11 Lamb Chop Recipes That Have Us Ditching The Ham This Easter (2024)

11 Lamb Chop Recipes That Have Us Ditching The Ham This Easter (1)

If you're looking for a low-key way to razzle-dazzle your family this Easter, we've got just the thing for you: lamb chops! Before you think lamb is a bit extra, trust us: Lamb chops are an iconic and holiday-worthy meal you can make all by yourself. Even if you don't make lamb chops often, these easy-to-follow recipes will ensure the star of your Easter meal comes out amazing. Once you've figured out which of these 11 lamb chop recipes to make this season, be sure to pair it with one of these side dishes worthy of those lamb chops.

First of all, what is a lamb chop exactly? As their name suggests, lamb chops are a cut that can come from the rib, loin, shoulder, and sirloin portion of the lamb, with the most familiar being from the rib. If you've ever had a rack of lamb or a crown roast, you likely already know that lamb is an easy (yet still super impressive) protein to serve for any dinner, whether it be Easter or just a regular weeknight dinner. Feel free to play around with all the different kinds of lamb chops too! Roasting lamb shoulder is just as good (and simple) as roasting a regular ol' rotisserie chicken, and will yield ultra-tender chops.

Best of all, lamb chops can be taken in so many flavorful directions. Our lamb marinade is our go-to for when we're craving Greek, and our Moroccan lamb tagine is impossible to mess up and will instantly transport you to Marrakesh.

To round out your meal, check out our favorite Easter desserts and Easter side dishes next. And if you're lucky to have leftovers, check out all our favorite ways to use up leftover lamb.

1

Rack of Lamb

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A roasted rack of lamb is the perfect showstopper, especially when it comes to Easter dinner. If working with lamb isn't something you do often, it can seem intimidating. But trust us, it's really simple. Making a garlic-herb paste will add a huge amount of flavor without a ton of work (or time). Just pulse olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs in a food processor (or blender), then let the meat marinate in it for an hour or so before roasting.

Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.

2

Perfect Roast Lamb

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Roasting a lamb shoulder is just as easy, if not easier, than roasting a chicken, no matter if you keep it as chops or roast it whole. Seriously, all you need to do is rub your roast with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil and throw it in the oven for an hour or so. Bonus points if you roast the meat on top of a bed of potatoes. (And why wouldn't you?)

Get the Perfect Roast Lamb recipe.

3

Garlicky Lamb Chops

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When you need a super-fast weeknight dinner, lamb chops are the way to go. They're quick to make and just as easy as pork chops! These are amped up with the addition of fresh rosemary and garlic. Be sure to let them rest at least 5 minutes before digging in; that way, all those delicious juices will be locked into the meat rather than dripping down your chin. 😉

Get the Garlicky Lamb Chops recipe.

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4

Lamb Marinade

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Few types of meat scream “special occasion” like lamb. So whether it's a dainty and delicious rib chop, a slow-cooked shank, or a centerpiece-worthy leg of lamb, this marinade will make it even more special. To get the most irresistible flavor possible, we blended tangy Greek yogurt, olive oil, earthy herbs and spices, and a few cloves of grated garlic for a spicy punch.

Get the Lamb Marinade recipe.

5

Best-Ever Lamb Stew

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Hearty, flavorful lamb stew can be yours in under 2 hours, and all in one pot! With a rich, velvety broth and tender pieces of lamb, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cozier cold weather meal. This recipe calls for lamb shoulder, but any cut of lamb will do! Don't forget lots of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Get the Best-Ever Lamb Stew recipe.

6

Spinach-and-Artichoke Crown Roast of Lamb

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If you want a total stunner this Easter, you need to make this crown roast of lamb. Stuffed with cheesy spinach-artichoke rice, this lamb main dish will definitely impress your guests.

Get the Spinach-and-Artichoke Crown Roast of Lamb recipe.

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7

Moroccan Lamb Tagine

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Get ready to have your kitchen smell just like your favorite Moroccan restaurant. The dish traditionally uses lots of spices both savory and ones that lean more sweet, like cinnamon and cardamom, leading to a result that's so well-balanced and complex, without a ton of work. Serve it over perfectly cooked couscous for the best meal ever.

