7 Low-Key Easter Recipes to Try Out This Year

With orders to stay home, chances are you're celebrating Easter without friends and extended family this year. So while you might usually plan a big Sunday feast with a huge spread of foods, you can still enjoy the day with something a little more relaxed.

Fewer people doesn't mean you can't make a tasty, hearty meal to share. We've put together a list of some of our favorite low-key Easter recipes.

charred asparagus with lemon zest on plate

Photo Courtesy of Co+op

Charred Asparagus with Tarragon Aioli

Serve this charred asparagus alongside roasted chicken or heartier sides like scalloped potatoes.

Though this recipe calls for you to broil the asparagus, getting a char on the grill would add an extra level of smoky flavor to this side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 or 1 small clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon

Directions

  1. Heat broiler on high and set a rack 6 inches away from it. On a sheet pan, toss asparagus with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, a few grinds of pepper and a pinch of salt.

  2. Broil for 2-5 minutes and check for browning; shake the sheet pan to roll the asparagus spears around to brown evenly.

  3. For the aioli, put the mayo in a small bowl, add the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and tarragon and mix well.

Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op

naturally dyed easter eggs in basket

Photo Courtesy of Co+op

Naturally Dyed Eggs

While the Easter bunny might be missing in action this year, you can definitely still dye eggs with your kids!

Skip traditional egg dye kits and utilize some natural ingredients that you probably have lying around at home.

Supplies

  • White eggs (or try brown, keeping in mind color results will vary)

  • Egg carton

  • Stock pan(s)

  • Water

  • White vinegar

  • Slotted spoon

  • Natural materials for dyeing (see table here for ideas)

Directions

Hot Bath Method

  1. Place uncooked eggs in a stainless steel stock pan.

  2. Add water 2-3 inches above eggs. (When using bottled juice, fill 2-3 inches above eggs. Do not add water.)

  3. Add natural dye ingredients and 1-2 tablespoons vinegar per quart of water.

  4. Cover and bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

  5. Carefully remove eggs with a slotted spoon and air dry.

Cold Bath Method

  1. Simmer the dye ingredients (water, vinegar and dye matter) for 20-30 minutes or longer, until the dye reaches your desired shade.

  2. Allow the liquid to cool and submerge hard-boiled eggs in the dye for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Carefully remove eggs with a slotted spoon and air dry.

Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op

apricot spiral ham

Photo Courtesy of Food52

Glazed Spiral Ham With Apricot Jam & Dijon Mustard

Put together with just 3 ingredients in only 4 steps, this glazed spiral ham recipe is the perfect low-key dish for Easter.

Make sure to check out the Co-op's selection of local Easter hams to make this recipe even more delicious!

Recipe and photo adapted from Food52

 
deviled eggs for easter on plate

Photo Courtesy of Spend With Pennies

Deviled Eggs

What's a list of Easter recipes without deviled eggs?

You might not be serving appetizers to a crowd of guests this year, but these are so good, you might want them all to yourself anyway!

Recipe and photo adapted from Spend with Pennies

 
bunny cookies for easter

Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Milk Chocolate Stuffed Peanut Butter Bunny Cookies

Maybe you aren't really feeling too spring-y this year.

These adorable cookies are sure to turn that around!

Peanut butter and chocolate are the perfect pair, but you could definitely sub in almond or cashew butter if you want!

Find the full recipe at Half Baked Harvest

 
scalloped potatoes

Photo Courtesy of NY Times Cooking

Scalloped Potatoes

Another Easter classic, scalloped potatoes don't have to be left out of your Easter feast just because you aren't serving a crowd.

Simply cut this recipe in half to serve a family of 3-4.

Recipe and photo adapted from The New York Times

 
easter bread

Photo Courtesy of Food52

Easter Bread

Here's another recipe you can use for all those naturally dyed Easter eggs you have on hand.

Recipe and photo adapted from Food52

 
maple glazed carrots

Photo Courtesy of Co+op

Maple Glazed Carrots

Here's a simple side dish that will pair perfectly with your Easter ham and scalloped potatoes.

Make sure to check out our selection of organic maple syrups to use as the base for this recipe!

Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op

 
ham and cheese quiche

Photo Courtesy of Eating Well

Ham & Cheese Quiche with Cauliflower Crust

If you're planning on putting together an Easter brunch, consider this quiche recipe with a healthy twist.

Recipe and photo adapted from Eating Well