Easter is a time for gathering with family, celebrating traditions, and enjoying a delicious meal together. One of the most cherished Easter traditions around the world is serving lamb—a dish rich in history, flavor, and symbolism. Whether you’re honoring a family tradition or trying something new, lamb is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Not sure how to prepare lamb for Easter? Let us guide you through selecting the best cut, seasoning it to perfection, and cooking it like a pro.
Why Lamb is an Easter Tradition
Lamb has been an Easter staple for centuries, deeply rooted in both religious and cultural traditions. In Christianity and Judaism, lamb symbolizes sacrifice, while in Mediterranean and European cuisines, it represents renewal and celebration. Many countries, including Italy, Greece, and France, prepare lamb in unique ways to mark this special holiday.
This Easter, whether you’re reconnecting with tradition or cooking lamb for the first time, follow our expert tips to make your meal truly unforgettable.
Best Cuts for Easter Lamb
- Leg of Lamb (Bone-In or Boneless) – A popular choice for roasting; tender and full of flavor.
- Rack of Lamb – A beautiful, elegant cut with tender, juicy meat—perfect for smaller gatherings.
- Loin Chops & Rib Chops – Ideal for grilling or pan-searing; milder in flavor than other cuts.
- Lamb Shoulder – A budget-friendly cut best for slow roasting or braising.
- Lamb Shank – A flavorful, fall-apart tender cut when slow-cooked.
Step by Step Guide to Preparing the Perfect Easter Lamb
The first step in preparing lamb is selecting the best cut for your recipe. Each cut has its own unique texture and flavor, making it important to choose one that fits your cooking method. Set a reminder to remove lamb from the refrigerator before cooking so it can reach room temperature. (Skip to Step 3 for more on how the temperature impacts the end result.)
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut of Lamb
If you prefer a milder taste, opt for rack, loin chops, or rib chops, as they contain less of the "gamey" flavor associated with lamb. For a richer, more traditional taste, go for leg, shank, or shoulder.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Lamb
While a boneless lamb roast may be easier to carve, a bone-in leg of lamb provides deeper, more complex flavors. Cooking meat with the bone enhances the juiciness and richness of the dish. If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful Easter centerpiece, go for bone-in leg or shoulder.
Step 2: Prepare Lamb for Cooking
Remove lamb from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking to allow for even heat distribution. Let the meat come to room temperature. Never cook lamb straight from the fridge! Cold meat cooks unevenly, leading to dry or overcooked edges.
- Trim excess fat to reduce gamey flavors.
- Marinate for flavor, but not too long! Best flavor enhancements to include in your marinade for lamb: olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and lemon juice.
- Ideal marinade time: 2-24 hours. Over-marinating (beyond 24 hours) can break down the meat and make it mushy.
- Season generously. Lamb pairs well with bold, aromatic spices.
- Mediterranean flavors: Garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano
- Middle Eastern twist: Cumin, coriander, cinnamon
- French-style seasoning: Dijon mustard, herbs de Provence, shallots
Step 3: Cook Lamb
Roasting is the recommended cooking method that works best for leg of lamb & rack of lamb.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Cook bone-in leg of lamb for 20 minutes per pound. Roast rack of lamb at 400°F (204°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Slow cooking method is best for lamb shoulder & lamb shanks.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender and falling off the bone.
Grilling or pan-searing works well for lamb chops.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare finish.
Regardless of cooking method and cut, let your lamb rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and flavor. You can also adjust the cook temperature based on doneness by referring to the Cooked Meat Temperature Chart.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Plate and serve with a bold red wine for a complete Easter feast.
Side Dish Pairings for Easter Lamb Dinner
Enhance your lamb dish with delicious sides. We have three options to try based on popular flavor combinations.
- Classic Pairings: Roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, asparagus
- Mediterranean Flair: Tzatziki sauce, feta salad, lemon orzo
- Rustic Comfort: Garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, artisan bread
At Wholey’s, we offer premium cuts of fresh, high-quality meats and seafood to help you create the perfect Easter meal. Whether you're roasting a classic leg of lamb or grilling a juicy pork loin, we have everything you need for a flavorful, festive dinner. Shop our Easter meat and seafood specials to create unforgettable holiday meals.