Get the Moroccan Lamb Tagine recipe.

8

Lamb Chops and Snap Pea Salad

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This is one dish you'll wish you had leftovers of, especially when you serve them up with this fresh and crunchy salad of lightly pickled fennel and onion, snap peas, and herbs.

Get the Lamb Chops and Snap Pea Salad recipe from Good Housekeeping.

9

Grilled Lamb Chops

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Add these garlic-and-herb marinated lamb chops to your list of grilling recipes for the ultimate backyard cookout. Top them with marinated olives and serve with your favorite potato salad.

Get the Grilled Lamb Chops recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

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10

Rack of Lamb

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This lamb is seasoned with a rub of garlic, fresh rosemary, Dijon mustard, and a little bit of honey. Best of all—it’s made on a sheet pan (no searing required!).

Get the Rack of Lamb recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

11

Greek Lamb, Orzo, and Spinach Salad

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Classic Greek ingredients and seasonings such as lamb, orzo, spinach, lemon, and oregano unite to form this fantastic summer salad.

Get the Greek Lamb, Orzo, and Spinach Salad recipe from Woman's Day.

11 Lamb Chop Recipes That Have Us Ditching The Ham This Easter (2024)

FAQs

What cut of lamb for Easter? ›

The most-common cuts of lamb used around Easter are definitely legs (like the Herbed Leg of Lamb by Food Network Magazine pictured above) or chops.

Is lamb traditional for Easter? ›

Lamb is widely considered the traditional meat for Easter Sunday across many countries. One of the main reasons why lamb is such a widely popular choice for Easter Sunday is that Jesus is thought of by some as the Lamb of God.

What is the tastiest cut of lamb? ›

Loin. This is the most tender part of the lamb, producing only the most tender and flavourful cuts. Boned and rolled loin makes for a delectable roasting joint. This is also where the juiciest chops and noisettes come from.

What pairs well with lamb? ›

8 light and simple sides to go with lamb
  • Dijon mustard glazed carrots. ...
  • Herby roasted Jersey Royals. ...
  • Zesty spring greens. ...
  • Roast baby leeks with oak-smoked bacon croutons. ...
  • Peas with pancetta. ...
  • Roast courgettes with lemon. ...
  • Roasted garlic and clementine carrots. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash with garlic and parsley.

Is Easter lamb or ham? ›

The Easter dinner choice between ham and lamb reflects personal preferences and cultural traditions rooted in history. Ham offers classic comfort with various curing techniques, while lamb symbolizes spring's elegance and ancient rituals.

Can Catholics eat lamb on Easter? ›

Throughout history, as Christianity grew and expanded, sacrificing lambs (and really, all animals) fell out of favor. The tradition of eating lamb at Easter stemmed from acknowledging Jesus' sacrifice and ultimate triumph after rising from the dead.

Is eating lamb on Easter sacrilegious? ›

For Christians, the lamb is more a representation of Jesus sacrificing himself and dying on the cross – Jesus being “the lamb of God”. It's most likely that Christians eat lamb at Easter to remember this sacrifice. The sacrificial lamb is mentioned in the Old Testament, when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son.

What is the meat of choice for Easter? ›

There's no question lamb is front and centre at the Easter table - and for good reason - but there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. This is our list of some of the best meats to have for your Easter dinner: Easter Lamb. Easter Beef.

What is the traditional meat on Easter Sunday? ›

Roast lamb or roast ham is the traditional meat for the main meal on Easter Sunday. Read on for more on what to serve with your traditional Easter roast. Hot cross buns, which are spiced tea cakes, are traditionally served on Good Friday.

What is the most popular meat for Easter? ›

Ham is the most traditional Easter meat.

Why do people eat roast lamb on Easter? ›

The eating of lamb is also a reference to Jesus being the 'Lamb of God', not only embodying purity and goodness but also as a metaphor for the ultimate sacrifice he made with his life on Good Friday. So, for many, eating lamb at Easter is both heavily symbolic and traditional.

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