Easter is almost here and it's time to start thinking about what to serve to make this holiday one to remember for your family and friends! So while you're busy thinking about dying & decorating eggs and filling gorgeous baskets with goodies and treats, I thought it might be helpful for you to have some seriously delicious brunch, dessert and cocktail ideas to consider making to help take the guess work out of your menu! Naturally, as with any brunch, you might consider scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausage. These suggestions will be in addition to those considerations to truly take your Easter menu to the next level!
A lot of these selections freeze well, or can be made ahead of time. Full step-by-step recipes can be found in my cook book, Michele's Southern Yum Cookbook which you can purchase on Amazon.com or on my website @ MichelesSouthernYumKitchen.com
Let's Cook!
Because these are "brunch" ideas, I am going to categorize them:
*Breakfast
*Lunch
*Sides
*Desserts
*Fun Easter Cocktails
Breakfast:
Sausage Stuffed Cinnamon French Roll-Ups
Page 17
These sweet, buttery roll-ups are a hit with all age groups. You can serve warm as is, or offer some maple syrup on the side to serve as a dipping sauce. Either way, you can't go wrong with this choice. Freezes well.
Green Chile Breakfast Enchilada
Page 19
This is sure to fill your guests up with a touch of southwest spices and melted cheese. Always a fan favorite and freezes well.
Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
Page 26
Lord help us. Make these. Enough said.
(Freeze well)
New Orleans Scratch Beignets
Page 27
The dough can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Easy to make! Just roll out in the morning and cook in oil, sprinkle with powdered sugar! These might be a lot to do the day of your gathering but if you can, they are more than worth it. Absolutely a queen-maker! They are delicious. Give them a try!
Scratch Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage & Gravy
Page 18
This is a no-joke, delicious breakfast item that always gets the plate clean whenever I've served it. Extremely easy to make the day of your gathering. The homemade biscuits can be made ahead of time and frozen until you're ready to bake. Make extra for some side butter & jelly lovers! This one is sure to be a hit!
Cinnamon French Toast with Warm Butter Pecan Maple Syrup
Page 32
Who doesn't love a thick slice of Cinnamon French Toast? This recipe is so easy to whip up the day of your gathering it's almost a no-brainer to include on your menu! The Butter Pecan Maple Syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in a mason jar in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Dollop with a little fresh whipped cream and you're golden. Absolutely Easter Bunny worthy...
Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Casserole
Page 31
This is always a favorite with all of my kids when they come home. And "hearty" isn't just a clever name. It truly is hearty! Filled with delicious eggs, sausage and cheese, your family & friends are sure to love this one! Freezes well.
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Page 23
Unfortunately no up-to-date photos of this one on hand, but this light and fluffy coffee cake, bursting with blueberries and topped with icing is just the right "sweet" to accompany your breakfast choices. You will have people asking you for the recipe. Guaranteed. Freezes well.
Lunch:
Chorizo & Peppers French Bread Pizzas with Roasted Garlic Paste
Page 87
These sliced french bread pizzas are packed with incredible flavor that begins with the roasted garlic paste. Great item to serve on a gorgeous Easter platter. Great recipe for all ages, but the kids love them a lot. You can make the garlic paste, as well as the chorizo mix ahead of time for easy assembly and baking the day of your gathering. You cannot go wrong with this one!
Creamy Chile-Garlic Pasta Salad with Grilled chicken
Page 94
This salad is a lovely presentation as well as a hearty addition to your menu. The Creamy dressing is just amazing. Can be made in advance and refrigerated the day before. Serve the grilled chicken sliced and on the side for a delicious vegetarian option.
Crispy Ground Chicken Sliders with Fresh Basil & Mozzarella
Page 90
These small sliders are mouth-watering delicious. The fresh basil and mozzarella are such a compliment to the crispy chicken. The chicken patties can be made ahead and even frozen. An impressive addition to your menu for sure! Great for all age groups! Simply amazing.
Extra Fried Chicken with White Gravy & Mashed Taters
Page 176
If you aren't a hero after making this, you need new friends.
Omg. Omg. Omg.
