Those looking to expand their menus beyond the traditional glazed ham, sides, and festive chocolate desserts for Easter, this year, might consider taking inspiration from Latin American culinary traditions.

Easter is a significant holiday in many Latin and Hispanic cultures, with families and communities coming together around seafood-forward, savory, and spiced dishes. By incorporating Latin American flavors into your Easter offerings, you can create a unique menu that embraces tradition while offering something fresh and exciting.

¡Buenos Días!

While Easter celebrations often revolve around a dinner meal, why not shake things up with a Latin-inspired Easter brunch? Consider offering brunch dishes with an exciting twist:

• Contigo® Birria Beef Eggs Benedict: Put a deliciously bold twist on a classic brunch favorite, replacing the English muffin and ham with a birria taco and chipotle-tinged hollandaise sauce. This dish takes inspiration from the heart of Mexican cuisine, blending the deep, savory notes of birria with the creamy, smoky kick of the hollandaise. The combination of tender beef, cheesy tortillas, and perfectly poached eggs makes for a memorable meal that celebrates the flavors of Latin America, turning a beloved brunch dish into a fiesta of flavor.

• Huevos Rancheros: Try sunny-side-up eggs served over Contigo Corn Tortillas with a spicy tomato sauce and refried beans.

• Elotes Gravy Chilaquiles: Go for crispy tortilla chips simmered in salsa and topped with fire-roasted corn elotes gravy, eggs, queso fresco, and guacamole.

• Horchata French Toast: Tweak this classic dish with cinnamon-infused horchata batter. Top with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Savor the Sea

During Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter, many people traditionally abstain from eating red meat, especially on Fridays. As a result, seafood takes center stage in many Latin American Easter-season dishes. Consider the following seafood-inspired options:

• Bacalao a la Vizcaína: A classic dish featuring Empire’s Treasure® Salted Cod cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with olives and capers, often served over rice or with potatoes.

• Ceviche: A citrus-cured seafood dish that can be made with shrimp, white fish, or scallops, complemented by fresh herbs and avocado. Consider this Bay Winds® Sea Bass Ceviche with Plantains recipe, where fresh seafood meets the zest of lime, sweet chili, and a touch of coconut milk. This dish pays homage to Latin American coastal cuisine with its bright, bold flavors, perfect for sharing.

• Bay Winds Shrimp Tostadas: Corn tortillas topped with marinated shrimp, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado.

Lamb > Ham

Easter is a time for celebration, and Latin American cuisine is known for its bold flavors and shareable dishes. Instead of a traditional Easter ham, consider offering entrées that highlight rich spices, slow-cooked meats, and vibrant sauces. This might include:

• Birria Lamb Tacos: Slow-cooked lamb in a spiced broth, served with corn tortillas and a side of consommé for dipping. With Contigo Birra Base Concentrate, you can easily recreate this beloved Mexican dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. Known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sour flavors, birria tacos are traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions in Mexico. Now, you can bring that same authentic, comforting taste to your tables with ease, whether you're serving it in a casual setting, for family gatherings, or catering events.

• Bacio® Stuffed Chile Rellenos: Roasted Peak® Poblano Peppers stuffed with Bacio Low-Moisture Whole Milk Block Cheese or substitute a seasoned meat, like Piancone® Epicureo Ground Lamb.

Sweet & Savory

Instead of chocolate bunnies, many Latin American countries instead serve more savory desserts over the holidays. Consider adding some of the following to your list of dessert options:

• Capirotada: A traditional Mexican bread pudding, made with toasted bread, soaked in a sweet, spiced syrup, then layered with nuts, dried fruit, and cheese.

• Arroz con Leche: A creamy rice pudding made with cinnamon, sugar, and milk.

• Flan: A caramel custard that’s rich and slightly sweet.

• Contigo Tres Leches: A moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.

Contigo Desserts provide simple and convenient ways to serve traditional favorites. Each dessert is ready to thaw, embellish, and serve, allowing you to effortlessly elevate your menu. Featuring classics like smooth, creamy flan, with a rich caramel syrup, and a tres leches cake topped with silky cream, these desserts offer a high-quality option to impress guests with minimal effort and extra flavor.

A Fresh Take

By infusing your Easter menu with Latin American flavors, you can create a festive and memorable dining experience that resonates with a diverse customer base. From seafood-forward appetizers to vibrant entrées and comforting desserts, these dishes offer an authentic twist on traditional holiday fare.