Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan: A Stress-Free Holiday Feast
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. But let’s face it—holiday cooking can be overwhelming. Between prepping multiple dishes, juggling oven space, and cleaning up afterward, it’s easy to feel more stressed than festive. That’s where this Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan comes in! This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their holiday meal without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
With tender roasted potatoes, perfectly cooked green beans, and a sweet-and-savory glazed pineapple ham, this sheet pan dinner has everything you need for a complete Easter feast. Plus, it’s all cooked on one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum time to enjoy with your loved ones. Let’s dive into the details of this foolproof recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan
- Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy hosts.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of savory ham, sweet pineapple, and roasted veggies is a hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Small Gatherings: Designed to serve 4, this recipe is ideal for intimate Easter celebrations.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients for Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious holiday meal:
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut in half: Baby potatoes are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for sheet pan dinners.
- 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans add a pop of color and a crisp texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the veggies roast to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- 3 teaspoons fresh thyme: Fresh herbs elevate the dish with a fragrant, earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
For the Glazed Pineapple Ham:
- 1 quartered boneless ham, sliced: A pre-cooked ham saves time and pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
- 1 (20-ounce) can sliced pineapple, drained: The natural sweetness of pineapple complements the savory ham.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds a rich, sticky sweetness to the glaze.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization of the ham.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, complex flavor to the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 450°F and spray a large sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables
Place the halved baby potatoes on one-third of the sheet pan and the green beans right next to them in the middle. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes and green beans separately to ensure they’re evenly coated but not mixed together.
Step 3: Layer the Ham and Pineapple
On the remaining third of the sheet pan, alternate layers of ham and pineapple slices. If your ham slices are thin, double them up for a heartier portion. The pineapple adds a sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Brush the glaze generously over the ham and pineapple slices.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the ham is caramelized. The high heat ensures the vegetables roast beautifully while the ham gets a sticky, golden glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the sheet pan cool for a few minutes before serving. Arrange the ham, pineapple, and vegetables on a platter or serve directly from the pan for a casual, family-style meal.
The Benefits of a Sheet Pan Dinner for Easter
When it comes to holiday cooking, simplicity is key. That’s why a sheet pan dinner is the perfect solution for Easter. Not only does it save time and effort, but it also ensures that your meal is flavorful and beautifully cooked. One of the biggest advantages of a sheet pan dinner is the minimal cleanup. Instead of juggling multiple pots, pans, and baking dishes, everything cooks together on a single pan. This means less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
Another benefit is the even cooking that a sheet pan provides. By arranging your ingredients in a single layer, you ensure that each component cooks evenly and develops a delicious caramelized exterior. The high heat of the oven helps to roast the vegetables to perfection while giving the ham a sticky, golden glaze. Plus, the flavors of the ingredients meld together as they cook, creating a cohesive and well-balanced meal.
Sheet pan dinners are also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re not a fan of green beans, you can swap them out for asparagus or carrots. If you’re serving a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use two sheet pans. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a go-to for any holiday or weeknight dinner.
Finally, a sheet pan dinner is perfect for small gatherings. With so many families opting for intimate celebrations, this recipe is designed to serve four, making it ideal for a cozy Easter meal. It’s also a great option for those who want to enjoy a traditional holiday feast without the stress of cooking multiple dishes.
How to Customize Your Easy Easter Dinner
One of the best things about this Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is its versatility. While the recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For starters, you can swap out the vegetables for your favorites. If you’re not a fan of green beans, try using asparagus, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts. These veggies roast beautifully and add a pop of color to your meal.
You can also experiment with the seasonings. While the recipe calls for garlic, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper, you can easily mix things up. Try adding rosemary, paprika, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. If you’re a fan of spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
When it comes to the ham, there are plenty of options as well. If you can’t find a quartered boneless ham, you can use ham steaks or even a spiral-cut ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a different twist, you could even substitute the ham with chicken or turkey. The sweet and savory glaze pairs well with a variety of proteins.
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, there are a few simple swaps you can make. Use a sugar substitute in place of the brown sugar, or reduce the amount of honey in the glaze. You can also use a leaner cut of ham to reduce the fat content.
Finally, don’t forget about presentation. While the sheet pan makes for easy serving, you can elevate the dish by arranging the ham, pineapple, and vegetables on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Easter Celebration
Hosting an Easter celebration doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can create a memorable meal without the hassle. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to keep things simple. Instead of preparing a complicated menu with multiple dishes, focus on a few key items that are easy to make and crowd-pleasing. This Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is a perfect example—it’s a complete meal that requires minimal effort.
Another tip is to plan ahead. Take some time before the holiday to create a menu, make a shopping list, and prep as much as possible. For this sheet pan dinner, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the glaze the night before. This will save you time on Easter day and allow you to enjoy the celebration rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s enlisting a family member to set the table or asking a friend to bring a dessert, delegating tasks can make a big difference. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider making it a potluck. This not only lightens your workload but also adds variety to the meal.
When it comes to decorating, keep it simple yet festive. A few fresh flowers, pastel-colored napkins, and some Easter-themed centerpieces can create a cheerful atmosphere without requiring a lot of time or effort.
Nutrition Information
This Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is not only delicious but also balanced in terms of nutrition. Here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 663
- Sugar: 75.3g
- Sodium: 2152.1mg
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Carbohydrates: 109.6g
- Fiber: 10.5g
- Protein: 27.8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works just as well. Simply slice it into rings and use it in place of the canned pineapple.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use two sheet pans. Make sure to rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even results.
Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan: A Stress-Free Holiday Feast
Celebrate Easter with a stress-free, delicious dinner that cooks entirely on one sheet pan! This recipe features tender roasted baby potatoes, flavorful green beans, and a sweet-and-savory glazed pineapple ham. Perfect for a small gathering, this meal is easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is sure to impress your family. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 quartered boneless ham, sliced (about 2 pounds)
- 1 (20-ounce) can sliced pineapple, drained
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly spray a sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the veggies: On one-third of the sheet pan, place the halved baby potatoes. In the middle third, add the trimmed green beans. Drizzle the potatoes and green beans with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss each section separately to coat evenly.
- Arrange the ham and pineapple: On the remaining third of the pan, alternate layers of ham slices and pineapple rings. If the ham slices are thin, double them up for a heartier portion.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly. Brush the glaze generously over the ham and pineapple.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the ham is caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve directly from the sheet pan for easy cleanup!
Notes
- Use pre-sliced ham to save time.
- Double the glaze if you prefer extra sweetness on your ham.
- For a crispier texture, broil the ham for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Customize the veggies: try carrots or asparagus instead of green beans.
Nutrition
- Calories: 663
- Sugar: 75.3g
- Sodium: 2152.1mg
- Fat: 16.1g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Carbohydrates: 109.6g
- Fiber: 10.5g
- Protein: 27.8g
Final Thoughts
This Easy Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is the ultimate solution for a stress-free holiday meal. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and a delicious combination of flavors, it’s sure to become a new Easter tradition. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply want to spend less time in the kitchen, this recipe delivers on all fronts.