Easter Dinner Recipes and Menu: 'GMA' Makes Your Holiday Meal Easy

April 20, 2011— -- Easter is just around the corner, and it's time to fire up your stove and get the family together for a special dinner. Usually deciding what to make is the hardest part, but we've made planning simple with a classic menu. Try Emeril's delicious ham, Mario Batali's asparagus and Jamie Oliver's fennel salad, your family is sure to thank you.

Mario Batali's Asparagus Wrapped in Pancetta with Meyer Lemon Citronette

The problem with appetizers is that the party usually fills up on them and can't enjoy the rest of the meal. Keep it simple, fresh and delicious with Mario Batali's asparagus wrapped in pancetta. The smoky meat, crisp vegetable and tangy dressing makes a great combination of flavor. And after a few, your guests will still have plenty of room for dinner.

Red Lobster's Cheddar Biscuits

After the asparagus, it's time for dinner, and there is no better place to start than with warm bread. As one of our favorite viewer recipes month after month, these Red Lobster-inspired cheddar biscuits are sure to please. They're best warm out of the oven with a generous dollop of butter.

Fennel Salad

Alongside your biscuit or biscuits you might want something a bit healthier, like Jamie Oliver's fennel salad. Jamie Oliver is a master at finding great ingredients that are packed with flavor and light on calories. This salad is the perfect example, complete with fennel, coriander and lemon.Impress your family with Emeril's spiced ham.

Spiced Ham

No dinner is complete without the main event, the ham. This spiced ham will do the trick. It's easy to make with Emeril's step-by-step instructions. After one bite you'll agree that it was worth the effort.

Try out Emeril's smashed potatoes this Easter.

Smashed Potatoes

If asked what goes best with ham, the obvious answer would be potatoes. Emeril's smashed potatoes are particularly fun with their addition of fresh chives, garlic and just enough butter. Best of all, they're easy to prepare.

Artichoke Fricassee

Artichokes are always a safe bet for a get-together because they are popular and a bit of treat. Most people don't like to deal with the stems and leaves for a daily dinner, but an Easter meal is time to break out something special. Michael Psilakis developed this recipe for artichokes with onions, garlic, fennel and spices. Because of the combination of flavors, this dish complements the ham and potatoes.

Ricotta Cheesecake

So you've worked hard making the meal and now it's time for dessert. There's no need to fuss, this ricotta cheesecake is sure to be a crowd pleaser without keeping you slaving away in the kitchen all day.