12 Italian Easter Recipes that Will Make You Want to Fly to Italy

Italian Easter recipes are unlike any other—most are rich and hearty, and include the flavors popular in the country in a way that is almost as good as going to Italy itself. And, it is no wonder. Easter, called “Pasqua” in Italian, is the end of the fasting period before Lent.

Before that, meat, eggs and butter are avoided, so when it comes to Easter, many Italians go all out with a big meal and celebrate with friends, family and loved ones.

This social event showcases many flavors and regional specialties. If you want to get a taste of Italy this holiday, check out these 10+ ideas for recipes to start.

Recipe #1: Easter Bread, a No Yeast Recipe

This subtly sweet bread is similar to Irish Soda Bread in that it has no yeast. Baking powder helps it rise, but it is flakier and harder to shape than regular bread. Form the dough into a disk and refrigerate it for at least two hours before it comes time to shape for easier manipulation. Shape each piece of dough into a ring, like a doughnut. Put sprinkles on the dough, or dye eggs and slip them into the middle of the whole for a festive appearance.

Recipe #2: Asparagus Tart with Ricotta and Lemon

An easy side dish, this tart is simple and elegant, score! Thinly roll out a sheet of puff pastry before dipping it in an egg wash. Trim the asparagus and add lemon, olive oil and salt. Bake for 19-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut into pieces and serve while warm.

Recipe #3: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

This easy and simple cake is made with ricotta cheese and lemon. Similar to a traditional lemon cake, this cake is denser and less sweet than the former. It keeps well in the fridge or at room temperature, and is similar in structure to a pound cake. Full fat ricotta is ideal in this to maintain a full flavor. Ice with a lemon cream cheese or limoncello frosting. Glaze or a simple powdered sugar also work.

Recipe #4: Blueberry Ricotta Coffee Cake

Super moist and full of flavor, this coffee cake is topped off with a sweet streusel topping. It works with both frozen and fresh blueberries, and is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Make sure to cook the cake until the oats and cinnamon sugar mixture are a perfect golden brown.

Recipe #5: Blueberry Lemon Mascarpone Tart

The olive oil crust brings a savory element to a sweet and thick filling. The blueberry lemon sauce topping is a crowd-pleasing dessert that will delight a crowd. A mild olive oil will make sure it adds just the right element to the crust, without being overpowering.

Recipe #6: Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

Ricotta cheese and chocolate chips makes for a fluffy, dense and hearty cake. Ricotta is a soft and fluffy cheese, which adds an element of richness to many dishes. The key to successfully cooking with ricotta is to cream it with butter and sugar first before adding it to the other ingredients. Top the whole cake off with powdered sugar, ample chocolate chips and a lot of love.

Recipe #7: Tortellini Primavera

This quick and easy pasta dish is just the thing the family will want for an Easter dinner. Topped off with cheese and veggies, it is delicious and comes together in only about 15 minutes, Frozen veggies can be substituted for fresh ones in a pinch, as can shredded cheese to substitute a bar of cheese.

Recipe #8: Mushroom Pea Risotto

Made using broth, rice, butter, spices and herbs, this take on the dish uses mushrooms and peas. The cheese of your choice (we like Parmesan) can also be added. If you decide to make this, make sure you have the time to keep watching and stirring—trust us, the wait will be worth it!

Recipe #9: Italian Easter Pie

This cheesy and meaty pie is loaded with different kinds of meat, from prosciutto and ham to mozzarella and Parmesan. Placed in a buttery pie crust, it will make for delicious leftovers that will almost make you feel like you are in Italy. Since this is so rich, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or asparagus.

Recipe #10: Salmon Wellington

Wrapped in puff pastry, and topped with a savory and light Dijon sauce, this dish is buttery, flaky and elegant. Top it all off with some herbs and cream fraiche. For tasty bites, but the wellington into smaller pieces.

Recipe #11: Italian Turkey Lasagna

No-boil pasta, ricotta, mozzarella and turkey make this lasagna tasty and filling. It is the perfect way to kick off an Easter lunch—then reheat the leftovers for lunches or dinners for leftovers that keep on giving!

Recipe #12: Limoncello Tiramisu

Ladyfinger cookies are soaked in limoncello and layered with lemon and mascarpone cream. This is a great dessert to make ahead. If it has a day or two to chill in the fridge prior to serving, the flavors will come out when it is time to serve up some generous slices. It is also a great way to share the flavors with neighbors or family members who are too busy to make it to the planned celebration.

Wishing you a tasty Italy-inspired Easter. Have some friends who would love these ideas? Spread the word! If you found this useful, share the wealth of knowledge. Feel free to bookmark or post to your timeline for reference later!

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