Easter Dinner Sides

Introduction

Easter is a time for family gatherings and delicious food! One of the best parts of the holiday is serving tasty sides that everyone loves. These Easter Dinner Sides are simple to make and will surely brighten up your table.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe has something for everyone! With creamy scalloped potatoes, sweet glazed carrots, a fruity salad, and a unique pineapple casserole, you’ll have a variety of flavors that kids and adults will enjoy. Plus, they are perfect for sharing during the holiday celebrations!

How to Make Easter Dinner Sides

Here’s how to whip up these delightful sides that will wow your guests and family.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound thick sliced bacon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups Yukon gold potatoes, sliced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 pound baby carrots
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish
20 ounces pineapple chunks plus juices
15 ounces mandarin oranges plus juices
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
2 cups seedless grapes
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup pecans, chopped
2 large bananas, sliced
40 ounces pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups freshly shredded colby jack cheese
1 cup freshly shredded white sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
35 to 38 Ritz crackers
1/2 cup sweet cream butter

Directions:

For the Scalloped Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it. In a saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk and cook until it thickens. Season with salt, onion powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. Layer the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over. Top with crumbled bacon and cheese. Bake for 45 minutes.
For the Glazed Carrots: In a skillet, melt some butter. Add brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the baby carrots and sauté them until they’re tender. Garnish with parsley before serving.
For the Overnight Fruit Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple, mandarin oranges, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and eggs. Cook over medium heat until thick, then let cool. Fold in whipped cream, grapes, marshmallows, pecans, and banana slices. Chill overnight.
For the Pineapple Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine the pineapple, cheeses, sugars, and flour in a bowl. Crush the Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter; sprinkle this on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbly.

How to Serve Easter Dinner Sides

Serve these sides hot alongside your main dish, and watch your family smile! They are great for family style serving or plated.

How to Store Easter Dinner Sides

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Easter Dinner Sides

Prep the scalloped potatoes and the fruit salad a day ahead to save time.
Fresh herbs make great garnishes for the carrots.
Feel free to add any other fruits to the salad for extra flavor.

Variation

You can replace Yukon gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist on the scalloped dish. Swap out any fruits in the salad for what you have on hand!