15 Oven-Baked Easter Classics With a Twist That’ll Have Everyone Asking For More

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15 Oven-Baked Easter Classics With a Twist That’ll Have Everyone Asking For More

When you think about oven-baked Easter treats, you probably picture those classic dishes that everyone loves. We’ve taken those favorites and added a little something special to each one, creating a collection of 15 recipes that are perfect for your holiday feast. These aren’t your standard fare — they’re familiar yet updated, designed to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This filling casserole features bacon, potatoes, and cheese and can be made ahead of the holiday celebration. Assemble and bake when you’re ready for a worry-free dinner that’s sure to please. Serve it hot for a comforting Easter meal. This dish keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy the leftovers the day after. It’s a game-changer for those looking for hearty, make-ahead options that everyone at the table is sure to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roast butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon for an easy, hearty side. For a quick and easy option, buy pre-cubed fresh butternut squash found in the produce section of many grocery stores. If that’s not available, frozen cubed butternut squash is also a great fit for this recipe! Add nuts for extra crunch. It’s a great make-ahead option that reheats well for that hassle-free solution to your Easter meal prep. This dish not only adds a pop of color and nutrition to your table but also keeps you out of the kitchen and with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole combines steamed broccoli with a creamy base of mushroom soup, eggs, and sour cream, making it a go-to for a comforting dinner. Spread the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and finish with a crispy topping of buttery cracker crumbs. Bake to perfection in just about 30 minutes. Swap bacon with ham or add chicken for a protein boost. Because it stores well and you have a delicious side dish ready in no time, it’s perfect for last-minute Easter planning. This casserole is a comforting and nutritious option that cuts down on your time spent preparing multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese, this casserole is not just for breakfast. It’s perfect for Easter brunch or a dinner side too. This recipe adds versatility to your meal planning. Add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes to the egg mixture for more variety. Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the eggs to enhance the flavor with a fresh touch. This dish is a straightforward solution to feeding a crowd, allowing you to enjoy the festivities instead of being stuck preparing food all day.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Sausage balls on a plate with a side of dipping sauce.
Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix ground sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheese for a simple yet savory snack ready in 30 minutes. Using an electric mixer is probably the quickest and easiest way to blend the mixture. A stand mixer is another great option. But you can also mix it by hand. They’re great reheated, so you can prepare in advance and serve hot from the oven throughout your Easter gathering. This recipe is a game-changer for hosts looking for easy yet impressive appetizers that cater to all tastes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Balls with Cream Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quick Baked Tomatoes come together in less than 30 minutes, making them an easy, flavorful addition to your Easter spread. Enjoy hot, with leftovers easily stored in the fridge. Instead of Roma Tomatoes, you can use Beefsteak, heirloom, plum, vine-ripened, Campari, or San Marzano tomatoes. Simply cut them in half across the middle and increase the baking time by a few minutes to make sure they’re fully cooked. This dish is a light, cheesy way to start the meal, freeing you up to focus on the main courses without sacrificing quality.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Cottage cheese breakfast muffins on a plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, these muffins combine cottage cheese with your choice of bacon or veggies for a customizable treat. They’re an excellent grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Bake a batch for Easter morning and enjoy the versatility. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and are just as good reheated. They’re a perfect solution for feeding a crowd without the morning chaos, giving you more time to prepare for the day’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes ready in 50 minutes. Try it with different seasonings for variety. Scoring the potatoes helps the heat to penetrate more deeply, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly and turn out tender on the inside. They’re best fresh but can be crisped up again for a versatile side that complements any main dish. These potatoes are a simple way to make your Easter meal extra special. With this recipe, you have more time to relax and celebrate.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This straightforward recipe uses pantry staples: canned tuna, egg noodles, a creamy sauce, and cheese. Mix everything, bake for about 45 minutes, and you’ve got a comforting dish. It’s great served hot from the oven and just as good the next day, making it perfect for Easter leftovers. Store any extras in the fridge, covered, to keep it fresh. Plus, its simplicity and quick prep time mean you can enjoy more of the Easter festivities without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this dish with broccoli (fresh or frozen), cheese, and crackers in under an hour. Assemble the ingredients, bake until golden and crispy, and serve this veggie wonder as a standout side for Easter. It’s a flavor-packed option that fits right into your weekly meal plan too. For storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish is a great way to include more vegetables in your Easter spread, especially if you want to serve more nutritious fare for your guests.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lay out sausage and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake for about 30 minutes, and you’ve got a dinner winner. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for a busy Easter celebration. Serve it hot for a meal that requires minimal cleanup. Leftovers are great for next-day lunches, stored in the fridge in a sealed container. This dish is the answer for anyone needing a quick yet delicious meal option that cuts down on cleanup time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Fajita Baked Chicken in just 30 minutes with chicken, fajita spices, cream cheese, peppers, and mozzarella. Mix them, bake, and serve hot. Add onions or mushrooms for variety. Leftovers are good in the fridge for a few days and reheat well, making your Easter prep flexible and stress-free. Pair this baked cheesy fajita chicken with a side salad or quick low-carb steamed vegetables, using those convenient microwaveable frozen vegetable bags that steam up in about 5 minutes. If you have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake needs just 30 minutes to create a bubbling dish of chicken, spinach, and cheese. Add pasta for a heartier dish. Can be made ahead, this dish is perfect for a worry-free Easter dinner. For a bit more browning on the cheese, simply shift the casserole dish to the top rack and switch on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent the cheese from burning. As for sides, this goes well with roasted radishes, roasted cauliflower, or a creamy cauliflower risotto. If you’re in the mood for something more traditional, jasmine rice pairs nicely, or you can keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cozy Cheesy Beef Casserole is a breeze to make and perfect for a hearty Easter dinner. It’s a great make-ahead dish that simplifies your holiday cooking. With this casserole, you can cater to both taste and nutrition, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied. For making cauliflower rice, it’s best to use fresh rather than frozen cauliflower. To use fresh, simply pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. If you’re considering frozen cauliflower, choose steamable bags for convenience. Once steamed, chop them into small pieces to mimic the texture of rice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs marinate chicken in spices for a flavorful, easy-to-make main dish. They’re a perfect addition to the Easter feast, adding a protein-rich meal that’s different from the usual. These kebabs are a practical choice for those wanting to bring a new flavor to the table without adding complexity to the meal prep. With their easy storage and reheating process, they fit well into a busy holiday schedule. You’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities and less time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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