Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While the main course often takes center stage, the side dishes can truly elevate your holiday menu to new heights. Whether you're hosting a formal Easter dinner or a casual get - together with friends and family, we've got a plethora of mouth - watering recipes to complete your Easter feast.

Let's start with some options for formal entertaining. A classic and elegant side dish is the roasted asparagus with lemon and parmesan. To prepare this dish, preheat your oven to 425°F. Trim the tough ends of about one pound of fresh asparagus and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat the asparagus evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 12 - 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred at the edges. Just before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the asparagus. The bright lemon flavor and the rich parmesan create a harmonious combination that will impress your guests.

Another formal - worthy side is the wild rice pilaf with dried fruits and nuts. In a medium - sized saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 - 4 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of wild rice and toast it in the butter for a couple of minutes. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 45 - 50 minutes until the rice is tender. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the dried fruit and nut mixture. This pilaf is not only visually appealing but also full of complex flavors and textures.

For a more casual Easter gathering, a colorful and refreshing watermelon feta salad is a must - try. Cut a small watermelon into bite - sized cubes and place them in a large bowl. Crumble 4 ounces of feta cheese over the watermelon. Add 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, torn into small pieces, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze. Gently toss the ingredients together. The sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fragrant mint create a light and summery side dish that is perfect for a laid - back Easter afternoon.

Another casual option is the cheesy bacon - wrapped potatoes. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash and dry 4 medium - sized potatoes. Pierce the potatoes with a fork several times and bake them in the oven for 45 - 50 minutes until they are tender. Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mash the potato flesh with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Wrap each potato shell with a slice of bacon and place them on a baking sheet. Fill the bacon - wrapped potato shells with the mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake for another 15 - 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These cheesy bacon - wrapped potatoes are a crowd - pleaser and are sure to be a hit at any casual Easter party.

As you plan your Easter menu, don't forget to experiment with these side dishes. They offer a variety of flavors, from the bright and fresh to the rich and indulgent, ensuring that there is something for everyone at your Easter table. So, get in the kitchen, put on your apron, and start cooking up these delicious Easter side dishes that will make your holiday celebration unforgettable.