15+ Italian Easter Recipes to Celebrate the Season

15+ Italian Easter Recipes to Celebrate the Season

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 13 minutes

Easter is a special time filled with joy, family, and delicious food. Italian Easter recipes bring unique flavors and traditions to your celebrations, making them truly memorable. From sweet treats to savory dishes, these recipes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Italy.

A table set with traditional Italian Easter dishes, including lamb, artichokes, and sweet bread

Whether you are planning a festive gathering or just want to try something new, Italian Easter recipes offer a delightful way to celebrate the season. You’ll find a variety of classic dishes that can satisfy every palate while adding a touch of Italian charm to your holiday table.

1) Pasticciotti

A rustic kitchen table with a plate of freshly baked pasticciotti pastries, surrounded by colorful Easter eggs and a vase of spring flowers

Pasticciotti are delightful Italian pastries often enjoyed during Easter. These tarts have a rich pastry crust filled with creamy goodness. You can find variations with different fillings, including custard and fruit.

Making pasticciotti is a fun way to use your baking skills. The sweet pastry dough pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling, creating a perfect treat. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

To prepare pasticciotti, you can follow traditional recipes that guide you through the steps. Enjoy this tasty dessert with your family during the festive season!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup butter (or margarine)
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Custard or fruit filling

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
  4. Add eggs and milk to the butter mixture, mixing well.
  5. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
  6. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
  7. Place the circles in muffin tins, add filling, and cover with another circle of dough.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let cool before serving. Enjoy!

2) Pistachio Ricotta Cookies

A table set with pastel-colored Pistachio Ricotta Cookies and Easter decorations

Pistachio Ricotta Cookies are a delightful treat for Easter celebrations. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta and crunchy pistachios creates a unique taste.

To make these cookies, you will need a few simple ingredients. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (8 ounces)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 cup ground pistachios

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
  3. Add in the ricotta cheese, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
  4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
  5. Fold in the ground pistachios.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Enjoy!

3) Stuffed Sicilian Artichokes

A table set with a platter of stuffed Sicilian artichokes surrounded by colorful Easter decorations

Stuffed Sicilian artichokes make a delicious and unique dish for Easter. They are filled with tasty ingredients that create a wonderful flavor. You can customize the filling to match your taste.

To start, choose fresh artichokes for the best results. A mix of breadcrumbs, cheese, and garlic gives the filling a rich taste. You may add meat like salami for extra flavor.

These artichokes are perfect as a side dish or an appetizer. Serve them warm, and enjoy their unique taste at your Easter gathering.

Ingredients

  • 4 large artichokes
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
  • 1 ½ cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • ¾ cup sliced garlic
  • ½ cup minced salami (optional)
  • 2 lemons (juiced)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the artichokes by removing the outer leaves and cutting off the tops.
  3. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, and salami in a bowl.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the artichokes.
  5. Place them in a baking dish with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Nonna’s Pizza Rustica

A rustic Italian kitchen with a table set for Easter, featuring a traditional Pizza Rustica surrounded by fresh ingredients and vintage cookware

Nonna’s Pizza Rustica is a delicious Italian dish that you can serve during Easter. It’s a savory pie filled with cheese and eggs, perfect for family gatherings. The crust is usually flaky and buttery, making each bite satisfying.

To make it, you will need basket cheese or ricotta, provolone, and mozzarella. The combination of these cheeses gives it a rich flavor. Using fresh eggs in the filling adds a creamy texture.

This dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any festive meal. It’s a lovely way to celebrate tradition with your loved ones.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound basket cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 pound provolone cheese (sharp)
  • 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the pastry crust in a pie dish.
  3. In a bowl, mix cheeses and eggs until combined.
  4. Pour the filling into the crust.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden.

5) Italian Easter Egg Bread

A table set with a braided Italian Easter Egg Bread surrounded by colorful dyed eggs and fresh spring flowers

Italian Easter Egg Bread is a beautiful and delicious tradition. This sweet bread often features colorful, dyed eggs baked right into it. The bread is soft and slightly sweet, making it a favorite during the Easter season.

