Looking for budget ideas for Easter dinner? Here are a few Good Cheap Eats favorites that taste great, come together easily, and most importantly, won’t break the bank.
As the Easter holiday approaches, it’s time to start thinking about some fun new recipes. What will you enjoy making just as much as you’ll enjoy eating? Check out these ideas for Easter Dinner!
Whether you’re planning a big dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or contributing to a family supper at someone else’s house, it always fun to have fresh ideas for Easter Dinner, particularly some budget-friendly ones.
There are so many seasonal items from which to draw inspiration and ideas for Easter Dinner: berries, asparagus, peas, HAM! There’s no end to the goods to work into your holiday meal.
Budget Tips
Overspending is never in season, no matter the holiday. Consider these tips to keep grocery spending in check.
- Shop your pantry. Chances are, you’ve already got a lot of great food on hand in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. Do a look-see to determine what you already have that can serve as ideas for Easter dinner.
- Shop the sales. In the coming weeks, you’ll find lots of great ingredients on sale at the grocery store, especially in the produce and meat aisles. Look for great deals on berries, asparagus, peas, ham, and lamb. You may also find sales in the baking aisle, so keep your eyes peeled, and built your menu around what’s on sale.
- Plan simple, frugal meals. It’s a holiday, yes, but that doesn’t require you to go overboard. One idea for Easter dinner: Never spend more than you have, even for a special occasion. Instead, focus on the basics: a hearty protein that stretches well for many people, some simple side dishes, and a stellar dessert. Or two.
- Invite others to contribute. Likewise, you don’t have to do all the cooking. If your guests offer to contribute, let them! It may be that they have a special holiday tradition that they’d like to include. The more the merrier! And less for you to buy and cook.
- Have a back-up meal plan. There will always be those times when things do not go according to plan. Hedge your bets and have a backup meal plan on hand.
Recommended Recipes
Need some fresh ideas for easter dinner? These recipes include traditional options as well as some very frugal and fun ones.
Done-for-you Easter Planning
The Instant Easter Luncheon Kit includes everything you need to host a great lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Included you’ll find a complete menu with allergen and special diet adaptations, all the recipes needed, grocery list, party checklists, preparation timelines, printable buffet cards, family-friendly activities, and even tips for making it all in advance so you can enjoy the day!
Enjoy this Easter holiday with less work and more fun. Grab the printable file here: https://learn.goodcheapeats.com/product/instant-easter-luncheon-meal-plan/
Whether you use our Easter meal plan or devise one of your own, I’d love to hear what you end up making from these budget-friendly Easter recipes!
This post was originally published on April 6, 2019. It has been updated for content and clarity.
Melissa
What are your thoughts on day before preparation of the scalloped potatoes? Could I assemble the night before and PPP it in the oven after church on Sunday?
Jessica Fisher
I have done that and covered with foil and the top layer turned blackish. I’m not exactly sure why. You could peel and slice and put in cold water in the fridge. Assembly is really quick.
Courtney
Jessica, I’ve been thinking of you this week and hoping all is well. Take care!
Jessica Fisher
Thank you! Yes, the radiologist checked it all himself and all is well.
Courtney
That’s great – I’m glad you got good news!
Beth Werner Lee
I love making Greek Easter bread, which is similar to a challah but has flavoring. My mom used to dump a half bottle of anise into the dough. My Greek class ladies in Boston told me that wasn’t the real thing (they used something called mastich). My family likes it when I use almond flavoring instead (not a half bottle). It’s a sweet egg bread, braided. The recipe makes 6 loaves, so it’s good to give away too.
Jessica Fisher
Sounds yummy! Isn’t that the one that you place eggs atop?
Sandi
This sounds like Jessica, but is posted by “Janel Piersma” and I’m wondering who that is. Guest poster? Alter ego? 🙂
Jessica Fisher
Ha! Almost my alter ego. Janel is my sister and also my assistant. I wrote the post, but she set it up with the pictures and links to save me time.