I host Easter every year—these are the recipes I always make

Every year around Easter, I get a case of the what-should-I-make heebie jeebies. Should I pull out all the stops and opt for a glazed ham or roast lamb? And then what about the sides!? Not to mention desserts or cocktails… Hosting an event for Easter can be a heavy load with endless options for festive ideas. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite tried-and-true recipes that I come back to every year to ensure my Easter party is always a success.

I find that the best way to plan out your Easter meal is to make sure you have a carb (hello, scalloped potatoes & ham!), a vegetable (yes, please, garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots), and a main protein (spiral ham, anyone?). And of course, you’ll need a couple of strawberry-rhubarb bars and a carrot margarita to top it off. Mix and match depending on the year, your party vibe, and how many guests you're serving. With these recipes, you’ll have everything you need to pull off the perfect Easter event year after year.

Create the perfect spring-y menu.

When spring arrives, my mouth starts watering for this pea & feta dip! Savory and slightly sweet, this dip is the perfect bright addition to any Easter spread.

I always turn to these bright and jammy crumble bars to balance out the chocolate overload from all that Easter candy. These are so much easier to make than pie and are perfect for feeding a crowd!

These Brie, asparagus & prosciutto bundles are one of my most-served appetizers at holidays and dinner parties; they also happen to be one of our most popular recipes. They are incredibly easy to throw together and make the perfect spring appetizer!

I am literally obsessed with this festive take on a margarita. With a touch of added sweetness from the carrot juice, this recipe is the perfect way to dress up one of my favorite cocktails for Easter brunch or dinner!

Looking to impress with a show-stopping lamb but nervous about cooking it? I gotchu. This recipe is the easiest way to make a delicious lamb every time. I promise: It’s just as easy (if not easier) than roasting a chicken.

PSA: If you haven’t been roasting your carrots, you should start now. Roasting carrots concentrates their sweetness, amplifying their natural flavors. Plus, what’s Easter without this iconic spring veggie?!

When I’m looking for a pink drink that will pack a punch, I turn to this electric cosmo. With pink lemonade and a touch of aperol, this is the perfect spring cocktail to bring to your next Easter celebration.

When I’m looking for a classic Easterstaple, I always use this spiral ham recipe. It’s so much easier than you would think and is glazed with an apricot-bourbon sauce that is ridiculously good.

You can’t forget about dessert on Easter! An Easter classic, bird’s nest cookies are not only adorable—they’re so much fun to eat. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to get the kids involved with!

Orzo—the "rice" of the pasta world—gets the risotto treatment in this recipe, and it’s a game-changer. I love how simple and springy this dish is. It’s both rich and bright and will be a crowd favorite even with the pickiest of eaters!

When it comes to holiday sides, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a near-perfect side dish all on their own. When I’m looking to make the easy side a bit heartier, I turn to these scalloped potatoes and ham.