I Made These Easter Sides as a Test… Now They Show Up Every Spring

Every family has those recipes that start as a simple experiment and somehow become permanent traditions. One year, I decided to switch things up and try a few new Easter side dishes alongside the usual ham and rolls. I didn’t expect much, just a little variety for the holiday table. Now those sides aren’t just extras, they’re the dishes everyone looks forward to each spring. If you’re planning your Easter menu and want sides that people actually remember, these recipes might just earn a permanent spot on your holiday table too.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes I Tested for Easter

A serving bowl of crispy potatoes and onions. — Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I made these crispy roasted potatoes as a quick Easter side test, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The golden edges and caramelized onions make them the kind of dish everyone asks about before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes And Onions

The Mac and Cheese That Won Easter Dinner

A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

I added this creamy baked mac and cheese to my Easter test menu just to see how it would go over. The cheesy layers and golden crust instantly made it a repeat request every spring.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Roasted Asparagus That Became an Easter Staple

A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar — Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tested this roasted asparagus and mushroom combo for a lighter Easter side, and it quickly earned a permanent spot on the menu. The balsamic glaze adds just enough sweet tang to make the vegetables shine.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

Crispy Cornbread I Tested for Easter Dinner

A rack of hot water cornbread with butter and honey. — Crispy Hot Water Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tried this hot water cornbread alongside Easter ham just to see if it would work as a side. The crisp outside and soft center made it an instant crowd favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

The Pasta Salad That Vanished at Easter

Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I included this creamy bacon ranch pasta salad as part of my Easter side experiment, thinking it might be optional. Instead, it was one of the first bowls scraped clean at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Sweet Carrot Salad That Became Tradition

Carrot salad in a bowl. — Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tested this old-fashioned carrot salad for Easter because it looked simple and nostalgic. The sweet raisins and creamy dressing made it a dish everyone now expects every spring.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

The Corn Casserole Everyone Asked For Again

A baked cheesy casserole in a white dish, perfect for christmas casseroles, is topped with chopped green herbs and sits on a white surface beside a wooden spoon and a small bowl of herbs. — Creamy Baked Corn Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

I added this creamy corn casserole to my Easter test list thinking it would just be another side. The sweet corn and cheesy texture made it the one recipe people asked me to bring again next year.
Get the Recipe: Golden Corn Casserole for Easter Gatherings

Garlic Tomato Salad I Tried for Easter

Cherry Tomato Salad with Garlic and Oregano. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

I threw together this garlic cherry tomato salad while testing fresh spring sides for Easter. The bright flavor and quick prep made it an easy addition that now shows up every year.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Cherry Tomato Salad for Spring

Creamy Coleslaw I Tested for Easter

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes. — Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I made this tangy red cabbage slaw as part of my Easter side experiment. The creamy buttermilk dressing and crunch turned it into a side everyone piles onto their plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

Savory Bread Pudding That Stole Easter

A spoon scooping out a serving of savory bread pudding. — Savory Bread Pudding With Pesto And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tested this pesto mushroom bread pudding during an Easter brunch trial run. The rich, herby flavor made it the unexpected standout of the entire spread.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Pudding With Pesto And Mushrooms

Cheesy Ham Corn Casserole Everyone Loved

A serving spoon in a corn casserole. — Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I made this ham and corn casserole as a way to test a heartier Easter side dish. The creamy texture and cheesy topping had everyone going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

Creamy Macaroni Salad That Stuck Around

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tried this chilled macaroni salad while testing make-ahead Easter sides. The creamy dressing and cheddar made it a reliable favorite for spring gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

The Pea Salad I Now Make Every Easter

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I added this creamy pea salad while experimenting with classic Easter sides. The combination of sweet peas and cheddar quickly made it part of our yearly tradition.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

The Potatoes Au Gratin Worth Repeating

Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon. — Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tested these Gruyere potatoes au gratin to see if they were worthy of an Easter dinner. The creamy layers and crispy top made them too good not to repeat every spring.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

Spinach Caprese That Brightened Easter

Spinach Caprese Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

I made this spinach caprese salad while trying fresh spring sides for Easter dinner. The basil vinaigrette and juicy tomatoes made it a bright finish to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Caprese with Basil Vinaigrette

The Deviled Eggs I Tested for Easter… Now Required

Deviled eggs with mustard and herbs. — Creamy Easter Deviled Eggs With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

I made these ultra-creamy deviled eggs as a quick Easter side test, and they instantly became the first dish to vanish. The smooth filling and classic flavor make them the one recipe everyone now expects every spring.
Get the Recipe: The Deviled Eggs I Tested for Easter… Now Required

The Spring Pasta Salad I Tested for Easter

A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley. — Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tried this bright parsley pesto pasta salad as an Easter side experiment, and it instantly felt like a seasonal staple. Fresh herbs, tender pasta, and crunchy walnuts make it the kind of dish people keep coming back for.
Get the Recipe: The Spring Pasta Salad I Tested for Easter

The Corn Pudding That Earned a Spot Every Easter

A baked corn pudding with a serving spoon removing a portion. — Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I tested this sweet, creamy corn pudding for an Easter menu idea and it quickly became a must-make every year. Its soft texture and buttery corn flavor make it one of those sides people quietly hope you bring again.
Get the Recipe: The Corn Pudding That Earned a Spot Every Easter

The Potato Salad Test That Became Easter Tradition

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This roasted potato salad started as a quick Easter side test but quickly became a repeat request. Crispy roasted potatoes and smoky bacon give it a bold flavor that stands out on any spring table.
Get the Recipe: The Potato Salad Test That Became Easter Tradition

The Sweet Potatoes I Tested… Now Easter Must

A round baking dish filled with glazed sweet potatoes, coated in a shiny caramelized sauce and sprinkled with chopped pecans. A large spoon is resting in the dish, ready for serving. The background surface is a cool, muted color. — Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes: Butter and Baggage.

I made these candied sweet potatoes as a quick Easter side experiment, and they immediately earned a permanent place on the menu. The glossy caramelized glaze and tender potatoes make them impossible to skip each spring.
Get the Recipe: The Sweet Potatoes I Tested… Now Easter Must

The Layered Salad That Became an Easter Staple

A bowl of 7 layer salad next to a serving spoon. — Southern 7 Layer Salad with Peas and Mayo. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

I first made this colorful layered salad as a test for an Easter side lineup, and it instantly stood out. The crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and make-ahead ease turned it into a spring gathering favorite.
Get the Recipe: The Layered Salad That Became an Easter Staple

My Family Won’t Let Easter Pass Without These 20 Brunch Recipes

A collage of four images shows baked breakfast foods: puff pastries, a cheesy breakfast casserole, a slice of quiche with bacon and a biscuit, and golden-brown stuffed pastries on cooling racks.

These are the brunch recipes my family asks for every time Easter rolls around, the ones that signal the holiday has officially begun.
Grab it here: My Family Won’t Let Easter Pass Without These 20 Brunch Recipes

Explore Recipes

MSN Slideshows