Sheet Pan Easter Dinner
Hey there! So, let me tell you about the time I decided to host Easter dinner for my family. I was determined to make it memorable, but also not spend the entire day in the kitchen (because who has time for that?). That’s when I stumbled upon the genius idea of a Sheet Pan Easter Dinner. All the goodies without the fuss! Imagine the relief of just one baking sheet to clean. It’s practically magic, right?
Why You’ll Love This
I make this whenever my family is craving a cozy but low-key holiday meal. The best part? My kids go absolutely bonkers for the roasted veggies (who knew?), and it doesn’t leave me feeling like a kitchen drudge. Plus, the one-pan thing means more time for chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. I mean, who doesn’t want that?
What You’ll Need
- 1 large ham steak (or use chicken if that’s more your style)
- 4 large potatoes, chopped (sweet potatoes work too, if you’re feeling adventurous)
- A bunch of carrots, sliced (honestly, any root veggie will do)
- 1 red onion, sliced
- Olive oil (or butter, if you’re feeling indulgent)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (or whatever is in the garden)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (that’s about 200°C for my metric friends). Now, this is where I usually crank up some music and have a little dance – highly recommend!
- Arrange the ham (or chicken) in the center of a large sheet pan. Surround it with the chopped potatoes and carrots. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Bake for about 30 minutes. This is where I sneak a little taste – for quality control, of course.
- Give everything a good toss and bake for another 15 minutes, or until everything is golden and delicious.
- Don’t worry if it looks a bit crowded at first – it all comes together beautifully.
Some Notes From Experience
When I first tried this, I didn’t chop the veggies evenly. Big mistake. They cooked at different rates, but hey, lesson learned!
Fun Variations
I once tried adding Brussels sprouts, but they didn’t quite hit the mark. However, tossing in some bell peppers really brightens things up – go figure.
Equipment You Might Need
A trusty sheet pan is crucial. But if you don’t have one, a couple of smaller pans will do just fine (room on the counter permitting).
How to Store Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftovers (we rarely do, honestly), they keep in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat on low in the oven to crisp things up again.
Serving Suggestions
We always serve this with a side of crusty bread and a big jug of lemonade. It just completes the whole spring vibe, you know?
Pro Tips I’ve Learned
Once, I thought I could skip preheating the oven – big no-no. The vegetables didn’t get that perfect crispness. Lesson learned: patience, my friend!
FAQs
Can I use parchment paper? – Absolutely. It makes clean-up even easier, seriously, who doesn’t love that?
What if I’m vegetarian? – Skip the meat, add more veggies, and maybe some tofu. It’s still delicious!
Do I need to peel the potatoes? – Nah, I always leave the skin on for extra flavor and fiber (and I’m a bit lazy).
Hope you enjoy this as much as I do! Friends have told me it’s become a staple in their Easter celebrations too. Happy cooking!
