As spring arrives and the days grow lighter, the hospitality industry starts preparing for one of the key dates in the calendar: Easter. Whether it’s celebrated for its religious meaning or simply enjoyed as a time for gathering, Easter is a great opportunity for chefs to refresh menus, showcase seasonal produce, and bring a sense of occasion to the dining table.

With the right mix of traditional dishes, fresh ideas and thoughtful presentation, you can create a memorable Easter experience that keeps guests coming back year after year.

Understanding the Meaning Behind Easter Dishes

Easter is rich with food traditions. Eggs symbolise new life, lamb is a nod to sacrifice, and breads and cakes are associated with fertility and celebration. The name “Easter” itself comes from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and light, to whom people once offered special dishes to encourage a prosperous season ahead.

Each country has its own Easter customs and signature dishes, giving chefs a great opportunity to explore international ideas and add something new to the menu.

Making the Most of the Four-Day Easter Weekend

In the UK, the Easter bank holiday offers a full four days to attract diners.

Good Friday is the perfect time to promote fish dishes. Whether it’s traditional fish and chips, a seafood platter, or grilled salmon, customers are often looking for something lighter and seasonal on this day.

Easter Saturday and Sunday are great for hosting family gatherings. Traditional Sunday roasts, especially with lamb and spring vegetables, always go down well. Offering set menus or group dining options can help manage the kitchen while boosting revenue.

Easter Monday tends to be a day out for many – families walking in the countryside or along the coast. Offering picnic boxes, sandwich platters and grab-and-go options such as sausage rolls, quiches, or salads can tap into this crowd. Don’t forget bar snacks either – many customers will be out for a drink and something savoury to go with it.

Spotlighting Seasonal Ingredients

Spring produce is at its best during Easter. British-grown asparagus, brassicas, artichokes, rhubarb, beetroot and watercress are all in season and full of colour and crunch.

Roast lamb is the traditional centrepiece, but fresh salads are also a great way to balance the menu. Think radishes, pea shoots, herbs, and citrus dressings. A bright salad with roasted heritage carrots, honey and thyme on a bed of whipped feta works well too – and carrots always feel at home on an Easter menu.

Fun and Festive Starters

A simple but eye-catching Easter starter idea is bunny-shaped hot honey and brie puff pastries. Use a biscuit cutter to shape the pastry, drizzle with hot honey, add a mini brie wheel, and bake until golden. Brush with more honey while cooling for a glossy finish.

Taking Inspiration from Around the World

International Easter foods can bring something unexpected to your offering. For example, the Figola – a sweet pastry from Malta – can be easily adapted for UK kitchens. Or try Paskha, a Russian dessert made from cottage cheese or cream cheese, often shaped in a pudding bowl and served with Easter breads.

These lesser-known dishes can bring fresh interest to your menu and give customers something to talk about.

Spring Sharing Platters

Easter is about sharing, and a spring sharing platter encourages exactly that. Include devilled eggs, mini carrots, crunchy crudités, and stuffed orange mini peppers filled with cream cheese and parsley (to look like carrots). Add edible flowers, baby chicks and mini eggs for colour and charm.

An asparagus tart also makes a great centrepiece – buttery pastry filled with soft cheese and topped with fresh spears.

A Twist on the Traditional Lamb

Lamb is a classic Easter main – but why not give it a fresh update? A pistachio crust adds both colour and texture to the dish, making it stand out visually while offering a satisfying crunch alongside tender meat.

Creative Easter Desserts

For something playful, try Easter Chocolate Soil Pots. Create edible “plant pots” using chocolate inside disposable cups, then fill with mousse, cake crumbs and grated chocolate. Finish with strawberries dipped in orange candy melts to look like carrots, and top with edible flowers.

Other ideas include:

• Easter cookies topped with mini eggs
  
• Easter egg cake pops in pastel colours
  
• Chocolate tarts topped with crushed eggs and salted caramel (or use a ready-made tart and decorate it yourself)
  

Easy Easter Treats

Bought-in items can easily be transformed into themed desserts. Add chocolate eggs to cupcakes to create nests, or smash candied eggs over a cheesecake for a quick Easter tart.

If your own-brand range includes tarts or cheesecakes, this is a good opportunity to showcase them in a seasonal setting.

Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake – The 2024 Trends

According to Kantar, hot cross bun sales rose by 15% in 2024, showing their growing popularity. Chefs are experimenting with fillings such as chocolate, caramel, cheese or even savoury twists like wild garlic and cheddar.

Hot cross brownies are also becoming a popular option – a simple and fun update for modern diners.

Simnel cake is another classic – traditionally decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing the Apostles (minus Judas). Try a twist with pistachio marzipan, a rhubarb and custard filling, or even alcohol-infused sponge. Top with candied rhubarb curls for a colourful finish.

Decor and Activities That Add Value

It’s not just the menu that makes Easter special – setting the scene is equally important. Use spring flowers, pastel napkins and bunny-themed tableware to create a seasonal look. Try grass strips down the centre of tables or tiny arrangements inside painted eggshells.

For families, offer an Easter craft table where kids can decorate bonnets or take part in an Easter egg hunt – a simple way to add value and attract group bookings.

Final Thoughts

Easter offers a chance to bring something fresh and thoughtful to your guests. From spring sharing boards to twists on tradition, there are plenty of ways to make your offering stand out. With smart planning and a touch of creativity, you can turn Easter into a busy and rewarding weekend for your business.