Easter Dinner on Two Sheet Pans

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This Easter Dinner on Two Sheet Pans is a simple and delicious way to prepare a complete holiday meal with minimal effort! Featuring roasted ham, glazed carrots, cheesy potato gratin, fresh asparagus, and homemade biscuits, this recipe delivers a flavorful Easter feast for four—all cooked on just two sheet pans! Perfect for a stress-free holiday meal with easy cleanup.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
  • 1 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
  • Kosher salt & black pepper to taste

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 small bunches asparagus, trimmed and peeled (about 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

For the Potato Gratin:

  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2), thinly sliced
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt & black pepper to taste

For the Ham:

  • Three 7- to 8-ounce ham steaks, halved
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 3 slices canned pineapple, plus 1 teaspoon syrup
  • 3 maraschino cherries (optional)
  • 6 whole cloves

For Serving:

  • 1 hard-boiled egg, grated
  • 4 lemon wedges
  • Mustard

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven.
    • Preheat to 425°F.

  2. Prepare the Biscuits:

    • In a bowl, whisk flour, Parmesan, baking powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
    • Add 3/4 cup heavy cream and mix until dough forms.
    • Shape into a 1-inch thick square, cut into 4 squares, and chill.

  3. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
    • Toss carrots with melted butter & salt and arrange on one side.
    • Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt & pepper and place on the other side.
    • Roast for 15 minutes.

  4. Prepare the Potato Gratin:

    • In a skillet, simmer potatoes, garlic, heavy cream, thyme, salt & pepper for 10-12 minutes.
    • Transfer half the potatoes to a buttered section of a clean sheet pan, sprinkle with Parmesan, then layer the remaining potatoes and top with Gruyere & Parmesan.

  5. Prepare the Ham:

    • Arrange ham slices on the sheet pan.
    • Mix brown sugar & pineapple syrup, microwave until smooth, and spread over the ham.
    • Top each ham slice with pineapple and, optionally, cherries pinned with cloves.

  6. Bake Everything:

    • Add biscuits to the sheet pan, brush with heavy cream.
    • Bake for 20 minutes until the ham is caramelized, potatoes are golden, and biscuits are cooked through.

  7. Serve:

    • Stir the carrots, grate the hard-boiled egg over the asparagus, and divide everything onto plates.
    • Serve with lemon wedges & mustard on the side.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~550
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Fat: ~28g
  • Sodium: ~900mg
  • Fiber: ~6g

Why You’ll Love This Easter Dinner

This sheet pan Easter dinner is the perfect solution for a smaller holiday gathering. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked on just two sheet pans, making post-dinner cleaning a breeze.
  • Balanced and Nutritious Meal: This meal includes a protein, starch, and vegetables, ensuring a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
  • Perfectly Portioned for Four: Ideal for small families or intimate Easter celebrations without leftovers going to waste.
  • Rich and Comforting Flavors: The combination of buttery biscuits, sweet glazed ham, cheesy potatoes, and fresh spring vegetables makes for a flavorful and indulgent meal.
  • Easily Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients or seasonings based on your preferences and dietary needs.

The Essential Components of This Easter Dinner

This meal brings together a variety of textures and flavors, making every bite satisfying. Here’s what makes each component special:

  • Biscuits: Buttery, flaky, and infused with Parmesan and thyme, these biscuits add a warm and comforting element to the meal.
  • Glazed Carrots: Roasted to tender perfection with butter and a touch of salt, these carrots bring a natural sweetness to the plate.
  • Asparagus with Grated Egg: Fresh, crisp asparagus pairs beautifully with the grated hard-boiled egg, adding a light and fresh contrast.
  • Cheesy Potato Gratin: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese create a rich and savory side dish.
  • Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: A classic Easter staple, the ham is coated in a sweet glaze and topped with pineapple for a hint of tropical flavor.

