Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan Recipe

Introduction

Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan brings together all the traditional flavors of Easter in one simple, delicious, and hassle-free meal. This recipe takes the hard work out of preparing a festive holiday dinner by roasting all the components—vegetables, potatoes, and proteins—on a single sheet pan. The result is a beautiful, flavorful, and well-balanced meal with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a stress-free Easter celebration.

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or preparing dinner for a large group, this sheet pan dinner provides a complete meal with roasted vegetables, tender meats, and crispy potatoes, all infused with savory herbs and spices. With just a few steps, you’ll create a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan

• Effortless Preparation: With all ingredients roasting together on one pan, this recipe simplifies the cooking process, cutting down on prep time and cleaning.
• Perfectly Roasted Ingredients: Roasting the vegetables and meats on a sheet pan allows all the flavors to blend, creating a tender, flavorful meal with a crispy finish.
• Time-Saving: Since everything cooks on one sheet, there’s less active cooking time, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
• Flexible for Dietary Preferences: This meal can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you want to include chicken, lamb, or a combination of proteins, you can adjust the recipe accordingly.
• Beautifully Presented: Roasting everything together creates a stunning presentation that’s as appetizing to the eye as it is to the taste buds, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Minimal Cleanup: By using just one sheet pan, the cleanup process is quick and easy, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and celebrate the holiday.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 35-45g
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fiber: 5-7g
• Sugar: 5-8g

Ingredients

For the Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan:

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or chicken breasts (or a mix of both)
• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 large red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Special Equipment

While making Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help ensure smooth preparation and better results:

1. Sheet Pan: A large, rimmed sheet pan is essential for roasting all the ingredients together. Make sure it’s large enough to hold everything in a single layer without overcrowding.
2. Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil helps with easy cleanup and prevents the food from sticking.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements of herbs, spices, and oil will ensure the dish turns out flavorful and balanced.
4. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for easily cutting vegetables, chicken, and other ingredients into the proper sizes.
5. Mixing Bowls: Use a large mixing bowl for tossing the vegetables and meats with the seasoning and oil.
6. Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the chicken and vegetables during the cooking process to ensure even roasting.
7. Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer helps check for the doneness of the chicken or any other protein you’re roasting, ensuring it’s cooked perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and prep the vegetables for roasting. Cut the baby potatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch chunks. Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Slice the red onion into wedges. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

3. Season the Vegetables

Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, and add the minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the vegetables thoroughly to coat them with the seasoning and oil. Make sure the garlic is evenly distributed to avoid burning during roasting.

4. Prepare the Chicken

If using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts, season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor. You can also rub the chicken with a little bit of fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the herbal aroma. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

5. Assemble the Sheet Pan Dinner

Once the chicken and vegetables are prepped and seasoned, arrange them on the prepared sheet pan. Place the chicken pieces in the center of the sheet pan, and surround them with the seasoned vegetables. Try to keep the chicken and vegetables in a single layer to allow for even roasting. If necessary, use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding.

6. Roast the Meal

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender and caramelized. If needed, flip the vegetables halfway through the roasting process for even cooking. If the chicken is cooking too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

7. Check for Doneness

Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and golden, remove the sheet pan from the oven. If desired, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to give the chicken and vegetables an extra crispy finish.

8. Serve the Easter Dinner

After removing the sheet pan from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Transfer the chicken, vegetables, and any pan juices to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of acidity.

Tips for Perfect Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal roasting, avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the food, resulting in crispy, perfectly roasted vegetables and evenly cooked meat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
• Customize Your Vegetables: While this recipe includes potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and onions, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or asparagus. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different vegetables may require slightly different roasting times.
• Add Flavor Variations: Try adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the vegetables before roasting or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts for extra flavor.
• Make It a Complete Meal: For a heartier meal, serve this sheet pan dinner with a side of bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Variations of Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan

• Lamb and Vegetables: Swap the chicken for lamb chops or a boneless leg of lamb for a traditional Easter twist. The rich flavor of lamb pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs.
• Ham and Roasted Vegetables: If you prefer ham for Easter, slice a pre-cooked ham into thick slices and arrange it on the sheet pan alongside the vegetables for a delicious one-pan dinner.
• Pork Tenderloin and Veggies: Use a pork tenderloin as your main protein. The pork tenderloin roasts beautifully and can be seasoned with garlic, herbs, and even a glaze for a flavorful variation.
• Vegetarian Easter Dinner: For a vegetarian version, use a variety of root vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu or tempeh as the protein. Season with olive oil, herbs, and a little balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, place the meal in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan

Pair this sheet pan meal with complementary sides to complete your Easter feast:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the roasted vegetables and proteins.
• Spring Salad: A fresh salad made with mixed greens, strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich roasted meal.
• Crispy Roasted Asparagus: Another simple sheet pan side dish, roasted asparagus with lemon and Parmesan, would make a delicious addition to the meal.
• Deviled Eggs: A classic Easter side, deviled eggs are always a hit and make for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

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Conclusion

Easter Dinner on a Sheet Pan is the ultimate stress-free solution for preparing a delicious holiday meal. With perfectly roasted vegetables, tender meats, and minimal cleanup, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for your Easter celebrations. Its simplicity and flexibility make it suitable for any gathering, whether you’re serving a small family or hosting a large holiday feast. Enjoy the ease of this one-pan wonder and make your Easter dinner a success with this delicious, no-fuss recipe!