Traditional Italian Easter Recipes
This collection of Italian Easter recipes includes everything from simple antipasti and fresh spring sides to hearty main dishes, pasta and classic desserts. This roundup has a mix of traditional holiday staples and Italian inspired recipes that fit perfectly into an Easter menu. Use this this as inspiration to build your own Easter spread. Mix and match your favorites and create a menu that feels special, seasonal and full of delicious Italian flavor!
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Traditional Italian Easter Recipes
Easter, or Pasqua, is one of the most important holidays in Italy, and like most Italian celebrations, it revolves around gathering at the table and sharing a beautiful meal with family.
After the long fasting period of Lent, Easter Sunday is all about abundance, celebration and welcoming the arrival of spring.
Italian Easter menus vary from region to region, but there are certain dishes that show up again and again.
Savory pies, tender lamb, fresh homemade pastas and plenty of spring vegetables like asparagus and peas. Ricotta also plays a big role in many traditional Easter desserts and baked dishes.
I absolutely love the food associated with Italian Easter. It's nostalgic, festive and always gets me excited for spring. Many of these recipes have been passed down for generations and are meant to be shared around a big table with the people you love.
Whether you're planning a full Italian Easter feast or just want to add a few classics to your menu, these recipes capture the flavors and traditions that make the holiday so special.
Italian Appetizers and Antipasti for Easter
No Italian holiday meal begins without antipasti. These small bites are meant to wake up the appetite and set the tone for the meal ahead. They're usually simple, vibrant and made with fresh ingredients that highlight the flavors of the season.
I love serving a mix of warm and cold starters for Easter. A crisp salad or marinated vegetables, cured meats and cheeses and some focaccia or crackers is all you need, But for something more, a fried dish or a fun homemade crostini always feels extra special.
These appetizers are perfect for nibbling while everyone gathers around the table and the main dishes finish cooking.
Fava Bean Crostini with Pecorino and Mint
The crispy toasted bread is topped with creamy, lemony fava bean puree and finished with sharp, salty Pecorino cheese and fresh mint. A burst of fresh spring flavor in each bite!
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates
The dates become caramelized and sticky in the oven while the smoky bacon crisps up around the outside for the most amazing sweet and salty bite. They're easy to prep in advance and always the first thing to disappear at a party!
Shaved Asparagus Salad
Spring asparagus makes a perfect addition to an Easter table, and this fresh salad highlights it beautifully. It's crisp, bright and packed with seasonal flavor, making it a wonderful light starter before the main meal.
Creamy White Bean Dip
This smooth and creamy white bean dip is made with simple pantry ingredients like cannellini beans, garlic, olive oil and lemon. It's incredibly easy to throw together and is perfect for serving with crostini or fresh vegetables.
Sicilian Rice Balls
Arancini are golden fried rice balls with a crisp exterior and creamy, savory filling. They're a beloved Italian street food that always makes a great appetizer.
Garlic Butter Steak Crostini with Horseradish Sauce
Thin slices of steak are layered onto a crisp garlic butter crostini with a creamy horseradish sauce over top and fresh chives to finish. It's so simple, but always everyone's favorite!
Marinated Roasted Red Peppers
These Italian-style roasted red peppers make the ultimate antipasto and snack, especially in summer when bell peppers are at their peak. Learn how to roast and peel them like a pro so you can make them again and again with ease.
Calamari Fritti
Crispy fried calamari is always a crowd favorite. Lightly battered and fried until golden, it's tender on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, especially when served with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Pickled Italian Vegetables
Giardiniera is a vibrant Italian pickled vegetable mix that's crisp, tangy and full of flavor. It's a great make-ahead antipasto to add brightness to any appetizer spread.
Buttered Radish Crostini
The classic pairing of radishes and butter made even better by adding fresh herbs and piling it on top of crispy toasted bread. It's super simple to prepare and is ready to eat in under 15 minutes!
Sicilian Chickpea Fritters
Panelle are crispy Sicilian chickpea fritters that are golden on the outside and tender inside. They're delicious served hot with a squeeze of lemon or tucked into bread for a classic Sicilian snack.
Roasted Mushroom Crostini with goat cheese
Crisp baguette slices slathered with gooey goat cheese, topped with caramelized roasted mushrooms and a touch of honey. They are SO delicious and make an easy, yet elegant appetizer.
