19 Easter Side Dishes That Will Outshine The Ham

These Easter side dishes will make your holiday meal extra special. If you want dishes that are different from the usual boring sides, you’ll love these. Each one brings something tasty to the table that people will keep talking about. You might need to make double because everyone will want seconds. Get ready for the best Easter ever with these delicious side dishes!

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Table of Contents

1 Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries
2 Mexican Mac and Cheese
3 Mexican Brussels Sprouts
4 Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
5 Ejotes a la Mexicana (Mexican Green Beans)
6 Popcorn Chicken Recipe
7 Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes
8 Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
9 The BEST Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
10 Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Recipe
11 Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
12 Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon
13 Cauliflower Cheese & Onion Croquette
14 Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash
15 Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes
16 Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad
17 Candied Sweet Potatoes
18 Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel
19 Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries

A white oval platter holds roasted Brussels sprouts, diced squash, red onion, and cranberries. The vegetables are mixed and appear seasoned, with a fork resting on the edge of the platter. A cloth napkin is partially visible next to the platter. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries. Photo credit: Cooking with Curls.

These roasted veggies get sweet from the cranberries and squash. The Brussels sprouts get nice and crispy in the oven. Colors look beautiful on the table and the flavors go great together. A healthy side that doesn’t taste healthy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries

Mexican Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a rectangular baking dish with a spoon. The dish features a golden-brown breadcrumb topping and gooey, melted cheese. A plate with a portion of the macaroni is visible in the background. — Mexican Mac and Cheese. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This isn’t your normal mac and cheese – it’s got a little spicy kick to make it interesting. The cheese is super creamy and the spices give it awesome flavor. Kids and adults both go crazy for this dish at holiday meals. It’s like regular mac and cheese but way more exciting.

Get Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

Mexican Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a foil-lined baking sheet. The sprouts are halved and seasoned, displaying a golden-brown roasted appearance. The background features a rustic wooden surface. — Mexican Brussels Sprouts. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Even people who don’t like Brussels sprouts will love these. They get crispy in the oven with tasty Mexican seasonings. The outside gets crunchy while the inside stays soft. They’re so good you might eat them like popcorn while waiting for dinner.

Get Recipe: Mexican Brussels Sprouts

Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a pat of melted butter, served on a black plate. The table surface is wooden, and part of a silver spoon and a white empty plate are visible on the right. — Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

These mashed potatoes are extra creamy with garlic and rosemary flavors. They’re so smooth they practically melt in your mouth. The herbs make them taste fancy but they’re still easy to make. Goes perfect with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ejotes a la Mexicana (Mexican Green Beans)

A bowl of Ejotes a la Mexicana served in a bowl next to fresh cilantro. — Ejotes a la Mexicana. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These aren’t boring green beans – they’re packed with Mexican flavors that make them exciting. They cook up fast so you can make them at the last minute. Even picky eaters will like these because they taste so good. Perfect when you want something different than regular veggies.

Get Recipe: Ejotes a la Mexicana

Popcorn Chicken Recipe

A plate of golden, crispy fried chicken bites is garnished with slices of lime and accompanied by a bowl of tangy dipping sauce. The dish is set on a marble surface, with a piece of blue and white striped cloth partially visible on the side. — Popcorn Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Nabeela Food Hub.

This crispy chicken is fun to eat as a side or appetizer. The pieces are small and perfect for dipping in sauces. Great for when you want something different than turkey. Kids especially love having their own little chicken bites.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes sitting on a white plate. — Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These sweet potatoes get nice and crispy with Mexican spices. The edges caramelize while the inside stays soft and sweet. They’re so flavorful you might eat them straight from the pan. Great for when you want something different than marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes.

Get Recipe: Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

A white oval dish filled with glazed roasted carrots, garnished with sesame seeds. The carrots are golden brown and slightly caramelized, resting on a light-textured napkin. — Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Cup of Flour.

These carrots get all sticky and sweet from the maple glaze. They roast up tender with crispy edges that taste amazing. Simple to make but fancy enough for Easter dinner. Even kids who don’t like veggies will eat these.
Get the Recipe: Easy Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

The BEST Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley on a marble countertop. Nearby, there is a wooden spoon, a small glass bowl with more chopped parsley, and a patterned cloth napkin. The mashed potatoes have visible chunks for a rustic look. — The BEST Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Busy Day Dinners.

