These Italian Easter Dinner ideas will impress your family this Easter! From traditional Italian Easter recipes to some American twists on Italian favorites, you’re sure to find an exciting new dish or a delicious classic Italian dish to add to your Easter table this year.
Easter is a time of joy, family gatherings, delicious food and traditions to share with a new generation of the young and the hungry. Traditional Italian Easter dinner is a feast filled with flavors that celebrate the arrival of spring.
Whether you’re hosting an Easter dinner or just want to add a touch of Italian presence to your celebration, here are a variety of dishes that will impress everyone leaving them with full bellies and happy faces.
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What do eggs symbolize in Easter?
Have you ever wondered why eggs are incorporated so much into Easter celebrations? Eggs symbolize new life, rebirth, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Therefore, you will find popular Italian dishes made with eggs at Easter time.
Italian Easter Dinner Ideas
Not only can you serve these tasty dishes on Easter Sunday but leftovers to eat on Easter Monday. Cook once, eat twice!
You’re going to love this collection of Italian Easter recipes, just click on any link to get to the recipe.
Appetizers
The best way to start an Italian Easter dinner is with a selection of antipasti. These small bites set the stage for the meal and give everyone something to nibble on while waiting for the other courses to begin.
Traditional Antipasto Antipasto is an Italian culinary delight! You can put together a tasty platter of your favorite Italian cheeses, good quality cured meats, olives and roasted peppers. It’s one of the most popular Italian dishes! Tickle your taste buds with some great flavors to start off the festive holiday.
Bruschetta A traditional bruschetta with fresh tomatoes with fresh garlic and olive oil is a great starter. Try my Bruschetta with Cream Cheese and Balsamic Glaze extra wow!
Roasted Red Peppers This recipe is very easy, gluten free and Vegan and you can make it days ahead of time.
First Course
Italian Easter meals often include a pasta dish, rice or soup before the main course. These dishes highlight fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Italian Easter Pie
No Italian Easter is complete without a delicious, savory Easter Pie!
Pizza Rustica– This popular savory pie is from the Campania region of southern Italy and is made with eggs, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, prosciutto and hard Italian sausage.
Pizza Rustica with Ricotta and Meat Pizza Rustica only tastes even better with ricotta!
Torta Pasqualina This hearty and delicious savory pie from Liguria region in northern Italy. It’s made with layers of flaky puff pastry filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss Chard (or spinach), and whole eggs. When sliced, the eggs create a beautiful presentation inside the pie.
Pasta– Homemade gnocchi, homemade ravioli or plain homemade pasta are great to make ahead, freeze and pull out for Easter dinner. Make a delicious and easy homemade tomato sauce (or gravy) to go on it. You can make it ahead with simple ingredients and it freezes well.
Southern Italian Lasagna You can never go wrong with lasagna but, remember that it’s filling which is perfect for a large crowd. Plus, you can make it ahead. This recipe has the hard-boiled eggs in side but, you can omit them if you wish.
Risotto– A good Parmesan Risotto or Asparagus Risotto are great options but, remember that risotto is filling and don’t let your guests fill up on the first course.
Main Course
The main course at an Italian Easter dinner is usually centered around lamb, a traditional symbol of the holiday. However, there are other great options too that even will go with the traditional American ham.
Agnello al Forno (Roast Lamb or Lamb Chops) Lamb is a classic Easter dish in Italy. It is typically roasted with garlic, rosemary, and white wine for a tender and flavorful meal. Try my Lamb Chops marinated with rosemary, parsley, garlic and lemon juice. 
Pork (Stuffed Pork and Roasted Pork)
For those who prefer pork, try one of these: Stuffed Pork Loin (with Smoked Provolone, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes) or Roasted Pork with Fennel Seeds and Potatoes.
Roasted Cod with Potatoes and Tomatoes If you’re looking for a lighter option, my roasted cod, thinly sliced potatoes and cherry tomatoes is a wonderful choice.
Authentic Italian Beef Braciole Recipe with Sauce This is a great way to add some “beef” (pun intended) to your meal and it freezes well so you can make it ahead.
Side Dishes
No Italian Easter meal is complete without delicious side dishes that complement the main course.
Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes A simple but tasty side dish, these crispy potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese.
Parmesan Rosemary Roasted Potatoes These popular potatoes are made with fresh rosemary, grated parmesan cheese and olive oil and browned to perfection!!
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe Broccoli rabe is steamed and then cooked with fresh garlic, lemon juice and olive oil for a tasty and healthy green vegetable. It goes with nearly any main dish.
Fried Italian Eggplant This recipe is made with flour instead of breadcrumbs just the way my Zia Pasqualina made it. It’s so delicious so try not to eat the batch before serving it.
Roasted Fennel goes well with both lamb and pork.
Italian Fried Long Sweet Peppers and Stuffed Peppers with Bread Stuffing are great options for side dishes. They go with well with lamb, pork or ham.
Desserts
Just as in American, Easter is a time for sweets, Italian desserts are most fitting for the special occasion.
Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua) This anise flavored somewhat sweet bread is glazed with anise icing and nonpareils. Often, colored hard-boiled eggs are baked on the top. It’s a favorite in our home!
Italian Easter Cookies– Glazed Anise Cookies, Amaretti Cookies, Lemon Amaretti Cookies, Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze, Chocolate Dipped Amaretto Biscotti , Italian Butter Cookies are great options for your Italian Easter table.
Pastiera Napoletana A rich ricotta and wheat pie from Naples, flavored with orange blossom water and cinnamon, this dessert is a true Easter favorite.
Colomba di Pasqua (Easter Dove Cake) (Amazon affiliate link) This traditional Italian Easter cake is similar to panettone but shaped like a dove. It has a soft, sweet dough and is topped with almonds and pearl sugar.
Cannoli Is a classic Italian (Sicilian) dessert but, you can make a tasty and addicting cannoli dip even faster if you lack time.
Chocolate Easter Eggs In Italy, large chocolate eggs filled with surprises are a common Easter tradition. Serve some beautifully wrapped chocolate eggs as a sweet treat for guests. No one will refuse an American version: Buttercream Chocolate Easter Eggs.
Lemon Cheesecake– Although cheesecake is not an Italian dessert, Italian Americans sure do love it! It’s a great spring dessert for Easter.
Drinks
An Italian Easter dinner is not complete without some delicious drinks to accompany the meal.
Prosecco – A sparkling wine that pairs well with appetizers and lighter dishes.
Barbera or Chianti – Are great red wine choices for roast lamb or pork and go well with pasta too.
Limoncello – A refreshing lemon liqueur to sip after dessert. Try my homemade limoncello recipe. See my Best Limoncello Cocktails.
Classic Aperol Spritz– This is a light and refreshing drink made with Prosecco, Aperol liqueur and some club soda. It’s perfect for warmer weather. 
Espresso – Don’t forget the coffee! Add a little Sambuca or Anisette to liven things up a bit.
Make your Italian Easter menu a collection of your family’s favorite Easter recipes and enjoy each other and meaning of the holiday. Your Italian Easter table will be amazing with the cultural traditions you remember growing up.
A traditional Italian Easter dinner is more than just a meal. It’s a time to gather with family and celebrate traditions. Whether you stick to classic dishes or add your own twist, the key is to enjoy good food with good company.
Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter)!
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