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While I grew up with Easter bunny baskets and egg hunts, there were also the new dresses and white sandals and the sunrise church service, all before 8 a.m. From there, we’d take part in a continental breakfast followed by another church service and a large family gathering for Easter lunch – all in one day. This holiday looks a lot different for me now. I love some of those childhood memories but feel a little dread and exhaustion on behalf of my MOM! A special Easter to me is now mainly about rest and nothing obligatory. Weather willing, we are taking walks rather than shoveling snow, but regardless, we’ll be looking forward to making some of our favorite gluten-free recipes for Easter with our family. So, whether you go for the whole Easter marathon – bunnies to church to big family gatherings or just enjoying springtime with your crew, I hope this list gives you a few ideas to let simmer for the day or whip together for some Easter delight.
One of our favorite Easter memories was when our Minnesota weather gave us a bike ride and a chance to sit on the patio with the ham hot-pot as the star of our Easter dinner. Shhhh, don’t tell, but yes, I do leave this broth simmering on the stovetop if I’m close by because the magic in this long simmer happens left unattended.
Ham Broth Hot-Pot
It's time to make a new memory with this lovely pot. It is one of those magical meals that packs in earthy goodness and matches the April sky and season. It's still a little chilly in spring, so the warmth of this comforting bowl is still very welcome. The flaky salty ham that falls apart with a side of mustard is a delicious combo. And the fresh green vegetables, where some of them crunch and some melt, make this so simple but very encouraging.
Secondly, this salmon is a quick-to-finish dish, especially if you’ve made the panko topping ahead of time. Would you rather have lamb on Easter? Ina’s panko-crusted lamb is a show-stopper, too. Both would pair deliciously with the green salad and the balsamic and rosemary dressing.
Panko Crusted Wild-Caught Salmon
This salmon dish of Ina's is one of my favorite ways to make salmon fast and elevated. The crunchy top of tender pan-fried salmon leaves the fish flaky and is done to perfection by finishing in the oven. For fish lovers or those wanting something non-traditional but light and pares well with other sides, this dish could be your pick. Served with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, and a side of dill sauce or any vegetable side, this meal would be divine.
Greens, Proscuitto, Pine Nuts, and Balsamic Dressing
This salad or the dressing would pair perfectly with any Easter entree. If you are serving ham already and don't want the proscuitto, skip it and add orange slices, grapes, goat cheese, or shaved apples instead.
Pre-made Buttermilk Biscuits—We love these frozen biscuits, also available at Thrive. Even more remarkable is that they taste delicious when reheated the next day!
Gluten-free recipes for Easter Breakfast or Brunch
We love our holiday or celebratory brunches, with a bit of savory and sweet, of course. Here are a few of our favorite holiday breakfast and brunch equations + memories!
AMERICAN BRUNCH PLATE – eggs over-easy or scrambled + hash browns – sweet or savory + donuts or scones instead of toast + bacon or sausage links
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH – Monte Cristo sandwiches stacked with gluten-free bread + Dijon+ shaved ham slices + Swiss cheese and dipped in French toast batter, then grilled and served with a side of jam and sprinkle of powdered sugar + a stack of donuts or scones + a side of savory hashbrowns!
Blueberry Lemon Scones
Ever since I brought fresh lemons home from California, these scones have been apart of Easter brunches in my house. These gluten-free cream scones are flakey and bright with the lemon syrup drizzled on before serving. Happy Spring!
We love this nostalgic Apple orchard donuts in fall and for a brunch anytime of year. Last year we piled them up for our Easter table with Monte Cristo sandwiches, fruit plate, mimosas, and Ina's hash browns. That menu was one we all want to repeat!
Mixer – OR you can stir mightily until the batter is homogenous 🤪
Small dishes for cinnamon and melted butter dipping
Skillet Breakfast with Broiled Eggs
This family favorite makes an appearance for birthdays, holidays, and brunches a few times a year. Check out this post for all the ways you can make this the way you like it, including eggs from over-easy to hard. You are going to love this rustic brunch dish!
For years I've called this bowl my everyday hash, and it's true. When I have time though, adding pumpkin seeds, kale, and Brussels elevates this side dish that fits on any brunch or Easter lunch table. Make it for a holiday or prep it for your week, you won't be sorry!
To know them is to love them. This recipe is hands down our favorite way to eat hashbrowns. When we have herbs and potatoes in the house, this dish can become a breakfast, brunch, or dinner side. Do yourself a favor and do not stir for at least the first 5-minutes, just like Ina says. Stick with the recipe, you'll be so glad you did.
In celebration of spring, we often choose a baked summer fruit dessert, but because we are suckers for the peanut butter + chocolate combination, we love the second dessert too. Have a crowd coming? Make them both ahead for a dessert option your guests will not stop talking about!
Strawberry Rhubarb Almond Crumbles
Nothing to me says spring like a taste of what is to come. Rhubarb and strawberry season are just around the corner and even if you have to use frozen rhubarb in this recipe, it will remind of you that new things are on their way. This gluten-free dessert is one of our favorite ways to celebrate Easter. The almond cookie crumble is the best topper too.
This peanut butter chocolate crust dessert works fabulously with a gluten-free chocolate cookie and the whipped peanut butter cream cheese is truly to die for. The delightful part of this recipe is making it ahead. It also makes a perfect option #2 if you are serving a spring fruit dessert to have something opposite but as delecious.
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