Get Cracking With Easter
Easter is the perfect time to gather loved ones around and celebrate with delicious meals that bring everyone together. Whether you’re planning a traditional Easter Sunday feast (this year it falls on April 20), a family-friendly barbecue, or a relaxed Good Friday get-together, there are plenty of options for creating unforgettable dishes.
From tender lamb to barbecue-friendly brisket and ribs, let’s explore the best meat to cook for Easter 2025 with the help of the experts at Lakings Butchers.
Why we eat lamb at Easter
Lamb has long been the centrepiece of Easter Sunday lunch, with its roots going back to religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity, the lamb symbolises sacrifice and purity, closely tied to the story of the Passover and Easter. Over the years, lamb, particularly in the UK, where spring lamb is at its finest. With its tender texture and rich flavour, Lakings grass-fed lamb is an ideal choice for Easter Sunday lunch with family.
The foodies’ choice, a boned and rolled shoulder of lamb has so much to offer. Put it in the oven and forget about it for hours. We love roasting ours with lemon and thyme for a spectacularly tasty family dinner full of flavour. Pair it with roasted potatoes, fresh spring vegetables, and Mrs Darlington’s mint sauce to create a classic, showstopping centrepiece that your family will love.
What to cook for Easter Sunday lunch
If you’re wondering what to cook for Easter Sunday lunch, traditional roasts remain a firm favourite. Alongside lamb, other meats like beef brisket and pork shoulder are increasingly popular for their ability to feed a crowd while delivering rich, tender flavours. Lakings ensures that every cut is expertly prepared, offering exceptional taste and freshness for your Easter meal.
- Spring Lamb Roast: A seasoned leg of lamb roasted to perfection with crispy edges and a juicy centre is always a winning option. Serve it with seasonal sides like asparagus, minted peas, and roasted carrots for a light, vibrant meal.
- Beef Brisket: Slow-cooked brisket offers melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and works beautifully with rich gravies and Yorkshire puddings. For a modern twist, try a red wine and garlic marinade to deepen the flavour profile.
- Pork Shoulder Roast: A slow-cooked pork shoulder with crackling is perfect for feeding a large family. Add Mrs Darlington’s Bramley apple sauce and roasted root vegetables to complete this hearty meal.
Good Friday get-togethers
Good Friday often marks the beginning of the Easter celebrations, and lighter meals or sharing platters are perfect for this occasion. Opt for charcuterie boards featuring Lakings’ high-quality Lincolnshire sausages, cold cuts, and cheeses to create a grazing table that everyone can enjoy.
If you’re hosting a relaxed get-together, traditional sausage rolls, pulled pork sliders, or beef brisket tacos are quick and crowd-pleasing options.
What to cook for an Easter Weekend away
For those enjoying a weekend getaway over Easter, planning simple yet impressive meals is key. Think versatile cuts of meat that travel well, like pre-marinated steaks, lamb chops, or barbecue-ready ribs. These cuts can be cooked easily on a grill or in a holiday kitchen with minimal fuss.
Barbecue ideas (British weather permitting)
Spring weather can be unpredictable, but if the sun shines, barbecuing is a fantastic way to celebrate Easter weekend. Certain cuts of meat work particularly well on the grill, delivering smoky, tender results that everyone will enjoy:
Beef Brisket: Barbecue brisket is a trend that continues to grow. Slow-cooked over indirect heat with a smoky rub, brisket becomes tender, juicy, and full of flavour. Serve with tangy coleslaw and brioche buns for a casual Easter meal.
Ribs: Lakings’ rib of beef marinated in a sticky barbecue glaze is another Easter barbecue favourite. Cook it low and really slow to achieve that fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
Lamb Chops: Marinated lamb chops with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil are perfect for grilling. They cook quickly and pair beautifully with grilled vegetables and flatbreads.
Sausages and Burgers: High-quality Lincolnshire sausages and beef burgers from Lakings Butchers are simple barbecue staples that please both kids and adults alike. Check out our barbecue section for all the essentials.
Why shop with your trusted butcher
With Lakings Butchers’ premium, sustainably sourced meats, you can be confident in the quality, flavour, and care that goes into every cut.
By shopping with Lakings, you’re choosing a local, trusted British butcher committed to sustainability, and animal welfare, and you’ll be supporting British farmers.
Whether you’re hosting a formal Easter lunch, enjoying a laid-back Good Friday feast, or planning a barbecue (prays for sunshine), Easter 2025 is the perfect time to explore our ambassador chef Rosie Dicker’s recipes and meat trends. From tender lamb to smoky barbecue ribs and brisket, there’s no shortage of options to make this Easter unforgettable with Lakings Butchers.
