Building the perfect Easter meat menu means finding the right balance between tradition, variety, and practicality.
And while it’s important to please your guests, you also want to ensure the day is enjoyable for you as the host!
But beyond personal tastes, you also need to consider what’s practical for your skillset, kitchen setup, and the time you have. Do you go for an oven-roasted centrepiece, a slow-cooked option that frees up your hands, or a mix of BBQ meats for easy grilling?
By balancing variety with what works for you, you’ll create a menu that keeps everyone happy – yourself included.
Here’s how to build an Easter meat menu that suits every taste and cooking style.
Easter meat ideas: choosing the right cuts for your long weekend feast
The best Easter meats balance tradition with practicality, ensuring you have the right selection for your gathering.
Traditional Easter roasts
A sit-down meal with a classic feel
If you’re hosting a formal Easter lunch or dinner, a roast is a timeless favourite. These options bring rich flavours and a traditional touch. Choosing the right cut can make all the difference in planning the perfect roast for your Autumn Easter feast.
Do you have the time and oven space to prepare a large roast? If you’re hosting a big crowd, ham is a great low-effort option, while lamb offers a traditional touch for smaller groups.
- Lamb: A traditional Easter favourite, best served roasted with garlic, rosemary, and a rich jus.
- Glazed ham: A crowd-pleaser with sweet and savoury notes, ideal for both warm and cold servings (and hopefully some leftovers!)
- Beef roast: Perfect for those who prefer a hearty, juicy centrepiece, served with side dishes like roasted potatoes.
- Pork roast: Great for crispy crackling lovers, offering a rich, indulgent option.
Is a traditional roast on the menu this Easter?
- Best for: Lamb, beef, pork, whole chickens, glazed ham
- Cooking time: Anywhere between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the cut
- Pros: Hands-off cooking once prepped, perfect for formal meals
- Best for hosts who: Want a classic dish with minimal hands-on work once in the oven
BBQ-friendly meats
For a relaxed social gathering that will please the kids, too
If you’re spending Easter outdoors, BBQ meats provide a casual, crowd-friendly alternative.
Do you have a good BBQ setup and can manage different cook times? BBQ meats are great for easy entertaining but require some hands-on cooking during the event.
- Chicken skewers: Quick to grill and easy to customise with marinades or spices.
- Lamb chops: A nod to tradition with a charred, smoky twist.
- Steak: A no-fuss option that cooks quickly and can be served to each guest’s preference.
- Sausages: You can’t go wrong with snags in bread with tons of tomato sauce. Perfect for pleasing kids and adults alike.
Is a BBQ right for your 2025 Easter feast?
- Best for: Steaks, lamb chops, chicken skewers, sausages, seafood
- Cooking time: 5–20 minutes per cut
- Pros: Cooks quickly, adds smoky flavour, suits outdoor gatherings
- Best for hosts who: Enjoy cooking while socialising and don’t mind being hands-on during the meal. Need inspiration? These easy and delicious Easter BBQ ideas make hosting effortless.
Slow-cooked, effortless meats
Minimal effort; maximum flavour
If you’d rather do the bulk of the prep work in advance and let the cooking take care of itself, slow-cooked meats might be the way to go!
Do you have a slow cooker or an oven that can accommodate long cooking times? These meats are ideal if you want hands-off preparation while focusing on other aspects of hosting.
- Lamb shoulder: Melt-in-your-mouth perfection after hours of slow roasting. Low-effort cooking that delivers delicious results.
- Pulled pork: A tender option full of flavour that pairs well with salads, bread rolls, and roasted veggies.
- Beef brisket: Juicy and rich, brisket is ideal for feeding a crowd.
Is minimal-effort slow roasting perfect for your Easter celebration?
- Best for: Lamb shoulder, pulled pork, beef brisket, whole chicken
- Cooking time: 4–10 hours (slow cooker or low oven heat)
- Pros: Minimal effort, incredibly tender results, easy to prepare ahead
- Best for hosts who: Can do the bulk of prep work in advance, and want a no-fuss, flavour-packed dish that cooks itself on the day
Final tips for stress-free Easter meat cooking
Plan ahead where you can to avoid last-minute stress
A little planning goes a long way in making Easter lunch or dinner enjoyable for both you and your guests.
Start by choosing meats that suit your time, space, and skill level. If you’re buying from a butcher, place your order early to ensure you get the best quality cuts.
Give yourself plenty of time for preparation. A little forward planning goes a long way in making Easter entertaining easy, with stress-free Easter meat prep and cooking tips helping to take the pressure off.
Consider your kitchen setup
Do you have enough oven or BBQ space to cook everything comfortably? If not, you might need to adjust your menu or stagger cooking times.
Spend a little time thinking about portions
When it comes to portioning for your Easter menu, aim for around 250–300g of meat per adult and 150–200g per child. This will not only help ensure everyone gets a satisfying meal, but will help you budget and plan accurately, too.
Keep it simple while offering variety
Rather than trying to juggle multiple cooking methods, it might be worth sticking to one main approach.
Choose meats that complement each other, like:
- Lamb and beef for a traditional roast, or
- BBQ chicken and sausages for a casual gathering.
If you’re unsure, ham and lamb are great all-rounder choices.
Visit your local butcher for quality meat this Easter
Find everything you need for your Easter feast at Australian Butchers Store – from premium-quality meats to expert advice on choosing the right cut and cooking method!