These Easter Recipes Will Make Your Guests BEG for Seconds!

These mouthwatering dishes will have everyone at your Easter table clamoring for more this spring. 🌐 #News #EdinaMN #Minnesota #Food

EDINA, MN — Spring in Minnesota is a time of renewal, and nothing says celebration quite like gathering loved ones around a table laden with delicious, hearty fare. This Easter, Minnesota foodies are in for a treat with these standout recipes that blend local flavors with seasonal flair. From savory mains to irresistible desserts, these dishes are guaranteed to leave your guests raving—and reaching for seconds.

Honey-Glazed Ham with Maple Twist

No Easter spread is complete without a showstopping ham, and this recipe elevates the classic with a Minnesota twist. Start with a bone-in ham, slathered in a glaze made from local honey and a generous pour of pure Minnesota maple syrup. The sweetness cuts through the ham’s smoky saltiness, while a hint of Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick. Roast it low and slow until the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, golden crust. The result? A tender, juicy centerpiece that’ll have your guests slicing off extra helpings before you can say “Pass the rolls!”

Ingredients

1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
½ cup local honey
¼ cup Minnesota maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp black pepper

Instructions: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a roasting pan. In a bowl, whisk honey, maple syrup, mustard, and pepper. Brush half the glaze over the ham. Roast for 2-2.5 hours, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Cheesy Wild Rice Casserole

Minnesota’s wild rice heritage shines in this creamy, comforting casserole. Cooked wild rice—harvested from the state’s pristine lakes—gets tossed with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, and a touch of cream. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top delivers a satisfying crunch after a quick bake. It’s the perfect side dish: earthy, cheesy, and so addictive that even the pickiest eaters will scoop up more. Pair it with that honey-glazed ham for a match made in Midwest heaven.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked wild rice
1 lb mushrooms (sliced)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until golden. Mix with cooked rice, 1.5 cups cheese, and cream in a casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper. Top with breadcrumbs and remaining cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Spring Pea and Ramp Salad

Celebrate the season with this fresh, vibrant salad featuring ramps—wild leeks that Minnesotans forage from woodlands each spring. Toss tender peas and chopped ramps with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, then top with crumbled feta for a salty bite. The bright green colors scream Easter, and the crisp, tangy flavors offer a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes. Don’t be surprised if your guests sneak extra spoonfuls while pretending to “just taste” it again.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh peas (or thawed frozen)
1 cup chopped ramps
¼ cup feta (crumbled)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Blanch peas in boiling water for 1 minute, then cool in ice water. Drain and mix with ramps in a bowl. Whisk oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper for dressing. Toss with pea mixture, then sprinkle feta on top. Serve chilled.

Hot Cross Bun Bread Pudding

Turn a traditional Easter treat into a dessert worth begging for with this clever twist. Day-old hot cross buns—those spiced, fruit-studded rolls marked with a cross—get cubed and soaked in a custard of eggs, cream, and a splash of vanilla. Bake until golden and puffed, then drizzle with a light icing to nod to the original. The warm, cinnamon-laced pudding strikes a nostalgic chord, but its gooey decadence feels entirely new. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and watch your guests fight over the last bite.

Ingredients

6 hot cross buns (cubed)
3 eggs
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bun cubes in a greased 8×8 dish. Whisk eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon; pour over buns. Let sit 15 minutes, then bake 40-45 minutes until set. Mix powdered sugar and milk for icing; drizzle over warm pudding.

Lavender Lemon Bars

For a sweet finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious, these lavender lemon bars bring a taste of spring to the table. A buttery shortbread crust supports a tangy lemon curd infused with just a whisper of dried lavender—sourced from Minnesota’s growing artisan herb farms. The floral note tempers the citrus punch, creating a balanced treat that’s both sophisticated and irresistible. Cut them into squares, dust with powdered sugar, and prepare for the inevitable chorus of “Can I have another?”

Ingredients (Crust):

1 cup flour
½ cup butter (softened)
¼ cup powdered sugar

Ingredients (Filling):

¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
⅓ cup lemon juice
1 tsp dried lavender
2 tbsp flour
powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix crust ingredients, press into an 8×8 pan, and bake 15 minutes. Blend filling ingredients until smooth, pour over crust, and bake 20-25 minutes until set. Cool, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.

Bringing It All Together

These recipes showcase Minnesota’s knack for turning simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. Whether you’re hosting a big Easter brunch or an intimate dinner, this lineup promises full plates and happy guests. The best part? They’re easy enough for any home cook to master, yet impressive enough to earn you bragging rights. So, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner Minnesota foodie, and get ready for the ultimate compliment: a table full of people pleading for seconds. Happy Easter!

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RELATED TOPICS: Food | Holidays | Minnesota