Italian Easter Main Dishes
The main course is where the Italian Easter table really shines. After a few antipasti, the main dish is usually something a little more substantial and celebratory. Lamb is one of the most traditional choices for Easter, but seafood, baked pasta dishes and hearty meat recipes are also common depending on the region.
I love a mix of classic Italian holiday dishes alongside a few lighter options that highlight fresh spring flavors. Whether you're serving a big crowd or keeping things simple with family, these recipes make a beautiful centerpiece for an Easter meal.
Italian Easter Pie
Pizza Rustica is one of the most iconic Italian Easter dishes. This rich and hearty savory pie is packed with cured meats, cheeses and eggs baked inside a flaky crust, making it a true celebration dish that's traditionally served on Easter.
Italian Sunday Gravy
This authentic Italian Sunday gravy, or sugo, is a rich tomato sauce simmered low and slow with meatballs, sausage and pork. It's a staple at my family's celebrations, especially Easter, and perfect for serving over pasta for a big holiday gathering.
Chicken Francaise
Thin slices of chicken are coated in a delicate egg batter, then pan fried until golden and finished in a luscious lemon butter sauce for a home-cooked dinner that's better than any restaurant. It's the best chicken Francaise you'll ever have!
The Best Herb Turkey Recipe (Italian Style)
Bursting with flavors of fragrant Italian herbs and garlic, this turkey recipe is seasoned with salty butter, lemon zest, sage and rosemary.
Dijon Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb
Rack of lamb always feels special, and this version is coated in a flavorful Dijon and herb crust that roasts up beautifully. It's elegant enough for a holiday but surprisingly simple to prepare.
Baked Flounder Oreganata
This baked flounder oreganata is light, bright and full of classic Italian flavors. The fish is topped with garlicky breadcrumbs, lemon and herbs, then baked until perfectly tender.
Spiedini alla Siciliana
Spiedini alla Siciliana are breaded, skewered rolls of meat layered with cheese and breadcrumbs. They roast up golden and flavorful for a truly special main dish.
Chicken Saltimbocca
Tender chicken cutlets layered with fresh sage and salty prosciutto, then finished in a silky white wine butter sauce that truly lives up to its name! It's an impressive dish that comes together quickly but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.
Authentic Italian Beef Braciole
These Italian braciole are tender rolls of beef stuffed with herbs, cheese and breadcrumbs, then simmered in tomato sauce until incredibly flavorful. It's a classic Sunday dinner dish that feels right at home on a holiday table.
Oven Roasted Whole Beef Tenderloin
Cooking a whole beef tenderloin in the oven is actually much easier than you think, and absolutely worth the effort for melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon! I'll walk you through the steps to creating a perfectly roasted beef tenderloin for your next dinner party, holiday meal or Sunday roast.
Authentic Italian Meatballs
These classic Italian meatballs are tender, flavorful and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They're always a crowd pleaser and perfect for serving alongside pasta, bread or a big family-style meal.
Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops
Grilled lamb chops are another classic Easter dish and cook up quickly with incredible flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic and herbs lets the rich flavor of the lamb really shine.
Pasta Recipes for Italian Easter
No Italian holiday table would be complete without a pasta course. In many Italian families, pasta is served as the primo, or first course, before the main dish. It doesn't have to be overly heavy or complicated either. Some of the best Italian pasta dishes are simple and rely on just a few high-quality ingredients.
For Easter, I especially love pasta dishes that highlight fresh spring vegetables, bright citrus flavors and classic Italian pantry staples like olive oil, garlic and parmesan. These recipes are comforting but still feel light enough for a big holiday meal.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is a classic southern Italian pasta dish that deserves a spot in your rotation. I've been making this for years, and my method keeps it under 20 minutes start to finish. The pasta and greens cook together, the sausage sizzles while you wait, and dinner's done before you know it!
Pasta con le sarde
Briny sardines, sweet fennel and saffron create a deeply flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta, finished with plump raisins, pine nuts and crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top. It's a delicious way to serve something unique and experience the true flavors of Sicily at home!
Pasta alla Genovese
Sweet onions and beef slowly cook down until caramelized and fall-apart tender, creating a ragù that tastes like a cross between French onion soup and pot roast, only better. It gets tossed with pasta and a shower of grated Parmigiano for a dish that's so delicious you'll want to double the recipe!
