Jessica Haggard Americans spent an estimated $7.3 billion on Easter food last year, and as egg prices continue to rise, expect that amount also to increase. That creates a lot of stress in the kitchen; why not relieve some of that pressure? With a little creativity and smart planning, you can enjoy the holiday stress free while still impressing your guests. Hosting an Easter feast doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re short on time or just want to relax, there are plenty of ways to serve a delicious spread without cooking a thing. Order a gourmet Easter dinner Many grocery stores and restaurants offer fully prepared Easter meals, allowing you to enjoy traditional dishes without the hassle of cooking. The National Retail Federation says that in 2024, consumer spending for Easter was expected to reach $22.4 billion. Retailers like Walmart responded by offering curated Easter meals at lower prices than in previous years, making it convenient and affordable to host a feast without lifting a finger. Mains Thankfully, you can now buy pre-made classic Easter dishes. Choose a centerpiece that’s flavorful and easy to serve. A glazed spiral ham, roasted turkey or slow-cooked brisket are great options that require zero prep. Many stores also offer seafood options like lemon-garlic salmon or crab-stuffed flounder for a unique Easter twist. Sides Round out your meal with ready-made sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts or creamed spinach. Mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing and honey-glazed carrots are comforting classics that pair well with any main dish. For a fresh element, pick up a premade garden or Caesar salad. Desserts No Easter feast is complete without something sweet. Pick up a classic carrot cake, lemon meringue pie or a fruit tart for a festive touch. Many bakeries also sell Easter-themed cupcakes, cookies or chocolate mousse that make for easy, crowd-pleasing treats. You can also pick up complete meals from your favorite establishments that are open on Easter Sunday, like Applebee’s, The Cheesecake Factory and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Once you’ve picked up your Easter spread, arrange the food on elegant serving platters, add fresh herbs for garnish and light a few candles to set the mood. A beautifully presented meal will feel just as special as a home-cooked one – without the stress. Create a DIY salad bar Host an Easter feast with a build-your-own salad bar for a fresh, vibrant and effortless way to feed a crowd. Offer a mix of crisp greens, colorful veggies, proteins like a pre-cooked ham or chicken and different dressings to let guests customize their plates. Add festive touches with spring-inspired toppings like candied pecans or edible flowers. As Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella shares, “A salad bar is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to keep everyone happy while giving them the flexibility to choose what they like best.” Not only does this setup encourage guests to personalize their plates and cater to various dietary preferences, but it’s also an ideal way to make the meal feel light, healthy and effortless, without sacrificing the festive spirit. Build a stunning charcuterie board A charcuterie board is an elegant, no-cook option with variety and visual appeal. Include a mix of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, fruits and nuts. Adding Easter-themed treats like pastel-colored candies or chocolate eggs can give it a festive touch. “We love to bring out the charcuterie boards when hosting Easter and not wanting to spend hours in the kitchen,” says Leah Ingram of Bagels and Lasagna. “In the past, we’ve made Easter dessert boards, using all store-bought treats, as well as savory Easter brunch boards with prosciutto, cheese and bread – again, everything store bought.” This approach not only saves time but also caters to diverse tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you go for a traditional cheese and meat spread or a playful dessert board, a charcuterie setup makes hosting effortless while still feeling special. Opt for a brunch spread Easter brunch is a delightful alternative to a traditional dinner. It’s also easier to pull off if you’re aiming to host an Easter feast without cooking since many classic brunch foods require little to no preparation. Fresh pastries, bagels, smoked salmon and fruit can be picked up from your local bakery, while ready-made quiches and yogurt parfaits add heartiness without extra effort. Complement the spread with a selection of juices or mimosas for a festive touch. Brunch also encourages a relaxed, come-and-go atmosphere, making it ideal for hosting without the stress of timing a big sit-down meal. Bring the bakery to your table Desserts are the crowning touch of any Easter feast, but baking can take up precious time. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, visit a local bakery to pick up Easter-themed treats like hot cross buns, cinnamon rolls or cakes. These ready-made delights not only save you time but also offer a professional touch that will impress your guests. With the popularity of artisanal bakeries rising, you can find an array of beautifully crafted desserts that rival homemade versions. According to Finance Buzz, Easter is the second biggest candy holiday, after Halloween, with $2.6 billion worth of Easter candy sold annually in the U.S. alone. Don’t hesitate to go big on buying decorated sugar cookies, chocolate eggs and other Easter treats. Both kids and adults will appreciate these seasonal desserts, whether on their Easter baskets or on the table spread. Host a potluck party Hosting a potluck-style Easter dinner lightens your workload and brings a sense of community to the celebration. Assign dishes to guests or invite them to bring their favorite recipes. This way, you can have a diverse spread, allowing everyone to share the joy of contributing to the meal. Make sure to coordinate with guests beforehand to avoid duplicate dishes. For added fun, try the approach that @ilyxvans shared on their TikTok video – where each guest will bring a dish from their country of origin. It would be amazing to taste different Easter dishes from around the world. Easter made easy with a no-cook celebration Hosting an Easter feast without cooking can be a game changer, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. You can easily create a memorable celebration by incorporating store-bought favorites, simple DIY options and a potluck-style dinner. This Easter, focus on making lasting memories and savoring the moments, not just the food. Jessica Haggard is dedicated to helping people cook easy everyday recipes focusing on bioavailable and nutrient-dense foods. She helps people overcome food allergies and discover healthy recipes that make a difference in their health with gluten-free, low-carb and keto cooking at Primal Edge Health. ...read more read less