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Looking for the perfect appetizer for your Easter menu? Prepare your taste buds for a budget-friendly Easter appetizer recipe that is only 3 ingredients. Sure to add to any springtime celebration, it’s even a great appetizer for summer picnics and couldn’t be any easier to make!
Easy Budget-Friendly Easter Appetizer Recipe – 3 ingredients
What are appetizers?
Also sometimes called hors d’oeuvres, appetizers are small, single-serving food items typically eaten before the main course of a meal. They are meant to whet your appetite and prepare your taste buds for the upcoming dishes.
Appetizers are always a favorite addition to holiday gatherings and family get-togethers. The small bites (like this deviled eggs recipe) are also perfect for serving before the meal or part of the actual Easter spread. Whether you are preparing a big Easter feast or one that doesn’t require much time, there are so many easy recipes to to add to your Easter dinner menu. And when it comes to going beyond the food, there are some really creative ideas for the tablescape as well. I have just a few ideas below! But first, the menu…
What is a traditional Easter dinner menu?
A traditional Easter meal typically revolves around a main course of roasted or baked meat and is accompanied by an assortment of side dishes. Rolls and dessert.
Here’s a breakdown of the common components:
Easter Main Course
- Ham: This is the most popular Easter dinner main course. Easter ham can be baked, glazed, or smoked, depending on preference.
- Lamb: Roasted leg of lamb is another classic option, offering a more savory and flavorful alternative to ham.
- Other Options: While less common, some families may enjoy roast beef, chicken, or a seafood dish like salmon for Easter dinner. Some even have a family tradition of serving a Thanksgiving style turkey on Easter!
Easter Side Dishes:
- Scalloped Potatoes or Potato Casserole: A creamy and comforting side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and cream.
- Roasted Vegetables: Spring vegetables like asparagus, carrots, and peas are popular choices, roasted with herbs and olive oil. Many families also like to serve fresh green beans or brussels sprouts.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic and versatile side dish that pairs well with any main course.
- Stuffing: Often leftover from the turkey at Thanksgiving, stuffing can also be enjoyed with Easter dinner.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish with herbs and spices.
Other foods to accompany the meal:
- Dinner Rolls: Warm rolls or bread are perfect for soaking up gravy or sauces.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad can be served as a starter or alongside the main course.
Easter Dessert:
- Carrot Cake: This spiced cake with cream cheese frosting is one of the most popular Easter desserts.
- Fruit Salad: A seasonal fruit salad with fresh berries is a lighter and refreshing option.
- Hot Cross Buns: Sweet rolls with raisins and spices, traditionally served on Good Friday but sometimes enjoyed on Easter Sunday as well.
- Chocolate: Chocolate eggs, bunnies, and other candies are a staple part of many Easter celebrations.
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Easter Table Setting Ideas
How do you set a simple Easter table?
Setting a simple yet beautiful spring themed table is all about creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for your Easter Sunday guests. Here’s how to achieve it:
Spring Tablecloth & Placemats
Solid Colors: Opt for a light-colored tablecloth in pastel shades like pale yellow, lavender, or light blue. White is always a classic choice too. These colors create a fresh and airy feel.
Spring Patterns: If you prefer a touch of pattern, choose a tablecloth with a subtle floral or springtime motif. Keep the pattern small-scale and avoid anything too busy.
Placemats: Woven placemats in natural tones like seagrass or light brown add texture and a touch of rustic charm.
Spring Centerpiece
Fresh Flowers: A simple yet stunning centerpiece is a bouquet of fresh spring flowers. Choose tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or lilies in pastel colors or bright yellows. Place them in a clear glass vase for a clean and elegant look.
Springtime Greenery: A potted herb plant like rosemary or lavender adds a touch of life and fragrance to the table.
Natural Elements: Fill a shallow bowl or basket with colorful Easter eggs, nestle them in shredded paper or moss, and add a few sprigs of faux or real spring flowers.
Simple Elegance: A single large candle in a decorative holder placed in the center is a minimalist yet elegant option.
Spring Tableware
Solid Color Dishes: White dinner plates are always a safe choice. Light-colored plates in pastel shades can also work well.
Patterned Dishes: If you have a set of spring-themed dishes with a subtle floral pattern, this can add a touch of festivity without being overwhelming.
Simple Flatware: Silverware in a classic style complements any table setting.
Clear Glassware: Glassware for water or juice should be clear and simple to avoid cluttering the table.
Extra Touches for a Spring Table
Napkins: Use cloth napkins in coordinating colors with your tablecloth or placemats. Fold them elegantly and place them on top of the plates. You can add a spring-themed napkin ring for a touch of extra detail.
Scattered Decor: Sprinkle a few decorative Easter eggs around the table or place a small pot of flowering violets or pansies at each setting for a personal touch.
Candles: If you’re not using candles in your centerpiece, consider adding taper candles in pastel shades on the table (use candle holders for safety). Light them just before dinner for a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Additional Tips:
- Keep it simple and uncluttered for a more elegant look.
- Coordinate your colors for a cohesive theme.
- Use natural elements like flowers and greenery to bring a touch of spring to the table.
- Make it welcoming and personalize it with small details that reflect your own style.
Easy Easter Appetizers
There are so many Easter appetizer ideas to choose from but not all are easy on the budget. Go beyond the typical hard-boiled eggs from the Easter egg hunt and make this budget-friendly Easter appetizer recipe today!
3 Ingredient Budget-Friendly Easter Appetizer Recipe
With just simple ingredients, this easy appetizer is a popular one and for good reason. It will keep you on budget and be a real crowd pleaser for your next gathering!
INGREDIENTS:
2 – 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
1 pack of vegetable soup mix
Saltines
Optional: Garnish with a small cucumber slice or fresh herbs
DIRECTIONS:
Beat softened cream cheese with vegetable soup mix for about 1 minute on medium-high using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer with whisk attachment.
Scoop mixture into a piping bag with a star tip that has a large opening.
Pipe mixture onto cracker.
Optional: wash and cut cucumber into quarters, lengthwise.
Cut one quarter into little slices and garnish each appetizer with a slice.
Serving Size: 1 appetizer
Number of Servings:
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Additional Time: 10-15 minutes
TIPS/TRICKS/NOTES:
- Use reduced fat cream cheese for a healthier version.
- Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese for a thicker consistency.
- Take this delicious appetizer to the next level by adding chopped green onions or some red onion for even more flavor.
- Use snap peas in place of the cucumber garnish.
- Add garlic powder, onion dip powder or other spices to add more flavor without the added salt.
- Use different crackers, such as Ritz, if that’s what you have on hand.
- When piping, make sure the tip has a large enough opening. Otherwise, the soup mix veggie pieces may clog and cause the mixture to not come out.
- Don’t have a piping bag or tip? No problem! Spread on with a knife or spoon!
Other times to serve this budget-friendly Easter appetizer recipe:
This recipe is also a great option for other family gatherings. It can be a delicious addition to Mother’s Day brunch, a spring season quick party appetizer, Birthdays,Thanksgiving, Christmas, and more.
More Appetizer & Easy Dip Ideas
Many of these recipes make the best Easter appetizers!
Dill Dip – This creamy dip has just the right amount of sour cream flavor and it’s
Unique Easter Charcuterie Board
This post could contain affiliate links or be sponsored which means I earn from advertising. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More details here.