Our favorite NZ Easter recipes
Easter in New Zealand often marks the end of long summer days, and welcomes the beginning of the crisp autumnal season. There’s more than one way to indulge this Easter – treat yourself, and your family and friends to a stay in a holiday home in an epic spot (with a drool worthy brunch to suit!). We’ve rounded up our top 25 indulgent recipes to help inspire your Easter menu.
*And, to sweeten the deal… anyone booking during the month of March will be in the draw for a $500 Countdown gift card. Get all the groceries you need for the Bach! So whether you’re still on the lookout for an Easter escape, or want to be the early bird and book for next summer, get booking this March and you’ll be in to win! Start your search here.
1. Chocolate Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding – Nadia Lim
Photo Credit: nadialim.com
Warm hot cross buns fresh out of the oven are a hallmark of Easter. This twist turns the favourite easter treat into a great quick and easy dessert, or an epic Easter weekend breakfast treat. Hot cross buns spread with marmalade, soaked and baked in creamy custard with melted chopped dark chocolate, and served with maple-roasted pears for extra indulgence… say no more!
2. Cauliflower, Cheese and Leek Gnocchi Gratin – From The Kitchen
Photo Credit: Sarah Tuck
This decadent dish is perfect for cooler nights spent with your group dining al fresco next to an outdoor fireplace (with a glass of wine or two!). Sarah Tuck of From The Kitchen recommends serving the dish sprinkled with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme. It’s perfect on it’s own, with a bitter green salad, or alongside slow–roasted lamb.
View Bachcare’s other slow cooker recipes here.
3. Caramel Banana Stuffed French Toasties – The Hungry Cook
Photo Credit: Olivia Galletly
A simple twist on the classic french toast, these toasties are oozing with sweet sticky caramelised banana. Olivia Galletly of The Hungry Cook recommends using a chewy sourdough, but any good quality bread will work nicely. Of course best served with your favourite fruit, maple syrup and a dusting of icing sugar and cinnamon – delicious!
4. Corn, Prawn and Chorizo Fritters – Stuck In The kitchen
Photo Credit: Sarah Tuck
Sarah Tuck describes these fritters as an excellent choice for a great lazy brunch (or dinner for that matter, if you add a few poached or fried eggs), to enjoy with friends over the break. The combination of sweet corn, prawns and spicy chorizo, with the heat of sweet smoked paprika and chilli, the cool coriander and lime mayo and the creaminess of the avocado works brilliantly together. We’re sold!
5. Rustic Apple Cinnamon Pie With Honey Yoghurt Cream – Nadia Lim
Photo Credit: nadialim.com
Apple pie is a kiwi favourite and is always a crowd pleaser for Easter (or anytime for that matter!). Nadia Lim advises that granny smith apples are best for this pie recipe, as they hold their shape well when cooked so that you get a nice texture that isn’t mushy. In this recipe you make the pastry yourself, but if you don’t want to do that then sweet shortcrust pastry will work well too. Or flaky if you’d prefer that, or even filo for a lighter dessert. We agree with Nadia and love the rustic look of this apple pie!
View the full recipe here
6. Asparagus, Halloumi and Mustard Tart – Claire Aldous
Photo Credit: Manja Wachsmuth
This yummy tart is an excellent option for any time of the day. We think having some tasty savoury meals on hand to balance out all the indulgence over the Easter period is always wise! Claire Aldous advises that if asparagus isn’t around then thinly sliced zucchini, or thin stems of broccolini to top the tart works a treat too.
7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl – Julia and Libby
Photo Credit: juliaandlibby.com
Julia and Libby do a fine job of creating decadent treats that serve both our health as well as our sweet tooth! They describe this Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl as creamy, smooth, high in fibre and protein, making it the perfect breakfast, dessert or post-workout snack. You can have plenty of fun with choosing your toppings – from fruit, coconut chips, nut butters, yoghurt and granola – enjoy creating this healthful brekkie!
8. Smashed Avocado And Edamame On Toast – Food
Photo Credit: foodtolove.co.nz
We can’t go past a classic avo smash on toast, and this little number puts a spin on our favourite classic dish.This delicious recipe includes the addition of edamame beans, chilli and lemon – ideal for brunch on an Easter getaway, as a snack, or use the smash to dip veggie sticks in. Add a poached egg or some rashers of bacon for an extra protein kick.
9. Brioche Sweet Pizza – All Things Sweet
Photo Credit: All Things Sweet
If you’ve never tried a dessert pizza – Easter is the time and a holiday home is the place! A base lathered with crème pâtissière and fresh ricotta, then topped with which ever fresh fruit is in season — raspberries and blackberries, or sliced fresh peaches or pears – you decide! Drizzle with lemon juice, and sprinkle with sugar and enjoy warm.. straight away!
10. Portobello Mushroom, Caramalised Onion & Brie Wellington – Nadia Lim
Photo Credit: nadialim.com
Nadia Lim describes this dish as delicious and special and we couldn’t agree more! Great soul food to enjoy with family and friends after a day exploring. Nadia recommends serving with chutney and relish + salad. Yum!
