70 Easter Side Dishes To Complete Your Holiday Dinner

By

Patricia S York

Updated on February 8, 2024

Carrot Souffle — Photo:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

A Southern-style Easter feast calls for bright and fresh ingredients inspired by the season. Whether you're serving ham or lamb (or something else entirely!), round out your holiday menu with a handful of our easy yet elegant Easter dinner sides.

From sautéed asparagus and carrots to springy berry salads, these menu options were crafted in celebration of the flavor and bounty spring brings each year. Our Skillet Roasted Carrots take just 10 minutes to prepare; no table is complete without a potato side, and our Roasted Potato Salad fits the bill. And, of course, you can't forget a family-favorite: homemade dinner rolls. It wouldn't be a holiday supper without them, and for Easter, our Resurrection Rolls are a spectacular choice. Choose a creamy macaroni and cheese, stick to a traditional pineapple casserole, or plate a dish of party-ready deviled eggs. No matter which recipes you choose, we're sure these Easter side dishes will be the tasty tribute to the season your whole family will enjoy.

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Skillet Roasted Carrots

Skillet-Roasted Carrots — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Every bunny loves carrots, and these perfectly roasted carrots are a classic combination with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Pick up some rainbow carrots at the farmers market and cook these for 10 minutes.

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Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

garlic parmesan green beans — Photographer: Isaac Nunn, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

We all have a soft spot for those classic cooked green beans made with bacon, but these Garlic Parmesan Green Beans give our favorite veggie a cheesy, garlicky update. The best part? These greens will be ready in just 35 minutes.

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Roasted Potato Salad

Roasted Potato Salad — Joy Howard

Believe it or not: The secret to the perfect potato salad is not your favorite mayonnaise, it's your oven. Theses roasted spuds add just the right amount of bite to your classic potato salad.

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Our Best Deviled Eggs

Our Best Deviled Eggs — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Deviled eggs never go out of style, and this recipe for Our Best Deviled Eggs is one that every Southern cook should master. Sprinkle paprika or chives on top of these classic beauties.

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Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots — Iain Bagwell

A variety of carrot colors makes for pretty presentation in this delicious side. Using whole, peeled, small carrots makes this side all the more festive and special.

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Roasted Broccolini

Roasted Broccolini — Photographer: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

This one-step side has everything that makes a cruciferous veggies taste delicious. With some charred lemon, Parmesan, and some good olive oil, your everyday Broccolini is transformed into something that is worthy of the Easter table.

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Herbed Potato Stacks

Herbed Potato Stacks Recipe — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith

A short list of ingredients transforms basic potatoes into an elegant side ready to be served to company. You might be wondering: What's the secret to the perfect little stacks? It's a muffin tin!

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Spring Salad with Berries and Bacon

Spring Salad with Berries and Bacon — Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

This bright salad is perfect to offer as a lighter option alongside your heavier side dishes. The bite of the red wine vinegar and feta cheese cuts through all the richness.

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Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes Recipe — Southern Living

Tangy goat cheese makes for a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes. Even though these mashed potatoes have complicated flavors, the recipe is not all complicated. In just two steps, these delicious mashed potatoes come together in just 30 minutes.

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Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls

Southern Living Make Ahead Yeast Rolls in a basket to serve — Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Micah Morton, Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Is it really a holiday dinner without a side of beautiful, buttery rolls! The best part about these tender rolls is in the name—you can make them ahead of time!

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Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese

Best Homemade Macaroni And Cheese — STACY K. ALLEN; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DALEY

When there's macaroni and cheese on the table, you know there's one dish even the pickiest eaters will love. It's also the relatively unsung hero of almost every Easter table.

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Sumac Carrots with Feta Mousse and Crispy Panko

Coby Ming and Damaris Phillips' Sumac Carrots with Feta Mousse and Crispy Panko — Johnny Autry; Prop and Food Styling: Charlotte L. Autry

A Feta mousse serves as the base for cooked carrots while toasted panko sprinkled on top gives the dish a crispy finish. It also takes just 30 minutes to put together.