These mashed potatoes have sweet caramelized onions mixed right in. The onions make them taste rich and special without being complicated. Creamy and comforting – just what you want for Easter. People will ask how you made regular potatoes taste so good.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Recipe

A glass dish with four golden-brown, breaded, fried balls garnished with fresh cilantro sprigs. The dish is placed on a light-colored surface, accompanied by a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. The textured coating on the balls indicates a crispy exterior. — Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: Nabeela Food Hub.

These meatballs are crispy outside with melty cheese inside. They work great as a side dish or appetizer for Easter. The chicken stays juicy while the cheese gets all gooey. Dip them in sauce or eat them plain – both ways are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Mom’s Sausage Stuffing

A close-up of a cooked stuffing dish in a white casserole dish. The stuffing contains a mix of golden-brown bread cubes, chopped celery, onion, and seasonings. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the stuffing, suggesting it has been freshly served. — Mom’s Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

This stuffing is packed with sausage, onions, and herbs for amazing flavor. The bread gets crispy on top while staying soft inside. It smells so good while it’s cooking that people will hover near the kitchen. A classic Thanksgiving side that is easy to enjoy for Easter too.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Sausage Stuffing

Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon

Two bowls of creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy breadcrumb toppings sit on a wooden surface. Pieces of bacon are visible among the pasta. A light gray cloth is draped beside the bowls, and a fork is partially visible to the left. — Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon. Photo credit: Cup of Flour.

This mac and cheese is extra good because it has crispy bacon mixed in. The cheese gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. Rich and comforting – perfect for a holiday meal. Kids and adults both go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Bake with Bacon

Cauliflower Cheese & Onion Croquette

A plate with seven baked, square-shaped, vegetable-studded dumplings arranged around a small, white bowl filled with chunky red salsa. The dumplings are lightly browned and appear fluffy and soft. The plate has a blue background. — Cauliflower Cheese & Onion Croquette. Photo credit: Divalicious Recipes.

These little bites are crispy outside and creamy inside. They’re a fun way to eat cauliflower that even veggie-haters will like. The cheese and onion flavors make them super tasty. Great for when you want something different than potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese & Onion Croquette

Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash

A white bowl filled with air fried butternut squash cubes that are evenly browned and seasoned. The pieces are golden and have charred, crispy edges, indicating they were cooked to a perfect tenderness. — Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Mary’s Whole Life.

Butternut squash gets perfectly crispy in the air fryer. It’s naturally sweet and cooks up fast with no fuss. You can add nuts or dried fruit to make it even better. A simple side that tastes way fancier than it is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped green herbs, including chives, sits on a wooden surface. The mash has a creamy texture with some small potato chunks visible. The vibrant green herbs contrast with the light yellow of the potatoes. — Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Avocado Skillet.

These mashed potatoes have cottage cheese to make them extra creamy. They taste rich but have more protein than regular mashed potatoes. The texture is smooth and comforting. A sneaky way to make a classic side a little healthier.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad

A fresh salad in a light-colored bowl, featuring leafy greens, roasted sweet potatoes, beets, sliced almonds, pecans, and dollops of goat cheese. Wooden salad utensils are placed in the bowl. A bowl of dressing is in the background on a light wooden table. — Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

This salad is full of colorful roasted veggies, nuts, and cheese. The dressing is tangy and brings all the flavors together. It’s a nice fresh break from all the heavy Easter food. The colors make your table look really fancy too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad

Candied Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes get all soft and covered in a sweet, buttery sauce. They cook up tender and taste like dessert but count as a side dish. Simple ingredients make them easy to prepare ahead of time. Always a hit at holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel

A rectangular ceramic baking dish filled with a golden-brown bread-based casserole topped with fresh herbs is placed on a light pink surface. A metal serving spoon rests inside the dish. A yellow napkin and parts of a salad plate are visible nearby. — Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel. Photo credit: Sourdough Brandon.

This stuffing uses sourdough bread for extra flavor and crunch. The fennel gives it a fresh taste that’s really special. All the herbs make your whole kitchen smell amazing. A nice change from regular stuffing that still feels traditional.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows

A baked sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows and cornflake crumbs, partially served in a white oval dish. A spoon rests in the dish. Small bowls of chopped nuts and cornflakes are nearby, and a napkin is on the side. — Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows. Photo credit: Lauren Fit Foodie.

This sweet potato casserole has all the good stuff – crunchy pecans and gooey marshmallows. It’s a little healthier than the usual version but still tastes amazing. The flavors are perfect for Easter and it looks so pretty on the table. Nobody will guess it’s better for you.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans and Marshmallows