To make this bread, you start with a rich brioche dough. You can shape it into a wreath or braid, which adds to its charm. Topping it with sprinkles gives it a festive look.

When you bake the bread, the eggs add a special touch that symbolizes new life. It’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings or as a tasty breakfast treat.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Dyed eggs (optional)
  • Sprinkles for topping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Warm milk and dissolve yeast in it. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add melted butter and eggs to the yeast mixture. Combine with dry ingredients.
  4. Knead the dough until smooth, about 5-10 minutes.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  6. Shape the dough into a wreath or braid and place dyed eggs in it.
  7. Let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes.

6) Braciole

A table set with a festive Easter meal, featuring a platter of braciole surrounded by colorful side dishes and fresh herbs

Braciole is a traditional Italian dish that many families enjoy during Easter. It consists of thin slices of beef rolled up with a tasty filling. The filling typically includes breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs.

You can cook braciole by braising it in a rich tomato sauce. This method makes the meat tender and flavorful. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thinly sliced beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Lay the beef slices flat and spread the filling on top.
  4. Roll up each slice and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Brown the rolls in a pan, then place them in a baking dish.
  6. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls and cover.
  7. Bake for about 1½ hours, or until tender.

7) Lasagna with Ricotta

A steaming dish of lasagna with layers of ricotta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, surrounded by festive Easter decorations

Lasagna with ricotta is a delicious Italian dish perfect for Easter gatherings. The creamy ricotta cheese pairs beautifully with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

To make your lasagna, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying texture that comes from baking it to perfection.

The layered approach makes it not only tasty but also visually appealing. Your guests will love this classic addition to the holiday table.

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
  3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom.
  5. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
  6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
  7. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

8) Risotto Primavera

A rustic kitchen table set with a steaming dish of vibrant green risotto, surrounded by fresh spring vegetables and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese

Risotto Primavera is a delightful dish that features fresh spring vegetables. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for Easter celebrations.

Use seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, and zucchini to make this dish shine. The Arborio rice absorbs flavors beautifully, giving you that rich, creamy texture.

You can customize your Risotto Primavera by adding your favorite vegetables or even some fresh herbs. It’s a colorful and tasty way to enjoy spring produce.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cups mixed spring vegetables (asparagus, peas, zucchini)
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously.
  5. When the rice is creamy and cooked, add the mixed vegetables.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

9) Classic Tiramisu

A table set with a traditional Italian Tiramisu surrounded by Easter decorations

Classic Tiramisu is a delightful Italian dessert that’s perfect for Easter. It features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling. This no-bake treat is easy to prepare and always impresses.

To start, dip ladyfingers in a mix of coffee and rum. Then, layer them in a dish with the mascarpone mixture. Repeat until you fill your dish. Let it chill in the fridge before serving.

The result is a rich and creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. It’s an elegant addition to your Easter table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strong coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup rum (optional)
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brew coffee and let it cool.
  2. Mix coffee and rum in a bowl.
  3. Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture briefly.
  4. Layer dipped ladyfingers in a dish.
  5. Whip heavy cream and mix with mascarpone and sugar.
  6. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mix over ladyfingers.
  7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
  8. Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

10) Casatiello

A table set with a freshly baked casatiello surrounded by traditional Italian Easter ingredients like eggs, salami, and cheese

Casatiello is a traditional Italian Easter bread from Naples. It’s a savory treat packed with delicious ingredients like salami, cheese, and eggs. This dish is often served during Easter celebrations.

To make Casatiello, you’ll need basic bread ingredients such as flour and yeast, along with flavorful additions like lard, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The combination creates a rich taste that many people love.