Just like your granny used to make.
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Page 266
No photo but you get the drill. Served on a bed of ice with this delicious homemade sauce is always a "presentation" grade A+ and a crowd favorite. A classy addition to your menu!
Sides
Blackened Corn & Red Bell Pepper Casserole with Crumbled Queso Fresco
Page 101
This grilled corn recipe can be made the day before and is packed with color and flavor! As a side dish it's a "different" take on serving fresh corn but it will definitely leave your guests asking for the recipe. A beautiful side dish for your buffet table!
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Page 102
These small potatoes are so crispy and delicious! A wonderful starch to round out your menu. Great for all ages. Can be prepared ahead of time and popped in the oven before serving with ease. Loaded with flavor and sure to be an Easter favorite!
Twice Baked Potato Salad
Page 108
I need to work on an updated photo for this recipe! But even with a photo, it wouldn't do the flavors justice! Imagine combining a loaded baked potato with sour cream, bacon and finely shredded cheese with the richness of eggs, mayo, chopped celery and onion...it's like heaven on earth. No matter how much you think you need, double it. They will be back for seconds. Best kept secret!
Sliced Buttered Carrots with Fresh Thyme Leaves
Page 113
These thickly sliced carrots which are slightly blackened in a skillet have just the right amount of buttery crunch that make them surprisingly good. People who don't usually even like carrots, love these carrots! A colorful addition to your brunch menu that is sure to be a favorite side dish at your gathering!
Chopped Broccoli Salad with Raisins, Bacon & Sunflower Seeds
Page 105
This salad, which has a sweet rice wine vinegar dressing, is a delight from the first bite to the last! Not only a gorgeous and colorful side dish, but it is amazing. The raisins and sunflower seeds provide a nice balance and come together to create a great tasting side dish and a great vegetarian option for your menu as well. So tasty!
Desserts & Sweets:
Key Lime Pie with Thick Graham Cracker Crust
page 331
This chilled, slightly tart, yet creamy and smooth pie is absolutely perfect for any spring gathering. Paired with an extra thick, buttery crust (as it should be!) this pie is a shoe-in for compliments!
A great choice for your Easter gathering!
Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Page 292
Okay...things just got serious. This cheesecake is everything you might think it is...decadent, buttery, rich, and...to die for.
I admit, it takes "a minute" to make, but oh my gracious, your people will worship you when you roll this out. A guaranteed home run. Make this. Life is too precious not to.
Mixed Berry Cobbler
page 297
If you are running behind and need an easy, incredible dessert that screams "Spring", this is for you! This recipe is literally a dump and run kind of recipe that is so impressive your family will beg for more for breakfast the next day! (Let 'em! It's healthy!) I serve this beautiful dessert warm and topped with vanilla ice cream. Spectacular.
Four Layered Coconut Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Page 317
This coconut cake is perfect for Easter! It's so fluffy and light, and we haven't even mentioned how gorgeous this cake is! It's GORGEOUS. And you can ditch the strawberries on top and place little edible eggs or bunnies on top to make it even more kid friendly for Easter! You can't go wrong with this cake! It's incredible.
Apple Pecan Banana Bread
Page 306
This banana bread has a surprising flavor that is accented by adding the chopped apples! It makes it just a little sweeter, with a pinch of tart! This would be an incredible addition to any brunch menu, thickly sliced and decoratively displayed on a beautiful platter! Always a favorite when I've served it! Give this one a try!
Easter Cocktails (Finally! We've arrived at the GOOD part!) :)
The Cottontail Martini
For full recipe follow: inspiredbycharm.com
Garden in a glass
For full recipe follow:
Bunny Colada
For full recipe follow: shakedrinkrepeat.com
I hope this helps you to plan an incredible Easter gathering with your family and friends that will create loving memories from your kitchen that will outlast time. I know we all get so busy with our lives that sometimes, we forget to stop and remember what's most precious to us... This Easter, I hope you find peace, love and joy in celebrating "He is Risen" and all that we are blessed with because He loves us so very much. We are indeed blessed.
Happy Easter from my kitchen to yours...
Michele