Ragu Bolognese Recipe
This classic tagliatelle Bolognese features tender ribbons of pasta coated in a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce. It's comforting, hearty and deeply satisfying.
Pasta al Limone
This bright and silky lemon pasta is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the flavors of spring. Fresh lemon adds a vibrant citrusy flavor that keeps the dish light while still feeling comforting and satisfying.
Spring Pea Gnocchi
A spring twist on traditional gnocchi that transforms sweet seasonal produce into an elegant dish for special occasions. They're sweet, pillowy and a gorgeous green color!
Lasagna Alla Bolognese
A proper lasagne Bolognese is always a showstopper. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel and plenty of Parmigiano Reggiano, it's a comforting and impressive dish that belongs on a holiday table.
Pasta con Broccoli
This humble pasta with broccoli is a classic example of simple Italian cooking at its best. Garlic, olive oil and tender broccoli come together to create a flavorful sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Italian Side Dishes for Easter
Italian meals are rarely just about one big centerpiece. The table is usually filled with lots of smaller dishes that complement each other and give everyone something to pass around and share.
For Easter, the sides often highlight the best ingredients of the season. Spring vegetables like greens, asparagus and peas start showing up everywhere, usually simply prepared with olive oil, garlic and a few really great pantry ingredients. These side dishes balance out the richer pastas and main courses and make the whole meal feel a little brighter and fresher.
Peas with Prosciutto and Ricotta
Sweet peas and salty prosciutto come together in this vibrant spring side dish that is elevated with a cloud of creamy whipped ricotta. A beautiful, light dish that feels perfectly suited for spring.
Spring Vegetable Risotto
This vibrant spring risotto highlights fresh seasonal vegetables and bright flavors. It's creamy, elegant and perfect for a special occasion meal.
Green Beans with Pancetta and Shallots
These green beans are sautéed with sweet shallots and crispy pancetta for a simple side that's packed with flavor. It's an easy way to add something green and savory to the Easter table.
Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
These Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comforting side dish. Made with skin-on red-skinned potatoes for a sweet flavor and creamy, yet rustic texture and rich mascarpone cheese that makes them extra creamy and satisfying.
Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower
This roasted cauliflower is golden, caramelized and full of flavor. A squeeze of lemon and olive oil keeps it bright and delicious.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
This creamy parmesan polenta is rich, smooth and deeply comforting. It's an Italian classic recipe with just 5 simple ingredients, that pairs perfectly with the rest of your Easter spread.
Escarole Greens with Olives and Capers
Tender sautéed escarole is tossed with briny olives and capers for a bold, savory side. The salty and slightly bitter flavors make it a great balance to richer dishes.
Italian Potato and Green Bean Salad
Italian potato salad is light and herbaceous with olive oil, vinegar and fresh basil instead of mayonnaise. It's fresh, simple and perfect alongside richer dishes.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Onions
These roasted potatoes with onions and rosemary are crisp on the outside and tender inside. It's a simple, rustic side that pairs beautifully with almost any main dish.
Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
This sautéed parmesan spinach is quick, simple and packed with flavor. Garlic, olive oil and parmesan turn fresh spinach into a perfect Italian side dish.
Roasted Cauliflower Agrodolce
This Sicilian-style cauliflower agrodolce is tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made with vinegar, just a bit of honey, and raisins. It's a bold, flavorful side dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Rapini with Pine Nuts and Raisins
Rapini, also known as broccoli rabe, has a pleasantly bitter flavor that pairs so well with sweet raisins and buttery pine nuts. It's a classic Italian combination that's simple but incredibly flavorful.
Italian Easter Desserts
Italian Easter celebrations always end with something sweet, and the dessert table is often just as exciting as the main meal. After a long holiday feast, it's common to bring out a few different treats to share, whether it's a beautiful baked dessert, a platter of pastries or something creamy and indulgent.
It can be as simples a plate af cannoli. You can make your own homemade cannoli shells and ricotta cannoli cream if you want, but store bought is a great option too!
Italian dessert also has to be served with coffee or espresso. For a fun twist, try my coffee granita or affogato, even better with a dollop of homemade mascarpone whipped cream on top.
These classic Italian desserts are the perfect way to end an Easter celebration.