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Tarragon Chicken Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Creamy chicken salad pairs perfectly with the crunch of pecans, Granny Smith apples, red onions, and celery. It might take a little extra work than store-bought, but every step is worth it.

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Country Ham Hash

Country Ham Hash — Hector Manuel Sanchez

If your family gathers at brunch, this flavorful hash will be eaten right up. With a side of scrambled eggs and a piece of toast, everyone will enjoy this hearty breakfast side.

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Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This mouthwatering Easter side dish will satisfy lovers of crunchy pecans and cornflakes as well as marshmallows. It includes all the toppings you love on your sweet potatoes in one casserole.

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Pineapple Casserole

Southern Living Pineapple Casserole serving on a plate — Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

If you've never had this quirky Southern casserole, don't knock it until you try it. It's also perfect for spring holidays with its tropical flavors.

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Oven-Roasted Asparagus

oven roasted asparagus on a white oval dish — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It doesn't get more simple than this 10-minute side dish you can throw together right before the meal. If you want a super roasted asparagus, turn up your oven to 400 degrees.

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Tee's Corn Pudding

Tee's Corn Pudding — Emily Laurae/Southern Living

This is our most popular corn pudding recipe of all time, and for good reason. If you're having trouble getting fresh corn, you can use frozen or canned corn.

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Cheesy Grits Soufflé

Cheesy Grits SoufflÃ© — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Cheese grits always have a place on our table, and these light and fluffy, baked grits bring them to a whole new level. One reviewer says its "definitely a keeper," and we couldn't agree more.

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Old-School Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Emily Hall

It wouldn't be a holiday in the South without green bean casserole on the sideboard. Make sure you don't forget the crispy onions!

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Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Classic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Cheesy and creamy potatoes pair deliciously with your Easter ham. It's the 9x13 side that everyone wants.

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Potato-Bacon Hash

Potato-Bacon Hash — Stephen DeVries, Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox

You only need a handful of ingredients to throw together a colorful hash that's perfect for Easter brunch. A touch of hot sauce gives it just the right kick.

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Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake — Hector Manuel Sanchez

Baked pasta gets an update with creamy kale. We love the crunchy, savory topping made with Japanese-style breadcrumbs.

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Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines

Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines — Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This fresh, seasonal take on finger sandwiches will look beautiful in your Easter lineup. It's just about as springy as a bouquet with dill, chives, asparagus, and eggs.

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Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

broccoli cheese casserole - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Eating your veggies has never been easier than with this cheesy casserole. You can even prepare this dish ahead of time.

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Sautéed Radishes with Bacon

Sautéed Radishes with Bacon — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

With the help of a little bacon grease, cooked radishes prove to be as tasty as their raw counterparts. A little brown sugar, salt and pepper go a long way.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad — Jen Causey

No brunch table is complete without a bowl of fresh fruit. You can choose which fruit you want to include depending on your family's preference.

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Resurrection Rolls

Resurrection Rolls — Southern Living

These sweet rolls are a fun way for the kids to get involved with cooking this Easter. All you need are cans of croissant rolls, marshmallows, butter, cinnamon and sugar.

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Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach — Antonis Achilleos

Butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese make for the dreamiest spinach side you've ever had. Serve your Creamed Spinach over cornbread for a super Southern touch.

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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus — Jennifer Causey

The buffet line will move smoothly with these easy-to-serve green bean bundles. The first step might shock you, but you heat up the bacon in the microwave to get things going.

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Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown Casserole — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This old-school favorite will never get old or go out of style. Everyone will want some.

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Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions

Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions Recipe — Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: William Smith

This light but flavorful side dish will complement any main you serve. The blanched green beans give them more flavor and a delightful crispness.

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Potatoes Patio

Potatoes Patio — Iain Bagwell

Your guests won't believe how simple the ingredient list is for this decadent casserole. It is easy, but it does include all of the rich, dreaminess you could want.

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Vidalia Onion Soufflé

Vidalia Onion Soufflé — Abigail Wilt

If you've never had an onion soufflé, this recipe made with sweet Georgia Vidalia onions is the tastiest place to start. Make this soufflé the night before to simplify your party menu.