11. Baileys Truffles – Charlotte’s Lively Kitchen
Photo Credit: Charlotte Oates
These indulgent little morsels are a fun idea to gift to someone special over Easter, and are full of indulgence (non-alcoholic versions for those under 18 of course!). Charlotte Oates’ truffles have a milk chocolate and Baileys ganache centre, are then covered in milk chocolate, and finally drizzled with a little white chocolate. There’s also a couple of simplified versions of the recipe where the truffles are simply rolled in cocoa powder or sprinkles – you decide!
12. Croque Monsieur Baked Potatoes – Claire Aldous
Photo Credit: Manja Wachsmuth
Stuffed baked potatoes are another item that are sure to please your group and tickle their taste buds! Check out this recipe using shaved ham or smoked chicken, or experiment with your own favourite topping ideas.
13. Hot Cross Buns – Little and Friday, Kim Evans
Photo Credit: Little & Friday
There’s no denying hot cross buns are a quintessential Easter menu item. Finding the perfect recipe can be hard to come by but Kim Evans of Little and Friday has proved time and time again that there isn’t much Little and Friday can do wrong – especially when it comes to these delicacies! A Bachcare staff favourite, these buns are a very generous size – ideal for optimum butter spread-age. After freshly toasting, your house will be filled with the warm aroma of spices and mixed peel… mmmm.
14. Breakfast Bagel Recipe With Rocket Mayo – Angela Casley
Photo credit: Babiche Martens
For those that enjoy a hearty brekkie filled with all the good stuff – you can’t go past this breakfast bagel recipe. Haloumi, fried egg and black pudding give this dish a real protein punch – guaranteed to provide a substantial start to the day! Angela Casley recommends spreading the rocket mayonnaise liberally for an extra layer of flavour.
15. Fejoa, Ginger and Cashew Nut Cakes – Claire Aldous
With Fejoa season upon us, it’s the perfect excuse to whip up a batch of Claire Aldous’ delightful cakes! Claire advises that this easy, moist cake batter works well with just about any fruit if feijoas aren’t available – with stone fruit, cherries, persimmons or frozen berries all acting as delicious substitutes. Best served with a substantial dollop of cream… of course!
16. Honey Roast Pumpkin With Prosciutto, Sage, Blue Cheese & walnuts
Photo credit: Sarah Tuck
A fabulously comforting side for a roast dinner! Tender pumpkin wedges roasted with honey, sage, sea salt and black pepper, finished off with melted blue cheese, crispy prosciutto and a crumbling of crunchy walnuts. What a medley of flavours and textures!
17. Self-Saucing Easter Egg Choc Pudding
Photo credit: Nici Wickes
Chocolate pudding is always bound to be a crowd pleaser! Why not try scattering mini Easter eggs into the recipe, so that they soften and melt as it cooks, making this one glorious dessert! Serve hot with vanilla bean ice cream… mmmm.
18. Stuffed Leg Of Lamb With Prunes & Almonds
Photo credit: Babiche Martens
A hearty dinner dish that can be altered to your taste – feel free to use apricots and pistachios for the stuffing, or just keep it nutty.
19. No-bake Nutella Choc Cheesecake
Photo credit: Sarah Tuck
We’re absolutely sold on this decadent dish. The allure of Nutella and the ease of making a cheesecake with no baking required ticks the boxes! An impressive looking creation – you’re sure to receive a few compliments to the chef for plating up this luscious beauty.
20. Creamy chicken & Basil Macaroni Cheese
Photo credit: Chelsea Winter
A bit of a twist on the classic macaroni; Chelsea Winter has added chicken, parmesan, basil and garlic for a lovely Italian vibe. Sneaking in loads of spinach and peas turns the dish into a complete meal! If your budget permits, Chelsea suggests adding the likes of chopped fried bacon pieces, or chopped salami.
21. Strawberry & Rhubarb Shortcake
Photo credit: Nici Wickes
Nici Wickes shares her nana’s shortcake recipe that has been passed down through her family, making it extra special. Perfect served warm or cooled with whipped cream, the combo of strawberry and rhubarb is drool-worthy!
22. Pumpkin, Spinach & Ricotta Cannelloni
Photo credit: Ashlee DeCaires
This quirky looking dish uses the pumpkin as cannelloni tubes which means it’s gluten-free, perfect for catering for a range of guests dietary requirements. Combining the magical pairing of spinach and ricotta makes this an ideal meal to enjoy as a family dinner on a cooler evening. Serve with a little extra shaved Parmesan cheese because yum!
23. Rich Easter Crown
Photo credit: Babiche Martens
Best eaten warm, straight out from the oven with a good drop of coffee. Push a few coloured Easter eggs into the dough just before cooking to create a colourful crown effect.
24. Nici Wickes’ Best Potatoes Ever
Photo credit: Nici Wickes
This is the type of dish that provides the ultimate comfort, especially on a cooler night! Feel free to make this delicious potato dish ahead of time and reheat, especially when planning for a dinner party.
25. Almond Fudge
Photo credit: Julia and Libby
Smooth, creamy and ridiculously easy chocolate almond fudge using just six ingredients and ready in minutes! This Almond Fudge is Julia and Libby’s family favourite. If you prefer peanut butter, you can swap it out for the almond butter, and the almonds can be swapped with peanuts or cashews – get creative. This fudge will simply melt in your mouth! Yum!
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Over to you…
Do you have any egg-cellent recipes for Easter that everyone should know about? Let us know in the comments below!
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