Baking Casatiello can be a fun family activity. You’ll enjoy the aroma as it bakes in your oven, filling your kitchen with a savory scent. This bread can be shared with family and friends during the Easter feast.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • ½ cup lard
  • 1 packet of active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup salami, diced
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brew coffee and let it cool.
  2. Mix coffee and rum in a bowl.
  3. Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture briefly.
  4. Layer dipped ladyfingers in a dish.
  5. Whip heavy cream and mix with mascarpone and sugar.
  6. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mix over ladyfingers.
  7. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
  8. Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
  9. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

11) Arancini

A table set with a variety of arancini, surrounded by colorful Easter decorations

Arancini are delicious Italian rice balls that are perfect for your Easter celebration. These tasty treats are made from risotto, usually filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are then rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

To make arancini, you’ll need to get the rice cooked al dente. After cooling, shape the rice into balls and create a pocket for the filling. The filling can include mozzarella, ground beef, or any favorite ingredients.

Fry the balls until they are crispy and serve them hot. They make a great appetizer or side dish for your Easter meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups risotto rice
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • Olive oil for frying
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook the risotto rice in broth until al dente.
  2. Let the rice cool and form into balls.
  3. Make a pocket in each ball and stuff with cheese.
  4. Dip balls in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat olive oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

12) Sicilian Cannoli

A table set with a variety of Sicilian Cannoli, surrounded by colorful Easter decorations and traditional Italian ingredients

Sicilian cannoli are a delightful treat that you can enjoy during Easter. This dessert features a crispy shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese. The combination of textures makes them a favorite in Italian cuisine.

To make cannoli, you will need to prepare the shell and the filling separately. The shells are traditionally made from flour, sugar, and a splash of wine for added flavor.

For the filling, use fresh ricotta mixed with sugar and a touch of vanilla. You can also add chocolate chips or candied fruit for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cups Italian red wine
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Olive oil (for frying)
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Add red wine and egg yolk; knead into a dough.
  3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
  5. Roll circles around cannoli tubes; seal edges.
  6. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  7. Let cool, then remove tubes.
  8. Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
  9. Pipe filling into shells.
  10. Serve dusted with powdered sugar.

13) Carciofi Fritti

A platter of golden fried artichokes surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon slices

Carciofi Fritti, or fried artichokes, are a delightful Italian dish perfect for Easter celebrations. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a tasty treat.

To prepare them, you start by cleaning the artichokes. Then, you cut them into pieces and coat them in a simple batter. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.

You can serve Carciofi Fritti as an appetizer or a side dish. They pair well with lemon wedges or tangy sauces to enhance their flavor.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium artichokes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Clean the artichokes and cut them into wedges.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
  3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
  4. Dip artichokes in egg, then in the flour mixture.
  5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
  6. Fry the artichokes until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

14) Eggplant Parmigiana

A golden-brown eggplant Parmigiana sits on a rustic Italian table, surrounded by fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese

Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that combines layers of eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce. It’s a favorite during Easter and other family gatherings. You can serve it as a main dish or a side.

To make this dish, start by slicing the eggplant and salting it to remove excess moisture. This step helps the eggplant become tender. After that, you can fry or bake the slices.

Layer the eggplant with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then cover it with a rich tomato sauce. The flavors meld beautifully as it bakes.

For a delicious finish, let it cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggplants, sliced
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh basil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant.
  4. Fry or bake the eggplant slices until golden.
  5. Layer eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
  6. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan.
  7. Bake for 30–40 minutes until bubbly.

15) Lamb with Rosemary

A roasted lamb surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary on a rustic wooden table

Lamb with rosemary is a classic Italian dish perfect for Easter. The tender meat pairs beautifully with the fragrant herb. You can prepare it using a leg of lamb or lamb chops, seasoned simply to let the flavors shine.

For marinating, you can use olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. The marinade makes the meat juicy and flavorful.

You will roast the lamb until it’s golden brown and cooked to your liking.

Ingredients

  • 5-7 pound leg of lamb
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the marinade all over the lamb.
  4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan.
  5. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until you reach your desired doneness.
  6. Let the lamb rest before slicing.
  7. Enjoy!

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