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Smothered Green Beans

Smothered Green BeansSmothered Green Beans — Photograher: Greg Dupree Prop Stylist: Audrey Davis Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall

This side dish recipe is packed with flavor but only takes five ingredients to make. The secret that makes these green beans a little unique? Tomato paste!

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Smashed Baby Red Potatoes

Smashed Baby Red Potatoes — Emily Laurae / Southern Living

We know you love mashed potatoes, but you're going to fall for smashed potatoes—trust us. It might take a few extra steps, but it is worth it!

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Sweet Potato-Carrot Casserole

Sweet Potato-Carrot Casserole — Photo: Iain Bagwell

Give your classic sweet potato casserole an Easter Bunny-approved update. Sugar-And-Spice Pecans make this all the more sweet.

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Classic Fresh Field Peas

Southern Living Classic Fresh Field Peas in a bowl to serve — Will Dickey; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

This vintage recipe is one we'll keep coming back to. The smoky ham hock really is the star of this dish.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots

Southern Living Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots — Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in side-dish heaven. Smaller Brussels sprouts are better for this dish due to their delicate yet delicious flavor.

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Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad

Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Hold the mayo and try this zesty lemon-dill vinaigrette potato salad for Easter Sunday. It includes all of the bright vegetables you love from radishes to shallots to, of course, the veggies in the title.

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Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Southern LIving Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon ready to serve — Alison Miksch, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This will be your new favorite take on classic macaroni and cheese. The addition of eggs and crispy bacon almost makes this dish a baked carbonara.

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Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles

Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Whether you make these in individual ramekins or in a big casserole dish, everyone will be asking for seconds. This recipe full of cheddar cheese and all the goodness you could ever imagine.

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Spring Vegetable Frittata

Spring Vegetable Frittata — Iain Bagwell

A slice of this frittata is sure to please your brunch bunch. It's full of bright, spring flavor that is sure to impress.

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Reunion Pea Casserole

Reunion Pea Casserole — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This casserole recipe includes just about everything you could ever imagine, which means it belongs in your Easter recipe lineup. With a mix of yellow squash and zucchini, it has a fun, festive look, too!

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Watergate Salad

Watergate Salad — Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

You probably grew up eating this side and wondered if it was actually dessert. With it's bright green color and delicious flavor, everyone in your family will be surprised at how much they love it.

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Party Potatoes

Party Potatoes — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Prepare to dazzle the Easter celebration with a tray of these tasty potatoes. The best part is that you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.

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Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The secret to the best Brussels sprouts ever? Roast them in the oven. Additionally, make sure to cut off the base of the stems to ensure that your Brussels sprouts are super tender.

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Smoky Greens Soufflé

Smokey Greens Souffle — PHOTO: JAMES RANSOM, PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN

This fancy dish gives beloved collards a festive twist. The rise of the soufflé is sure to impress, too.

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Pimiento Cheese Creamed Spinach

Pimiento Cheese Creamed Spinach — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

You've probably had creamed spinach at most every gathering you go to, but the addition of pimiento cheese transforms this seemingly ordinary dish into something made for special occasions. Make this recipe in ramekins or a large baking dish.

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Layered Squash Casserole

Layered Squash Casserole — Photographer: James Ransom, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Transform your squash into this rich and creamy casserole. With some cheddar cheese crackers and some other goodness, you have something that will have everyone asking for this recipe next year.

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Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw — Photography: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Is any gathering really complete without coleslaw? We don't think so. Even if you are having the fanciest Easter dinner, this side is truly a necessity.

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Blackberry Farm's Carrot Soufflé

Carrot Souffle

“You probably hear the word soufflé and think it's a fancy dish that requires a lot of work—but I assure you, this is no traditional soufflé,” writes Assistant Editor Cameron Beall of her family’s recipe. “While soufflés typically start by separating the egg whites from yolk and beating the whites until stiff, this dish doesn’t call for separating them which gives it a more casserole-like characteristic.”

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Asparagus Gratin

Asparagus Gratin — Photography and Styling: Karen Rankin

Anyone who claims they don’t like asparagus hasn’t had it like this before! Transform the sometimes-boring spring veggie into a comforting Southern side with a cheesy finish.

