Easy Easter Recipes to Celebrate in Ireland
When is Easter?
In 2024, Easter will fall on Sunday 31st March. As a moveable feast, the date of Easter changes every year, but it is always celebrated on a Sunday between 21st March and 25th April. The date is determined by the first full moon after 21st March, and is always welcomed as the beginning of spring.
Fish Recipes for Good Friday
Traditionally, a lot of people who celebrate Easter often swap meat for fish on Good Friday. This gives families the opportunity to visit the beach during the bank holiday or enjoy a fish supper altogether at home. In addition to this, many people also choose to give up meat throughout Lent, too, so it's not uncommon for lots of fish recipes to be enjoyed throughout the six weeks leading up to Easter. In Ireland, it's a common tradition to eat salted cod on Good Friday. This practice stems from the historical association of salted cod as a food that could be preserved without refrigeration, making it suitable for the Lenten period leading up to Easter.
Homemade Fish & Chips
A popular meal to eat on Good Friday is classic fish and chips. This is one of the easiest meals to make at home too, as you just need to coat your fish in breadcrumbs and bake alongside your potatoes. We recommend this Ultimate Fish and Chip recipe because of how simple yet delicious the fish crust is - simply mix breadcrumbs, parsley and lemon zest, then use mayo to coat. This is a tasty fuss-free Easter recipe that’s perfect for a cosy family night in.
Seafood Chowder
Seafood chowder is another Good Friday favourite in Ireland and can be made using many different seafood ingredients such as salmon, hake or cod. This Hake and Potato Chowder just takes half an hour to make and is great for big batch cooking too, making it a delicious, hearty lunch for the whole family.Easter Day Recipes
When we think of Easter day recipes, we often think of roast dinners, particularly lamb. That’s because roasts make the most out of local, spring ingredients and are a filling feast for the whole family. Roasted meat also marks the end of Lent, as historically people would cut this out until Easter Sunday. Now Easter recipes still honour the spirit of renewal and abundance, bringing families and friends together to enjoy the season’s flavours and create cherished memories around the dining table.
Roast Chicken in Red Wine Sauce
If you’re looking for an Easter roast dinner recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, roasted chicken is the best option. You can cater to many different serving sizes too, and chicken breast is great for cooking an Easter dinner when there’s just two of you. This Roast Chicken in Red Wine Sauce is so succulent and can be served with your choice of spring vegetables.
Irish Sirloin Steak in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
If you’re looking for something extra special to serve this Easter, a sirloin steak is a great choice. This Irish Sirloin Steak in Creamy Mushroom Sauce makes the most of Ireland’s fresh spring produce and is so easy to cook to perfection. Serve it alongside crushed baby potatoes or with a side of seasonal vegetables for a truly indulgent and satisfying Easter recipe that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Pan-fried Chicken in Sage Butter
For a colourful and delicious Easter recipe, try this Pan-fried Chicken in Sage Butter. Not only does this dish celebrate the freshness of spring, it also provides a simple yet elegant option for your Easter table. The crispy exterior of the chicken, paired with the aromatic and rich sage butter, makes this a gorgeous meal that promises to impress your guests.Easter Soup Recipes
Soup is a popular meal to serve on Easter Sunday because of its ability to include an abundance of fresh, spring vegetables. In Ireland, leek soup is a traditional Easter recipe and is often served before a lamb roast dinner. Now, there are many tasty takes on the typical Irish leek soup to make it feel even more special.
Crumbled Chorizo, Leek and Potato Soup
This Crumbled Chorizo, Leek and Potato Soup makes a delicious Easter soup recipe as it’s so warming and moreish. The crumbled chorizo adds a delicious smokiness and a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the mild sweetness of leeks and the hearty goodness of potatoes.
Hearty Vegetable Stew
Make the most of spring veggies by whipping up a big batch of vegetable stew this Easter. This recipe uses chopped tomatoes, stock and paprika as a simple base, so you can add any vegetables you have in your fridge - or garden!Vegetarian Easter Recipes
If you’d prefer a meat free meal this Easter, there are plenty of hearty vegetarian recipes you can make that are perfect for spring. Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to add a burst of flavour to your Easter spread, these vegetarian Easter recipes promise to elevate your weekend.
Cauliflower and Harissa Lentil Pie
If you’re cooking for a large family, opting for a one-pot meal such as this Cauliflower and Harissa Lentil Pie is a good choice because they’re easy to cook in a big batch, plus you can make ahead. It’s so filling and hearty, all the while making an impressive centrepiece for your dinner table.
Sweet Potato and Goat's Cheese Salad
A colourful vegetarian salad, like this Sweet Potato and Goat’s Cheese Salad is a brilliant addition to an Easter feast. This vibrant dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the creamy richness of goat's cheese, and the crisp freshness of apple and greens. Tossed in a homemade honey and mustard dressing, this salad brings the texture and taste of spring to your plate.