The Secret to a Perfectly Cooked Easter Dinner on Sheet Pans

Cooking a full meal on just two sheet pans requires strategic organization. Here are a few essential tips to ensure everything comes out perfectly:

  • Preheat the Oven Properly: Starting with a hot oven (425°F) ensures even cooking for all components.
  • Use Parchment Paper or Foil: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Separate Ingredients by Cooking Time: Arrange faster-cooking items (like asparagus and biscuits) on one side of the pan so they can be removed early.
  • Layer the Potato Gratin Properly: Cooking the potatoes on the stovetop before baking ensures they cook through without drying out.
  • Glaze the Ham for Caramelization: The brown sugar and pineapple glaze creates a beautiful, caramelized crust on the ham.

Why Sheet Pan Cooking is Perfect for Holiday Meals

Traditional Easter dinners often require multiple pots, pans, and a lot of coordination. By using sheet pans, you simplify the process while still achieving a delicious and elegant meal. Here’s why sheet pan cooking is ideal:

  • Even Cooking: The large surface area ensures that all ingredients roast evenly without overcrowding.
  • Efficient Use of Oven Space: Everything is cooked at the same temperature, maximizing efficiency.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Once everything is in the oven, there’s minimal need for stirring or tending.
  • Less Mess: No multiple dishes to wash—just two sheet pans to clean at the end!

Customizing Your Sheet Pan Easter Dinner

This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to try:

  • Swap the Ham for Another Protein: Use roasted turkey breast, lamb chops, or even a vegetarian alternative like baked tofu for a different main dish.
  • Try a Different Vegetable: Instead of asparagus, you can use green beans, Brussels sprouts, or roasted zucchini.
  • Make a Sweet Potato Gratin: Replace Yukon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter side dish.
  • Add Honey to the Carrots: Drizzle honey over the carrots before roasting for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Use a Different Cheese in the Gratin: Swap Gruyere for cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a new flavor twist.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Easter Feast

To make this Easter meal even more special, consider pairing it with complementary sides and drinks.

Side Dish Ideas:

  • Deviled Eggs: A classic Easter appetizer that pairs perfectly with the meal.
  • Spring Salad: A fresh green salad with strawberries, goat cheese, and balsamic dressing.
  • Garlic Butter Rolls: If you want an alternative to biscuits, soft garlic butter rolls make a great addition.

Drink Pairings:

  • White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the ham and creamy potatoes.
  • Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing non-alcoholic option that complements the richness of the meal.
  • Iced Tea: Lightly sweetened iced tea adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them the next day:

  • Refrigeration: Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating in the Oven: Warm biscuits and gratin in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to retain texture.
  • Reheating in the Microwave: Heat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
  • Freezing: Biscuits and ham can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Sheet Pan Dinner

Even though this recipe is straightforward, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure the best results:

  • Overcrowding the Pan: Too many ingredients packed closely together can cause steaming instead of roasting. Leave space between items.
  • Skipping the Preheat Step: A fully preheated oven is essential for even cooking and crispy textures.
  • Forgetting to Rotate the Pans: If using multiple racks, switch the pans halfway through cooking for even browning.
  • Not Checking for Doneness: Some ingredients cook faster than others, so check early and remove anything that’s done.

Conclusion

This Easter Dinner on Two Sheet Pans is a game-changer for holiday meals, offering a stress-free, delicious, and well-balanced feast with minimal effort. The combination of savory ham, cheesy potatoes, buttery biscuits, sweet carrots, and fresh asparagus creates a meal that feels both traditional and modern.

By simplifying the cooking process and reducing cleanup, this method allows you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends rather than stressing over the stove. Plus, with customizable options and easy leftovers, this recipe works well beyond Easter—it’s perfect for any special occasion!

So this year, ditch the complicated multi-dish dinner and embrace the ease of a one-pan approach to a flavorful and satisfying Easter meal. Try it out and make your holiday cooking as enjoyable as the celebration itself!

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