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Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern Fried Cabbage — Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Stylist: Melissa Gray / Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

“Growing up, my absolute favorite meal my mama made was crispy, oven-baked pork chops, fried cabbage, and mac and cheese,” says Senior Producer Ivy Odom. “And it may sound weird, but I would always eat a bite of cabbage and mac and cheese at the same time. Something about that flavor combination is still one of my all time favorite bites.”

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Glazed Carrots

Southern Living Glazed Carrots on a serving platter with a serving fork beside — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This veggie side dish shines in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can wow everyone with a tasty addition to their meal.

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Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas with Orange Zest and Buttery Almonds

Sugar Snap Peas with Orange Zest and Buttery Almonds — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This bright side dish is a fresher way to enjoy spring produce than in a casserole (though there’s plenty of room for those on our Easter table).

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Strawberry-Spinach Salad

Strawberry-Spinach Salad with Sweet Vidalia Onion Dressing — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This salad showcases seasonal produce and can be tossed together right before the Easter meal is served for a gorgeous last-minute addition.

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Betty Jo Melvin's Macaroni And Cheese

Betty Jo Melvinâs Macaroni and Cheese recipe baked and ready to serve out of the baking dish — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

"Today" show anchor and journalist Craig Melvin shared his mother's mac and cheese recipe that his family enjoys every Christmas, but we know it would be at home on an Easter table as well.

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Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Easy Cauliflower Casserole — Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer

Cauliflower gets the reputation as a boring veggie, but anything is fun when covered with cheese and baked into a creamy casserole.

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Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs

Asparagus with Cheese Sauce and Herb Breadcrumbs — Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

According to one five-star review, you just might find new ways to reimagine this beautiful recipe: “This was delicious!! The cream sauce and bread crumb combo would also be fantastic on other vegetables, chicken, fish, etc. Yum!”

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Crispy Potato Galette

Crispy Potato Galette — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Senior Producer Ivy Odom says she hopes to make this pretty potato dish ASAP: “The flavor of buttery, garlic-coated potatoes will always remind me of home."

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Cabbage Casserole

Southern Living Cabbage Casserole in the dish to serve with a serving scooped out — Will Dickey

No coleslaw here! This warm casserole will change how you serve cabbage at your Easter table. Let the five-star reviews speak for themselves.

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Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot Raisin Salad — Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

If you’ve been missing Chick-fil-A’s iconic carrot raisin salad, recreate the magic at home with a presentation that’s pretty enough to make your Instagram.

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Twice-Baked Duchess Potatoes

Southern Living Twice Baked Duchess Potatoes on a platter to serve — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Ginny Branch; Food Stylist: Micah Morton

Classic twice-baked potatoes are delicious, but they aren’t nearly as pretty as these! A piping bag will make this side dish look holiday worthy.

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Corn Pudding Casserole

Corn Pudding Casserole — Courtney West

This new casserole recipe is even more decadent than the corn pudding you know from growing up.

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Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad

Strawberry-Pretzel Jello Salad in a red dish with strawberry linen — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Is it a Southern holiday without a jiggly gelatin wonder on the table? We think not! This sweet-and-salty creation is perfect for spring.

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Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad

Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad with Orange-Poppy Seed Dressing — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Add some stunning spring color to your Easter table with this oh-so-fresh salad that is super quick to throw together.

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Creamed Cabbage-And-Leek Gratin

Creamed cabbage and leek gratin in a casserole dish on a table with water glasses, a small bowl of thyme, a serving spoon, and a napkin. — Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

When you hear “gratin,” you might think potatoes, but this creamy spring veggie version will have you rethinking the definition.

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Asparagus with Eggs and Prosciutto

Asparagus with Eggs and Prosciutto — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christina Daley

This gorgeous dish is perfect if you’re serving Easter brunch. It looks professional, but is actually extremely easy to put together.

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Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad

Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad — Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

This light and bright potato salad will look beautiful in your favorite spring dinnerware. “I was looking for a healthier potato salad option and made this recipe,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “It was excellent and all my kids from 17-8 loved it.”

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