When it comes to Easter dinner, the sides are what really make the meal. A good glazed ham is important, but it’s the squash casserole, the creamed peas, the deviled eggs, and the pan of cornbread that turn a holiday dinner into the kind of spread everyone remembers.
This collection brings together all of the classic Southern sides that belong on your Easter table. From cheesy casseroles and comforting vegetable dishes to cold salads, fresh bread, and all the nostalgic favorites in between, you’ll find everything you need to plan a crowd-pleasing holiday menu.
⭢ Easter Table Classics
If you’re not sure where to start, these are the dishes that show up on just about every Southern Easter table. They’re familiar, they’re crowd-tested, and they’re the ones people notice when they’re missing.
Southern Deviled Eggs
Creamy, tangy, and topped with a sprinkle of paprika, these are the first thing to disappear from any Easter spread. A must for the holiday table. {Kid-Favorite}
Green Bean Casserole
Tender green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. This is the 1950s classic that still earns its spot every holiday.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and loaded with sharp cheddar, this baked mac and cheese is holiday-worthy comfort food.
Alternative → Duke’s Homemade Mac and Cheese
Easy Potato Salad
A creamy, tangy potato salad with all the classic mix-ins. This one comes together quickly and can be made a day ahead for easy entertaining. {Make-Ahead Friendly}
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Sweet, buttery corn pudding with just five minutes of prep. Grab a box of Jiffy mix and a few pantry staples, and this practically makes itself.
Southern Squash Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this is the Southern side dish that tastes like every family reunion and holiday rolled into one.
Creamed Peas
Bright, sweet peas in a simple cream sauce, ready in just 10 minutes. Old-fashioned, comforting, and the perfect match for Easter ham.
⭢ Casseroles
Southern holidays and casseroles just go together. These are the easy, make-ahead dishes that feed a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen all day. Most can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready.
Easy Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy, creamy, and topped with buttery crackers or stuffing mix. This family-approved broccoli casserole works with fresh or frozen florets. {Crowd-Pleaser}
Spinach Casserole
A creamy, cheesy baked spinach side that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough for holidays. Assemble up to 2 days ahead. {Make-Ahead Friendly}
Easy Potato Casserole (3 Ingredients!)
Just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep for a creamy, cheesy potato side dish. This one is a lifesaver when you’re juggling multiple holiday dishes.
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Sweet pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping make this old-school Southern side dish unlike anything else on the table.
Old-Fashioned Scalloped Corn
A creamy, custard-like corn casserole with a golden top. This nostalgic side dish has been a Southern comfort food staple for generations.
⭢ Potato Dishes
From creamy casseroles to a classic scalloped dish with ham, potatoes earn their place on any Easter spread. These recipes cover the range, whether you want something rich and bubbly from the oven or a lighter option served cold.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and diced ham baked in a creamy sauce with plenty of cheese on top. Easter dinner in one dish!
Easy Au Gratin Potatoes
Tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce until bubbly and golden on top. For a similar crowd-pleaser, try the Easy Potato Casserole above.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes topped with a brown sugar and pecan crumble. This is the classic holiday version, warm and lightly sweet.
⭢ Vegetable Sides
A Southern Easter table always has a few vegetable dishes alongside the casseroles. These are the ones that bring color and balance to the plate, from slow-simmered beans to roasted spring asparagus.
Lima Beans and Ham
Slow-simmered butter beans with a smoky ham hock, cooked low and slow until creamy and rich. Serve with cornbread for the full Southern experience.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots tossed in a brown sugar glaze. A simple, classic Easter side in just 30 minutes.
Alternative → Maple Glazed Carrots
Fried Cabbage
Sautéed cabbage with bacon and onion, seasoned simply and cooked until tender. A traditional Southern side that rounds out any holiday menu.
Broccoli and Cheese
Quick stovetop broccoli in a simple cheese sauce. This one comes together fast and is a reliable kid-friendly option when you need a green vegetable. {Kid-Favorite}
Succotash
Sweet corn, lima beans, tomatoes, and smoky bacon simmered together in butter. This traditional Southern dish has deep roots and even deeper flavor.
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Tender-crisp asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper. A fresh, bright spring side that adds something lighter to the Easter spread.
Southern Style Green Beans
Old-fashioned green beans simmered low and slow with bacon and onion until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Or try my Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans.
⭢ Salads & Light Sides
Every holiday table needs a few cold dishes and lighter options to balance out the casseroles. These range from retro Southern classics like jello salad and fluff to fresh fruit and a tangy cornbread salad.
Cornbread Salad
Crumbled cornbread, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. This distinctly Southern salad is a potluck favorite that always gets recipe requests.
Strawberry Jello Salad
A sweet, fruity, and nostalgic gelatin salad that’s been a fixture on Southern holiday tables for decades. Retro comfort at its best.
Orange Pineapple Fluff Salad
Creamy, sweet, and full of fruit, this fluffy salad is the kind of easy, no-bake dish that always disappears first at potlucks and holiday dinners.
Honey Lemon Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit tossed in a sweet honey-lemon dressing for a bright, refreshing side. For another approach, try this Easy Fruit Salad for a simpler version.
⭢ Breads & Rolls
No Southern Easter dinner is complete without something warm from the oven to pass around the table. Whether you go with classic cornbread, soft rolls, flaky biscuits, or the custard-like comfort of spoon bread, fresh bread ties the whole meal together.
Southern Cornbread
A classic, old-fashioned cast iron cornbread with crisp, buttery edges and a moist, tangy crumb. This is the real deal, and it belongs on every Southern table.
One Hour Easy Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy homemade rolls that come together in about an hour. Warm from the oven with a pat of butter, these are worth every minute.
Flaky Biscuits
Tall, flaky, and buttery, these homemade buttermilk biscuits are a Southern staple. For variety, try Cheese Biscuits or Sweet Potato Biscuits alongside.
Virginia Spoon Bread
A lighter, custard-like cousin to cornbread that you scoop with a spoon. Crispy edges, a creamy center, and pure old-fashioned Southern comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make Easter side dishes?
Most casseroles can be assembled 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated before baking. Cold sides like potato salad, jello salad, and fruit salad can also be made a day ahead. Let refrigerated casseroles sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking so they heat evenly.
Dishes with crispy toppings (like cracker or fried onion toppings) are best added right before baking so they stay crunchy.
How many side dishes should I serve for Easter dinner?
For a sit-down Easter dinner, 4-6 sides is a good range depending on your crowd size. A well-rounded spread usually includes at least one casserole, a vegetable side, a starch or potato dish, a cold salad, and bread.
For larger gatherings or potluck-style meals, 6-8 sides gives everyone plenty to choose from without overwhelming the table (or the cook).
What sides go best with Easter ham?
Almost all of the sides in this collection pair well with glazed ham. Some of the most classic pairings include scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, creamed peas, glazed carrots, green bean casserole, and potato salad. Sweeter sides like pineapple casserole and sweet potato casserole complement the salty, smoky flavor of ham especially well.
Whether you’re cooking Easter dinner for a small family or feeding a big crowd, these classic Southern sides are the ones that make the holiday table feel complete. Pick a few favorites, prep what you can ahead of time, and enjoy the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.
Save this collection for your holiday planning and share it with anyone who’s helping with the menu!
