.

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Recipe #10: Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Southern buttermilk biscuits are soft, flaky, and buttery with a tender crumb. They’re perfect for soaking up gravies, sauces, or ham juices during Easter dinner.

Freshly baked biscuits complete the meal and add a homemade touch that guests always appreciate.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter
• Buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in buttermilk just until dough comes together.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead.
6. Roll out and cut biscuits.
7. Place on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
9. Serve warm.

Recipe #11: Southern Pineapple Casserole

Southern pineapple casserole is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, with a buttery topping that adds just the right crunch. The contrast between juicy pineapple and sharp cheese makes this dish unexpectedly irresistible.

It’s a classic Easter side that pairs especially well with ham and adds something unique to the holiday table.

Ingredients

• Canned pineapple chunks, drained
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Unsalted butter
• Ritz-style crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheese.
3. Spread mixture evenly into the baking dish.
4. Melt butter and combine with crushed crackers.
5. Sprinkle cracker topping over the pineapple mixture.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Recipe #12: Southern Mashed Potatoes

Southern mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and rich with buttery flavor. They’re whipped until fluffy but still hearty enough to hold gravy or pan juices.

This dish is a comforting Easter staple that pairs with nearly any main course on the table.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Unsalted butter
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
2. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender.
3. Drain potatoes well and return them to the pot.
4. Add butter, milk, and cream.
5. Mash until smooth and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm.

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Recipe #13: Southern Pea Salad

Southern pea salad is cool, creamy, and slightly sweet with a crisp bite from fresh ingredients. It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier Easter dishes and adds color to the plate.

This no-cook side is easy to prepare ahead and perfect for spring gatherings.

Ingredients

• Sweet green peas, thawed
• Cheddar cheese, cubed
• Red onion, finely diced
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine peas, cheese, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream.
3. Pour dressing over the pea mixture.
4. Stir gently until evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Stir before serving.

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Recipe #14: Southern Butter Beans

Southern butter beans are slow-simmered until tender and creamy, with a mild, comforting flavor. The broth becomes rich and savory as the beans cook.

This dish is a traditional Southern side that works beautifully for Easter dinner and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

• Dried butter beans, soaked overnight
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth or water
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Instructions

1. Drain soaked beans and place them in a large pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, and broth to cover.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 1½–2 hours until tender.
5. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
7. Serve warm with broth.

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Recipe #15: Southern Banana Pudding

Southern banana pudding is creamy, layered, and comforting with soft bananas and vanilla wafers throughout. The pudding sets into a smooth, spoonable dessert that’s perfect for sharing.

It’s a classic Easter dessert that feels nostalgic and always satisfies a crowd.

Ingredients

• Vanilla pudding mix
• Whole milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract
• Vanilla wafers
• Ripe bananas, sliced
• Whipped topping

Instructions

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions using milk.
2. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
3. In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers on the bottom.
4. Add a layer of banana slices.
5. Spread a layer of pudding over bananas.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Top with whipped topping.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

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