Top 10 Most Popular Easter Recipes According to Southern Living Readers
Easter is more than a religious celebration; it’s also a time of gathering, joy, and, of course, delectable food. Every year, home cooks across the South — and beyond — turn to their trusted kitchen classics and new treasures to celebrate the occasion. Southern Living, a staple for Southern cuisine enthusiasts, recently released their list of most popular Easter recipes, and it’s a delicious showcase of comfort and tradition. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 recipes that Southern Living readers couldn’t get enough of this past Easter season.
Why Easter Recipes Hold a Special Place in Southern Culture
Easter Sunday is one of the most cherished holidays in the South. It’s about faith, family, and feasting. Traditional meals bring generations together and offer a sense of nostalgia wrapped in every bite. From baked hams to intricate desserts, Easter recipes offer both comfort and a culinary challenge that home cooks love.
Seasonal Ingredients Make a Difference
Part of what makes Easter meals so special in the South is the use of seasonal ingredients like fresh asparagus, strawberries, and new potatoes. These fresh picks not only enhance the flavor but also reflect the bloom and renewal that spring brings.
Southern Living’s Top 10 Easter Recipes in 2024
Let’s dive into the dishes that topped the charts and stole readers’ hearts this Easter, according to Southern Living’s popularity metrics.
1. Brown Sugar-Glazed Ham
No Southern Easter table is complete without a beautifully glazed ham as the centerpiece. Southern Living readers favored a brown sugar-glazed ham that combines sweet molasses, Dijon mustard, and cloves to create an irresistible caramelized finish. This recipe is not only traditional but also incredibly flavorful, with the glaze seeping into every juicy slice.
2. Deviled Eggs With a Tangy Twist
Deviled eggs are a beloved starter at most Southern get-togethers, and this Easter version includes a kick — thanks to the addition of white vinegar and a dash of paprika. Easy to make and quick to disappear, they serve as the perfect appetizer before the main meal begins.
3. Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese
This cheesy favorite isn’t just for kids. The Southern-style mac and cheese on this list includes a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of cream cheese to up the richness. Baked to perfection with its golden crust, it’s easy to understand why this comfort food ranks so high during Easter gatherings.
4. Fresh Strawberry Pie
Made with fresh spring strawberries piled high atop a flaky crust and coated with a homemade glaze, this strawberry pie is a showstopper. Easter desserts often feature seasonal fruits, and strawberries are a favorite for Southern Living fans because of their color, taste, and festive flair.
5. Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyère Cheese
Scalloped potatoes bring a rich, creamy element to the table. What makes this version shine is the luxurious addition of Gruyère cheese along with a whisper of garlic and nutmeg. The golden top and velvety layers make it an irresistible side dish that complements ham beautifully.
6. Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
No Easter is complete without a decadent carrot cake, the unofficial cake of the season. Readers loved this moist, spiced cake filled with shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, and aromatic cinnamon, topped with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting.
7. Asparagus Casserole
Asparagus casserole is a Southern staple during spring holidays. Southern Living’s version includes fresh asparagus layered with cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s creamy, crunchy, and adds a burst of green freshness to the Easter spread.
8. Angel Biscuits
Combining the best of both biscuits and dinner rolls, angel biscuits rise high on Easter morning tables. Thanks to a unique blend of baking powder, baking soda, and yeast, these fluffy, buttery bites are perfect for sopping up gravies and sauces. Southern readers appreciate their vintage charm and fool-proof rise.
9. Pineapple Casserole
While it might sound unconventional, pineapple casserole blends sweet fruit with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping — a beloved Southern combo. This dish strikes a sweet-savory balance that complements baked ham and adds a whimsical touch to your traditional Easter meal.
10. Lemon Bars
Ending the list on a zesty note, lemon bars are a bright, sweet way to wrap up an Easter celebration. With a rich shortbread crust and tangy lemon curd center topped with powdered sugar, these bars are simple but satisfying. Southern Living readers love them for their ease as well as their burst of citrusy flavor.
Why These Recipes Continue to Trend
The popularity of these dishes points to a broader trend: the fusion of tradition and creativity. While many of these dishes have deep roots in Southern cooking, subtle innovations — from new spices in the deviled eggs to gourmet cheeses in casseroles — make them fresh each year.
Timeless Appeal
The enduring demand for recipes like glazed ham, macaroni and cheese, and carrot cake lies in their familiarity. In a rapidly changing world, nothing says comfort like dishes that taste just like Grandma used to make — or your favorite Southern Living recipe bookmarked years ago.
Adaptability and Modern Touches
Another reason for their popularity is adaptability. Many of these dishes can be modified for dietary preferences — think gluten-free crusts or dairy-free cheese alternatives — without losing their essence. This flexibility has helped time-honored recipes find new footing with younger generations of home cooks.
Bring Southern Charm to Your Next Easter Feast
Whether you’re hosting your first Easter gathering or you’re a seasoned Southern cook, these top 10 Southern Living Easter recipes offer the perfect blend of taste, tradition, and seasonal flair. From the sweet satisfaction of strawberry pie to the buttery soft success of angel biscuits, these reader favorites are a great starting point to build your own unforgettable springtime meal.
Pro Tip: Consider planning your Easter menu in advance, allowing time to prep components like deviled eggs or cakes the day before to ease your cooking load on Sunday morning.
Conclusion: A Southern Feast to Remember
Southern Living’s most popular Easter recipes offer both comfort and culinary excellence. These dishes not only cater to the taste of tradition but also embrace innovation, making them perfect for today’s tables. Whether you’re recreating family favorites or trying something new inspired by these crowd-pleasers, one thing is certain: flavor and togetherness will always remain at the heart of a Southern Easter celebration.
