30 Recipes to Cook in April 2026.

Today, I’m sharing 30 Recipes to Cook in April—a collection of my favorite spring recipes from the past 13+ years. I’ve created so many this time of year, and this roundup truly highlights some of the best. You’ll find a mix of vibrant dinners, sweet desserts, and fun breakfast ideas—perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any spring gathering. There’s a recipe for every day this month, plus a few extras!

Aside from our weekly Sunday Nine Favorite Things, this is one of my favorite posts to put together each month. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of roundups, but now I genuinely love them. It’s such a fun way to look back on past seasons and rediscover recipes I haven’t thought about in years.

This one feels especially fun because I’ve never shared an April recap before. I went way back and pulled recipes from so many different years—favorites I love but had completely forgotten about. I’m excited to bring them back to life today!

Below, you’ll find plenty of fresh, flavorful spring recipes. April always brings some of our favorites—light, bright dinners, sweet brunch ideas, fresh salads, something special for Easter, and of course, a few irresistible desserts too!

Blueberry Muffin Bread

4.59 from 48 votes

1 loaf

This whole-grain, high-protein bread is special, thanks to ribbons of blueberry jam and clusters of cinnamon crunch!

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Sheet Pan Buffalo Ranch Chicken with Greek Yogurt Ranch

4.14 from 29 votes

6

This easy sheet pan dinner is perfect any night of the week, it's a meal that's as fun as it is delicious!

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One Pot Spinach Broccoli Ricotta Stuffed Shells

3.46 from 33 votes

6

Simple, satisfying, and sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation!

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Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Melts

3.43 from 14 votes

6

Vibrant colors, bold flavors, with everything tucked between layers of melty goodness – so good!

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Sheet Pan Sesame Feta Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

4.86 from 54 votes

6

Simple to prep and just right for spring—colorful, fresh, and satisfying without being heavy!

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Salted Honey Butter Cheddar Brioche Rolls

2.70 from 13 votes

12 rolls

The perfect addition to any gathering, be it a cozy dinner, a weekend brunch, or a holiday spread!

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Easy Lemon Fritter Cake

3.20 from 10 votes

12

Each bite is filled with a swirl of lemony goodness and topped with a quick lavender-vanilla glaze – so delicious!

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Blueberry Croissant French Toast Bake

5 from 11 votes

6

A wonderfully delicious make-ahead brunch entrée that's super pretty when topped with fresh berries!

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Pot Roast Gyros

4.58 from 38 votes

6

These gyros are simple – nothing fancy, but such delicious flavors…a quick, fun, delicious, and different weeknight meal!

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Skillet Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Orzo

4.47 from 62 votes

6

One-skillet meal is completely fuss-free and so delicious. Simply mix, bake, eat, and enjoy!

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Garlic Butter Baked Salmon In Lemony Parmesan Cream

4.99 from 53 votes

4

Perfect for when you’re craving something a little fancier, but need something quick and easy to prepare!

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30 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

4 from 172 votes

4

A simple sauce, but wow, the flavors are delicious…a fun take-out-style dinner great any night of the week!

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20 Minute Ginger Cashew Beef

4.70 from 20 votes

6

A new go-to take-out-style dinner…it’s saucy, salty, tangy, and sweet with just the right amount of spice!

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Lemon Butter Orzo Carbonara

4.50 from 20 votes

6

This is the simplest way to make delicious carbonara pasta. You need just one skillet and about 20-30 minutes!

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Sheet Pan White Pesto Lasagna

4.92 from 73 votes

8

This easy twist on lasagna requires no fancy sauce, no time spent layering noodles, and takes less than an hour!

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Coffee Cake

4.97 from 32 votes

8

Layered with sweet cinnamon streusel, vanilla cake, and melty chocolate, plus a smear of salty honey butter!

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20 Minute Thai Basil Beef Rolls

4.92 from 210 votes

8 rolls

Spicy, sweet, tangy, and salty…enjoy as an appetizer or serve alongside steamed rice for a quick dinner!

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Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce

4.94 from 86 votes

6

Switching up the average weeknight meal with this delicious, easy, and fun 30-minute meal!

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One Pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice

4.76 from 195 votes

4

One pot, under 35 mins, and so simple…wholesome, comforting, plus a family favorite!

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Sheet Pan Spicy Ginger Sesame Beef and Broccoli

4.93 from 192 votes

6

Add a side of rice and spicy sauce and you’ve got all you need, the easiest sheet pan dinner!

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Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Feta Potatoes

4.95 from 159 votes

6

Spicy, sweet, tangy honey garlic chicken roasted with baby potatoes, asparagus, and feta!

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Salty Pretzel Banana Pudding Ice Cream Cake

4.98 from 68 votes

8

Nostalgic banana pudding recreated in vanilla ice cream cake with a salty pretzel crust – YUM!

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Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

4.98 from 250 votes

6

So much happening for a simple-to-prepare salad…fun to make, exciting to eat!

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Easy Skillet Chicken Tinga Enchiladas

4.92 from 148 votes

6

A delicious twist on the combination of classic tacos and baked enchiladas that everyone will love!

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Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls

4.95 from 560 votes

4

Colorful and fresh, these bowls may seem involved but they're actually simple to make and full of so much flavor!

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Giant Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.89 from 108 votes

15 cookies

Delicious, easy, no chill cookies in under an hour. Plus lower in sugar and even gluten-free too!

