If you’re sick of ham and looking for something different this Easter, lamb is the perfect option. Lamb is a fantastic alternative that can bring a whole new flavor profile to your holiday meal. It brings richness that ham never could and there are so many different cuts to enjoy and ways to cook it. Here are some of your favorite ways to make lamb the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions
Fed up with ham every Easter? Switch it up with these skillet lamb chops. Paired with browned cipollini onions and a zingy tarragon honey mustard sauce, they’re a refreshing and speedy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Lamb Chops with Cipollini Onions
Smoky Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Perfect for anyone looking to break the ham tradition this Easter, these lamb kebabs mixed with dried apricots bring a great smoky taste to the table. They’re quick to grill, making your Easter feast hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Grilled Apricot Lamb Kebabs
Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb
Tired of ham every Easter? Go for this za’atar grilled rack of lamb. It’s seasoned to perfection, easy to grill, and makes for a succulent main dish. Perfect for a simple, no-stress Easter meal outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Za’atar Grilled Rack of Lamb
Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb
This simple, slow-cooked leg of lamb is a perfect choice for Easter if you’re over the usual ham. With just a few ingredients, it becomes incredibly tender and ready to fall apart at the slightest touch, great for a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb
Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks
If you’re looking for something different this Easter, try these citrus braised lamb shanks. Cooked until they’re falling-off-the-bone tender and served with a tangy citrus sauce, they’re a flavorful departure from the traditional Easter ham.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Ditch the ham this Easter for something quick and full of flavor. This sheet pan lamb roasts up in 20 minutes and saves you the cleanup hassle. Loaded with Mediterranean flavors, it’s a straightforward way to impress at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Lamb Bolognese
Shake up your Easter dinner with this lamb bolognese. A hearty and flavorful sauce simmers with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and wine, making it a great companion for pasta. It’s a cozy, comforting choice for those wanting a break from ham.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Butterflied Leg of Lamb
Opt for this butterflied leg of lamb with a cranberry goat cheese stuffing for a change this Easter. It’s not only easy to prepare but also roasts beautifully in under 30 minutes, making it a great alternative to traditional ham.
Get the Recipe: Butterflied Leg of Lamb
BBQ Lamb Ribs
For a laid-back Easter meal, these BBQ lamb ribs are perfect. They’re easy to grill, seasoned with a dry rub, and finished with a sauce for that perfect BBQ flavor. A great choice for anyone wanting to step away from the usual ham and enjoy the holiday with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Lamb Ribs
Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops
These lamb chops come with a pistachio crust and are drizzled with a red wine cherry sauce, served over creamy parmesan polenta. It’s fancy yet simple, perfect for anyone looking to make their Easter dinner special without the usual ham.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Crusted Lamb Chops
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
For a quick and flavorful alternative to Easter ham, try these air fryer lamb chops. Infused with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, they cook up in less than 10 minutes. A great pick for a last-minute Easter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
