Forgo the traditional sit-down Easter lunch with an easy sharing buffet or brunch. With plenty of make-ahead options including a smoked mackerel pâté and seeded cheese straws as well as impressive-looking fish and lamb dishes, you're sure to satisfy guests whatever their palates and dietary requirements. We haven't forgotten sweet options either, with crowd-pleasing seasonal desserts and sweet treats that kids can get involved with making, too. If you're hosting, check out our best Easter table decoration ideas too to create a pretty Easter tablescape with extra seasonal touches, from candles to plates.

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Now discover our most indulgent Easter brunch recipes, Easter breakfast recipes, top five-ingredient Easter recipes for kids, plus our picks of the best Easter eggs to buy.

Easy Easter buffet ideas

1. Smoked mackerel on toasted crumpets

Three smoked mackerel toasted crumpets

Crumpets make a satisfying base for loading up with this rustle-together smoked mackerel topping. Prep your mackerel filling ahead of time then all you have to do is pop the crumpets in the toaster when guests arrive. Try more ways with smoked mackerel.

2. Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart

Roasted carrot & whipped feta tart

Although this tart may look lavish, using carrots keeps it firmly budget-friendly. You'll also cut costs and save food waste by making a carrot top pesto to drizzle generously on top. Try more vegetarian Easter ideas.

3. Spring lamb skewers with lightly pickled allotment salad

Lamb skewers in a circle around a spring salad pot

Serve your Easter lamb in skewer form for a relaxed entertaining idea this year. The charred, juicy meat pairs perfectly with the quick-pickled crunchy cucumber, radishes and fennel. Try more skewer ideas.

4. Raspberry frangipane croissant bake

Raspberry frangipane croissant bake in a baking dish

Make the most of leftover pastries to create a stunning but easy brunch dish to serve to guests. Anyone who loves almond croissants won't be able to get enough of the frangipane filling with raspberries and toasted flaked almonds. Serve with yogurt, cream or ice cream. If you loved this one, we have more frangipane recipes.

5. Mushroom pâté toasts with eggs & thyme salt

A serving of mushroom pâté toasts with eggs & thyme salt

Prep your mushroom pâté ahead of time to take the pressure off on Easter Sunday. Jammy eggs, the homemade thyme salt and a drizzle of truffle oil make it extra special for guests. Try more vegetarian pâté recipes.

6. Multi-seed cheese straws

Cheese straws topped with seeds next to smoked salmon, capers and lemon wedges

You can't go wrong with a cheese straw at a buffet – and this version is given a speedy flavour upgrade with onion flakes and sesame and poppy seeds. Serve with smoked salmon and wedges of lemon for a brunch twist or alongside a creamy homemade dip.

7. Allotment salad

Large serving bowl of asparagus, green beans, radishes, peas, long stem broccoli, cabbage and spring onions

Ideal for feeding a crowd, this crunchy salad lets seasonal asparagus shine among vibrant radishes and an easy French-style dressing. It's vegan and gluten-free, too. Now try more spring salads.

8. Whole baked fish with fennel, chilli & lemongrass

Two whole baked fish with fennel, chilli & lemongrass

A sophisticated-looking dish to impress your guests, this whole baked fish celebrates punchy seasonal flavours and takes only 25 minutes to prepare. Never gutted a fish before? Discover how to prepare a whole fish and then more Easter fish ideas.

9. Chilli cheese hot cross buns

A selection of chilli cheese hot cross buns

Try a spicy mature cheddar hot cross bun for a grown-up version this Easter. Delicious served warm out of the oven with butter, they're also just as good dunked into a homemade soup. Try more twists on hot cross buns.

10. Honey & mustard sausage roll spread

Honey & mustard sausage rolls served with boiled eggs and gherkins

Everyone will love helping themselves to this sumptuous spread of homemade mini sausage rolls, cold cuts, pickled beetroot and fresh salad. Feel free to adapt the recipe with your favourite sides and double-up the honey & mustard sausage rolls if needed, they won't stick around for long! Try more sharing spreads.

11. Nettle spanakopita

Nettle spanakopita on a board with triangle slices cut out

Transform the glut of seasonal nettles into a show-stopping vegetarian centrepiece. You can swap the nettles for spinach but we recommend giving this sweet and nutritious alternative a chance. Give more recipes with nettles a go.

12. Easter millionaire's squares

Colourful rice crispy and marshmallow squares stacked up and topped with colourful chocolate and mini eggs

Bring brightness to your Easter spread with these colourful, sugar-coated egg-topped puffed rice chocolate and caramel bites. Older kids will love lending a hand with creating the marbled-effect white chocolate layer. Try more no-bake Easter treats.

13. Pomegranate salmon

Salmon fillets dressed in pomegranates and herbs

The combination of pomegranate seeds and molasses creates a rich depth of flavour to glaze flakey salmon, and this recipe can easily be scaled to suit your entertaining needs. Now discover more ways with pomegranates.

14. Easy rhubarb fool

Rhubarb fool with with pistachio cardamom shortbreads

Enjoy forced rhubarb as a pretty-in-pink seasonal fool. The uncooked pistachio & cardamom biscuit dough keeps frozen for up to one month, so you can get ahead with prep, too. See our best recipes for spring.

15. Garden carrot cake

garden carrot cake with bunnies

Little hands will love to help make this rabbit-themed cake. The classic combination of a delicately spiced carrot sponge and lemony soft cheese icing means adults won't be able to resist a slice either. Discover more fun baking projects for kids this Easter.

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Enjoyed these recipes? Discover more Easter inspiration:

Easter dessert ideas
The best Easter cakes for kids
How to make decorated Easter eggs
How to cook a leg of lamb for Easter Sunday
How to throw an Easter egg hunt
10 things to do at Easter
Using up Easter chocolate with kids

What are your favourite Easter dishes? Leave us a comment below...

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