I’ve Been Making These Gluten-Free Easter Recipes for Years—Here’s Why They’re My Go-To

By

J. B. Maer / Last Modified On February 18, 2025

Easter weekend is the perfect time to gather with family and friends, sharing good food and creating lasting memories. Planning a big Easter brunch, a festive dinner, or just looking for a few fun treats to celebrate means a little extra time in the kitchen.

Here are a few of our favorite Easter recipes, all with gluten-free ingredients, for your holiday celebrations.

Start with a Stunning Easter Brunch

Easter brunch is a delightful opportunity to gather with loved ones and enjoy a spread of delicious, gluten-free dishes that capture the essence of spring.

A breakfast casserole makes for a hearty main course, combining your choice of breakfast sausage, ham, or bacon with hash browns, cheese, and green onions, all baked to perfection. This versatile dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for effortless entertaining.

It's also hearty. Sometimes we choose sweets for holiday breakfasts, but there's something so comforting about a hot dish in the morning. I'm always a fan of quiche and breakfast casseroles.

Complement the casserole with freshly baked gluten-free hot cross buns, a traditional Easter treat. These buns are perfectly spiced, studded with dried fruit, and topped with a sweet icing cross, embodying the season's flavors.

These desserts have been associated with Easter for hundreds of years. According to the Smithsonian, it was a monk who first marked buns with a cross in the 1100s. That happened on a Good Friday and was specifically in honor of Easter.

But let's not get too bogged down in history. We're here to eat, after all.

So to finish off brunch with something sweet, consider a lemon cake. It's filled with tangy lemon curd and covered in a smooth, creamy lemon buttercream frosting, capturing the bright, refreshing flavors of spring.

Hot cross buns and lemon cake are two things I'd bring to any Easter brunch. They can be made in advance, and they're such a treat for the holiday.

If you're looking for a little more variety when it comes to Easter sweets, there are plenty of gluten-free options that will make your dessert table shine.

A classic choice is carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. It's moist and flavorful, and it's packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and chopped pecans, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a must-have for any Easter celebration and tastes even better the next day.

For a lighter, bite-sized treat, try coconut macaroons. These naturally gluten-free cookies are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and lightly sweetened with honey or maple syrup. They’re perfect for serving with coffee or tea after a big meal.

And if you want a showstopper, consider the classic strawberry shortcake. Tender, flaky shortcakes layered with juicy, macerated strawberries and freshly whipped cream make for a stunning spring dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Of course, many families get together for later meals during the day. Let's talk about a few more substantial dishes for Easter.

Easy Easter Favorites

For lunch or dinner, it's another tradition to serve ham. We have a guide to classic ham with orange honey glaze. It's a delightful centerpiece for the table, and it doesn't need to be expensive.

I've tried Honeybaked Ham, and I like mine better.

And there's another benefit to making your own glaze for the ham. If you're working with dietary restrictions for someone with Celiac, it's the best way to avoid cross-contamination with gluten.

And speaking of popular holiday foods, let's talk about a personal favorite.

Gluten-free green bean casserole is always a hit. Pair it with a main course and you've already got a full meal. This recipe combines tender green beans with savory cream of mushroom soup and a crunchy topping.

That's comfort in a bowl. (I make this as a Thanksgiving recipe, too.)

But let's not forget about another popular side. Round out the meal with a potato dish if your family is anything like mine. They'll love it.

These scalloped potatoes are creamy and cheesy. It's a casserole-style side dish that's rich, savory, and satisfying. It's also really similar to a dish my mom used to make.

While scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole are always a hit, there are plenty of other delicious, gluten-free sides that can add color and flavor to your Easter table.

And speaking of color, we've got to talk about carrots. They're central to the season. After all, the Easter bunny has to eat too!

That's one of the reasons I love Instant Pot carrots. Season with honey and thyme (or even just with dill), and you've got something really special (and easy to make).

The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced with a light drizzle of honey and a touch of fresh thyme, bringing out warm, earthy flavors. Roasting them until they’re slightly caramelized gives them a rich depth that pairs beautifully with ham or any other main dish.

If you’re looking for something fresh and vibrant, a Spring pea salad with lemon vinaigrette is a fantastic choice. This crisp, bright salad features tender peas, crunchy radishes, and crumbled feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a refreshing contrast to the heartier dishes on the table.

I'm also a can of white bean salad. It only needs a handful of ingredients, and it's paleo-friendly.

The Easiest Gravy Recipe

I'm saving one of my favorites for last, and I'll include the full recipe below. It's so easy to make, and I make it for almost every holiday.

Here's the full gluten-free gravy recipe.

It requires only a few ingredients:

• 2 cups broth
• ¼ cup of gluten-free flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• salt and pepper

To make it, just heat and whisk. It thickens quickly and is ready in about five minutes. There's even a video that shows the whole process.

No matter how you celebrate, these gluten-free Easter weekend meals will bring joy to your table. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or keeping it low-key, there's no need to miss out on the flavors of the season. So grab your apron, start baking, and enjoy a holiday filled with delicious, gluten-free goodness.