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Crispy Feta with Lemon Pepper Chicken and Rice

4.91 from 166 votes

4

Of course I'd figure out a way to turn a block of feta cheese into dinner…this is so good!

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Easy Homemade Flour Tortillas

4.73 from 519 votes

12 tortillas

Extra soft, doughy, and chewy. Easily made at home and difficult to mess up. No yeast + no rising time = love!

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Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

4.96 from 64 votes

4

Served with fresh naan, this is the simplest to throw together, looks super fancy, and tastes even better!

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Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl

4.98 from 144 votes

6

Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowls: a spring roll made easier for busy weeknights, then just add some heat with spicy peanut dressing – so good! 

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One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken

4.90 from 350 votes

4

Simple One Skillet Cheesy Green Chile Chicken: delicious saucy cheesy chicken that's all made in one pan, is no fuss, and is so quick and easy!

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Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls

4.90 from 466 votes

6

Greek Chicken Tzatziki Bowls: Street food inspired oven-roasted chicken, served bowl style with all the extras. Add pitas and fries to make a complete meal!

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Artichoke Gouda Tart

4.88 from 86 votes

6

Flaky puff pastry dough topped with melty gouda cheese, marinated artichokes, and fresh garlic and herbs…so simple and easy!

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Crispy Chicken Katsu Bowls

4.83 from 319 votes

4

Spicy gingery chicken, steamed rice, all the toppings, plus our favorite spicy, sweet, and creamy mayo sauce!

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Spicy Serrano Pineapple Margarita

4.68 from 43 votes

1 drink

A spicy, sweet take on the classic, the perfect cocktail to sip on with friends & family all summer long!

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Pesto Chicken, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Pasta Salad

4.62 from 288 votes

8

Simple to toss together, super flavorful, filling, and healthy too…the perfect quick fix salad!

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Cookies n’ Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.39 from 280 votes

22 cookies

Slightly crisp on the edges, soft and chewy in the center, with just the right amount of crunch! 

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Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

4.68 from 400 votes

6

Spicy flavor, bell peppers, crispy chicken, plus the best creamy sauce…all made in just one pot in 30 mins!

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Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pineapple Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Garlic Sauce

4.60 from 287 votes

6

All made on just one sheet pan and in under 30 minutes!

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Homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal

4.60 from 76 votes

8

Best enjoyed with milk, as an ice cream topping, or simply by the handfuls!

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Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

3.84 from 324 votes

20 skewers

The simplest of appetizers, yet so amazingly GOOD. Perfect for Mother's Day and all of your summer gatherings!

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Homemade Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts

4.45 from 315 votes

16 pop tarts

These brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts are flaky, perfectly sweet, and heavy on the cinnamon.

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Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce

4.22 from 826 votes

6

This fun Mexican fiesta-style dinner comes together easily and is so very delicious.

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Blueberry Lemon Thyme Smash

4.33 from 157 votes

1

A simple and quick spring or summer cocktail.

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5 Minute Molten Chocolate Mug Cake

3.81 from 1549 votes

1 large mug

Enjoy this personal-sized cake warm, right out of the microwave, with a scoop of ice cream.

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Skillet Strawberry Bourbon Cobbler with Layered Cream Cheese Biscuits

4.32 from 266 votes

8

Beyond words delicious…tastes and smells like sweet springtime!

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20 Minute Orzo Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto and Burrata.

4.29 from 477 votes

6

The simplest weeknight style Carbonara…a great way to use a mix of pantry and fridge staples!

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Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles

4.31 from 1250 votes

4

The fast Thai chicken noodle bowl that looks like takeout, but tastes so much better…and is healthier too!

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Homemade Chocolate Fudge Poptarts

4.09 from 454 votes

16 pop tarts

Channeling the inner child in us all..sweet, flaky, and extra fudgy. Every bite is roll your eyes back delicious!!

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Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Lime Avocado Crema

4.32 from 455 votes

6

Serve these up alongside sweet pineapple salsa or mango salsa, shredded lettuce, and plenty of fresh limes for squeezing.

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Sheet Pan Lemon Rosemary Dijon Chicken with Feta Goddess Sauce

4.33 from 874 votes

6

Quick, easy, extra colorful, super flavorful, and so delicious. The perfect dinner to serve any night of the week…promise this is not your average sheet pan dinner!

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Crinkle Top Chocolate Peanut Butter Skillet Blondies

4.29 from 413 votes

12

These insanely gooey giant skillet blondies require just one skillet, use pantry staple ingredients, and take almost no effort to make.

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Coconut Carrot Cake with Jammy Swirled Buttercream

4.45 from 300 votes

20

Every bite is layered with coconut, sweet vanilla, and filled with creamy buttercream. An easy, but delicious carrot cake to enjoy anytime time of the year.

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20 Minute Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk.

4.39 from 589 votes

4

An easy weeknight dinner that feels extra special and uses just one skillet…serve with a side of rice and mango salsa!

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Spicy Cucumber Margarita.

4.51 from 127 votes

1 drink

Keeping things fun with this Spicy Cucumber Margarita…uses few ingredients, is a touch sweet, a little bit spicy, and so refreshing…perfect for spring!

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Baked Hot Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers.

4.33 from 614 votes

6

Keeping things fun with these tasty baked Spicy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Fingers…the "grown up" version of chicken fingers…that kids love too!

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