Recipes for Easter: Appetizers, Main Courses, and Desserts

Appetizers

Colored Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs dyed in vibrant Easter colors are a timeless appetizer. Arrange them on a platter with fresh radishes and green onions for a simple yet festive start to your meal.

Deviled Eggs

Transform leftover Easter eggs into elegant deviled eggs. Mix the yolks with tuna, avocado, or cream cheese, pipe back into the whites, and garnish with chives or parsley for a gourmet touch.

Drob (Shepherd’s Meatloaf)

Drob is a traditional Romanian Easter specialty made with lamb offal or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Season with fresh herbs and bake in a loaf pan until golden brown.

Salată de Boeuf

This classic beetroot-colored Olivier salad combines diced meat or chicken, potatoes, carrots, pickles, and peas bound in mayonnaise. Debate “with or without peas” at your own risk!

Meat Roll (Rulada)

A modern twist on Easter fare, meat rolls can be filled with seasoned turkey, bacon, or vegetables. Slice into pinwheels for a colorful platter-ready appetizer.

Main Courses

Lamb Soup

A springtime favorite, lamb soup is enriched with sorrel, lovage, and leeks, then soured with borscht or lemon juice. Serve piping hot with fresh herbs for a nourishing starter.

Roasted Lamb

Marinated in garlic and rosemary, roasted lamb becomes tender and juicy when cooked in a hot oven. Accompany with roasted root vegetables for a classic Easter centerpiece.

Lamb Stew

Slow-cooked lamb stew in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce yields melt-in-your-mouth meat. Cook in a covered casserole or tagine for ultimate succulence.

Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)

Stuffed cabbage leaves with a savory pork and rice filling, then simmered in tomato sauce—sarmale are a comforting and iconic Easter dish. Serve with sour cream and crusty bread.

Desserts

Pasca (Easter Cheese Bread)

Pasca features a sweet cheese filling encased in a soft, brioche-like dough. Flavor with lemon zest and raisins for a festive Easter treat.

Cozonac (Sweet Bread)

The quintessential Easter sweet bread, cozonac is enriched with butter, eggs, and either walnuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight. A perfect finish to your holiday feast.

Cakes and Tortes

Fresh fruit cakes and mousses are ideal for spring. Try a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, a berry-filled torte, or a light lemon mascarpone cake to end your meal on a bright note.