Italian Ricotta Pie
Ricotta pie is one of the most traditional Italian Easter desserts. The creamy ricotta filling is lightly sweet and flavored with citrus and vanilla, all baked inside a tender pastry crust.
Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli cookies are soft, chewy almond cookies coated in pine nuts with a delicate flavor. They're a classic Italian bakery treat and a beautiful addition to an Easter dessert spread.
Pignolata
Struffoli are little bites of fried dough that get tossed in warm honey and topped with colorful sprinkles. They're sweet, sticky and incredibly festive, making them a favorite for Italian holiday celebrations.
Italian Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake
This classic Italian chocolate cake from Capri is naturally flourless and incredibly rich. Made with chocolate and almonds, it has a dense, fudgy texture that chocolate lovers will adore.
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
Ricotta cheesecake is lighter and more delicate than traditional cheesecake, with a soft, creamy texture and subtle sweetness. It's a beautiful dessert that feels perfectly suited for a spring celebration.
Tiramisu Brownies
These tiramisu brownies combine rich chocolate brownies with the coffee and mascarpone flavors of classic tiramisu. They're a fun and indulgent dessert to serve alongside coffee after Easter dinner.
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta
This silky chocolate hazelnut panna cotta is smooth, creamy and deeply decadent. The combination of chocolate and hazelnut is a classic Italian pairing that feels both elegant and indulgent.
Italian Recipes for Easter Brunch
While many families gather for a big Easter dinner, a relaxed Easter brunch is just as lovely. It's a great excuse to put together a table full of breads, eggs, light savory dishes and a few sweet treats to nibble on while everyone eases into the day.
I love brunch for holidays because it's a little more relaxed. You can mix and match a few dishes, pour some coffee or mimosas and let people help themselves. These Italian-inspired recipes are perfect for an Easter brunch spread.
Soft Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta
These slow scrambled eggs with ricotta and chives are soft, creamy and incredibly luxurious. While not a traditional Italian dish, the ricotta gives them a subtle Italian twist that makes them perfect for a relaxed Easter brunch.
Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast
Thick slices of bread are stuffed with creamy Italian mascarpone cheese, soaked in a rich custard, then griddled until buttery and crisp. The best part? It can be ready in 30 minutes!
Zucchini Frittata with Feta and Basil
Fresh zucchini frittata with feta and basil, custardy, savory, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Baked Salmon Sicilian Style
This Sicilian baked salmon is topped with a flavorful mixture of garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs and lemon, then baked until perfectly tender. It's a quick Mediterranean-inspired dish that fits right into an Easter brunch.
Arugula Salad with Parmigiano and Pine Nuts
This easy arugula salad is peppery, bright and dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. It's the perfect fresh addition to a brunch table.
Eggs in Purgatory
Eggs in purgatory is a classic Italian dish where eggs are gently poached in a spicy tomato sauce. Serve it with plenty of crusty bread for dipping and you have a simple but incredibly satisfying brunch dish.
Sicilian Stuffed Bread
Scaccia is a traditional Sicilian stuffed bread that's layered with fillings and baked until crisp and golden. It's hearty, savory and perfect for slicing and sharing.
Italian Tuna Salad with Green Beans
This classic Italian-style tuna and green bean salad is light and fresh. It's a great make-ahead dish that pairs well with bread and other brunch favorites.
Extra Fluffy Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
This easy recipe for blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes makes the best breakfast ever! They're creamy and fluffy with a little tang from the lemon and blueberries. Such a nice summer breakfast or brunch!
Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Scones with Whipped Strawberry Butter
These buttery, tender scones are studded with savory prosciutto and creamy pockets of goat cheese. Topped with a cloud of whipped strawberry butter, these scones make an impressive spring breakfast or brunch addition.
Sicilian Fennel Orange Salad
This classic fennel and orange salad is crisp, refreshing and loaded with citrus flavor. It's a simple dish that feels perfectly suited for spring.
Ricotta Cake with Pears
Rich ricotta, juicy pears, orange zest, and a hint of rosemary create a subtle yet unique flavor. It's an easy, beautiful dessert for holidays, celebrations, or cozy days at home.
I hope you love the recipes. Have a wonderful and delicious Easter holiday! Buona Pasqua!
Thank you for sharing. These all look amazing!!
You're welcome! I hope you try some!