I love an Easter brunch because it feels like the true gathering meal of spring. It’s one where we set the table whether it’s pouring a spring rain outside or the sun is sweet enough to pull us onto the patio to eat outdoors. I come to Easter with a head full of easter brunch ideas and a deep love for a table that leans egg and produce-forward: a golden quiche, a generous platter of deviled eggs, and a super chopped, slightly unexpected salad. And dessert, of course, is something topped with soft whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Let’s get into the this-or-that of this year’s Easter brunch recipes. I’ve got some really great ideas!
When it comes to the main event at the Easter table, I like to go two ways: a quiche (because it’s an incredible make-ahead option and makes for very good Easter Monday leftovers) and a protein that wows with minimal effort.
Let’s play a little this-or-that. In the land of quiche: a classic Quiche Lorraine , studded with crisp bacon and nutty Gruyère (luxurious, always), or a potato-forward quiche with thinly sliced potatoes and softened leeks tucked into a press-in pie crust. Truly, no wrong answers here and this quiche can be made Friday or Saturday before Easter brunch with ease!
And for the main protein, where do you land? Buttermilk Marinated Chicken Thighs (bones removed, skin left on for that golden crisp) or, my favorite – a rich and buttery New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp, sizzled in a skillet (with a criminal amount of butter and garlic) and begging to be spooned over just about everything on your plate.
While salads are often the last thing chosen on an indulgent Easter spread, these slightly elaborate chopped situations could easily steal the whole show (imho). There’s something about a truly good chopped salad (it’s the care of it all) that makes it feel worlds away from the bagged greens I’m known to tumble into a bowl on a weeknight.
First, the Lowland’s Celery Salad, inspired by an unforgettable plate out of Charleston, that turns humble celery into the star, tossed with sharp cheddar, chopped dates (yay for a sweet and salty moment!), and a bright, punchy dressing. It’s surprising in the very best way and completely irresistible.
Then, an Asparagus Spoon Salad : bite-sized blanched asparagus, edamame for a little protein and substance, toasted almonds, and crumbles of goat cheese (though feta would be just as welcome here). Oh! White beans too! Both salads are unexpected, a little fancy, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the brunch table because they’re so far from the norm.
And for dessert! This is assuming we’ve already tucked the foil-wrapped chocolate into Easter eggs for hunting. I like to keep Easter dessert light, fluffy, and just indulgent enough.
A few months back I made My Favorite Coconut Cake (yes, the one secretly made with cake mix) for my mother-in-law’s birthday and was reminded just how cloud-like and irresistible it is. It’s perfect for a spring gathering. The real magic, aside from the shortcut, is the tangy sour cream glaze tucked beneath the cream cheese frosting, adding moisture and just the right bit of zip.
And if coconut isn’t your thing, let’s pivot to a batch of Dad’s buttermilk biscuits. They’re just sweet enough, and sturdy in all the right ways, ready to hold a generous pile of macerated strawberries and very soft whipped cream. It feels like the very beginning of the strawberry season which is definitely a reason to celebrate : The Best Strawberry Shortcake.
For a slightly more elaborate dessert moment, a classic Carrot Cake will always have a place at the Easter table. It’s spiced, familiar, and generously frosted with cream cheese frosting. But I also love the lightness of an airy angel food cake, especially this one topped with the softest raspberry-swirled whipped cream: Raspberry Rose Angel Food Cake. It’s just so lovely!
And for drinks, let’s keep the this-or-that energy going. On one hand, a very boozy and floral Lavender Lemon Drop Martinis is bright, citrusy, and fancy enough to feel like a proper welcome drink.
On the other, a big pitcher of Fresh Blueberry Mint Lemonade, all deep purple and sweetly refreshing. (Pro tip: stretch a pitcher a little further by topping each glass with sparkling water.) Something spirited, something fresh—both very welcome at the Easter table.
A Little Easter Brunch Menu (If You’re Coming Over)
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To start (something sparkly, something sippable):
Lavender Lemon Drop Martinis or Fresh Blueberry Mint Lemonade -
Main event (no wrong choices here but I’d go):
Quiche Lorraine + New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp -
Something fresh and a little unexpected:
Asparagus Spoon Salad -
And for dessert (of course):
Coconut Cake with cream cheese frosting
However your Easter table comes together, be it rain tapping on the windows or sunshine pulling you outside, I hope it feels easy, a little abundant, and full of things you’re excited to eat and hope for a new season. That’s really the heart of all these Easter brunch ideas: a table that invites people to linger, go back for another helping, and maybe sneak a second slice of cake before the plates are cleared. If you make any of these dishes, I’d love to know what makes it onto your table.
xo Joy
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