10+ Italian Easter Recipes to Celebrate the Holiday with Flavor

Easter is a special time for families and friends to come together, and food plays a big role in the celebration. Discovering traditional Italian Easter recipes can add flavor and warmth to your holiday feast. Whether you are looking for delicious main dishes or sweet treats, these recipes can bring joy to your table.

From savory pastas to decadent desserts, Italian Easter cuisine offers a variety of options for everyone. Each recipe reflects rich cultural traditions and is often made with love. You can create memorable meals that honor this festive season while enjoying delightful flavors.

1) Pasticciotti

Pasticciotti are delicious Italian pastries that are especially popular during Easter. These treats come from the Puglia region and are filled with creamy custard or pastry cream.

The outer crust is made from a sweet pastry dough. Inside, you can find flavors like lemon or Amarena cherries, adding a delightful taste to each bite.

Making pasticciotti is a fun and rewarding experience. You can enjoy them as a dessert or at breakfast with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup butter or margarine
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups pastry cream (or filling of your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
4. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
5. Roll out the dough and cut circles for the base and tops.
6. Place filling in the center and add the top crust.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

2) Pistachio Ricotta Cookies

Pistachio Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat for your Easter celebration. These cookies are soft and chewy, blending the rich flavors of ricotta cheese and crunchy pistachios.

Making them is easy, and they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or as a special dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 12 ounces ground pistachios
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix sugar and butter until creamy.
3. Add ricotta, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in pistachios.
5. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Enjoy!

3) Stuffed Sicilian Artichokes

Stuffed Sicilian artichokes are a delicious and traditional dish to serve during Easter. They are filled with a tasty mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and garlic. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a side.

To prepare, start by trimming the artichokes and removing the choke. Then, mix breadcrumbs with grated cheese, minced garlic, and herbs. Stuff this mixture into the artichokes for a hearty filling.

Bake the stuffed artichokes in a mix of lemon juice and white wine at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. The result is tender artichokes with a crunchy topping, full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes
• 1 1/2 cups plain Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 9 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons (juice)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Trim the artichokes and remove the choke.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and herbs.
4. Stuff the mixture into the artichokes.
5. Place the artichokes in a baking dish with lemon juice and olive oil.
6. Bake for 45 minutes until tender. Enjoy!

4) Nonna’s Pizza Rustica

Nonna’s Pizza Rustica is a delicious Italian dish, perfect for Easter. It features a flaky crust filled with a rich mixture of cheeses and eggs. This savory pie is a beloved tradition in many Italian families.

To make it, you start with a crust made from simple ingredients. Then, you prepare a flavorful filling of cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella, mixed with eggs for richness. This pie can be served warm or at room temperature.

Not only is it tasty, but it also looks wonderful on the table during holiday gatherings. Your family will love this special treat!

Ingredients

• 1 pound basket cheese or ricotta cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 pound provolone cheese
• 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese
• Pie crust

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the pie crust in a pie dish.
3. In a bowl, mix together cheeses and eggs.
4. Pour the cheese mixture into the crust.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

5) Italian Easter Soup

Italian Easter soup is a delightful dish enjoyed during the holiday. It typically features a savory broth filled with ingredients that symbolize renewal and spring.

One popular version is Stracciatella, made with fresh eggs, broth, and cheese. You simply whisk the eggs into the simmering broth for a light texture. Another beloved option is Sciusceddu, which includes meatballs and is rich in flavor.

This soup not only warms you up but also brings families together during Easter celebrations. The combination of fresh herbs and quality ingredients makes it special.

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh marjoram
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
• 6 toasted bread rounds
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat chicken or beef broth in a pot over low heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with herbs.
3. Slowly add the egg mixture to the broth, stirring gently.
4. Serve with toasted bread and a drizzle of olive oil.

6) Braided Easter Bread

Braided Easter Bread is a beautiful addition to your holiday table. This soft, sweet bread is often made with enriched yeast dough, giving it a light and airy texture. You can braid the dough and even top it with colorful eggs for a festive look.

To make this bread, you start by mixing your ingredients and letting the dough rise. Once it’s ready, separate the dough into sections and braid them together. This creates a lovely twist that not only looks great but tastes fantastic too.

Baking the bread at 350°F (175°C) will give it a golden-brown crust. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Colored eggs (for decoration)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour, kneading until smooth.
4. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Divide dough into three parts and braid them together.
6. Place the braid on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
9. If desired, place colored eggs in the braid before baking. Enjoy!

7) Braciole

Braciole is a tasty Italian dish often enjoyed during Easter. It features thin slices of beef rolled up with delicious fillings. These can include breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices, creating a wonderful burst of flavor.

To make braciole, you first prepare the filling. Then, you roll the beef around the mixture and secure it. The rolls are cooked in a rich tomato sauce, making them tender and flavorful.

The dish is typically served with pasta or crusty bread. It’s a comforting meal that brings family together during the holiday.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef flank steak
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• 4 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a small amount of the mixture onto each slice of beef.
4. Roll up the beef tightly and secure with toothpicks or twine.
5. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the rolls on all sides.
6. Add the tomato sauce over the rolls and cover.
7. Bake in the oven for 2 hours until tender.

8) Lasagna

Lasagna is a wonderful dish for Easter celebrations. It features layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

For a classic Italian touch, try using ricotta cheese and mozzarella. A meat sauce with ground beef or sausage adds great flavor. Many families also enjoy recipes that include hard-boiled eggs, giving the dish a unique twist.

Don’t worry if you think it’s complicated. You can find easy recipes that guide you through each step. Your guests will surely love this hearty dish.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• Ground beef or sausage
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like basil and parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions.
3. In a pan, brown the ground beef or sausage.
4. Mix in the marinara sauce and let it simmer.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

9) Risotto

Risotto is a creamy rice dish that can be perfect for Easter. You can make various types, like Springtime Risotto with fresh vegetables. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

To make a simple risotto, start with Arborio rice. This rice absorbs liquid well, giving you that creamy texture. As you cook, stir frequently and add broth gradually for the best result.

For a delicious variation, try Risotto with Peas. This dish combines the sweetness of peas with creamy rice. You’ll find it a great addition to your Easter feast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat broth in a saucepan.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warmed broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
5. When the rice is nearly cooked, stir in peas.
6. Finish with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

10) Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce

Roast lamb is a classic dish that shines during Easter celebrations. The combination of juicy lamb and fresh mint sauce creates a delightful flavor.

To prepare, start with a leg of lamb. You can season it with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for an extra punch. Then, roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it’s cooked to your liking.

For the mint sauce, use fresh mint leaves mixed with vinegar and sugar. This adds a tangy touch that pairs beautifully with the meat.

Serve this dish with roasted potatoes and vegetables to complete your Easter meal.

Ingredients

• 1 leg of lamb
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper onto the lamb.
3. Roast the lamb in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix mint leaves, vinegar, and sugar.
5. Let the lamb rest before slicing and serve with mint sauce.