Best Easter Dishes at Affordable Prices
Blessing of food in church is an essential part of celebrating Easter in Slovenia. Special attention is given to decorating easter baskets. They are covered with embroidered fabrics featuring the image of the Lamb of God – a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
The ritual of blessing extends beyond a purely religious act, becoming a family and community tradition. Even those who rarely visit church take part in it, perceiving it as part of the national heritage. For many, it is a moment of unity: in church, neighbors, friends, and families meet, sharing common joy.
After the church service, people exchange blessed eggs and treats, symbolizing unity and mutual support. Moreover, the ritual serves as a reminder of life's cyclical nature and the hope for a good harvest, which is particularly significant in agricultural regions.
From Great lent to Easter breakfast
Blessed food for easter becomes the first meal after a long period of fasting, emphasizing the transition from asceticism to festive abundance. It is worth noting that a blessed easter egg is not only an important element of easter breakfast but is also used in games, such as "egg rolling," and other entertainments that children will surely enjoy.
Symbolism on the table: from bread to wine
Every dish in the easter basket carries deep meaning. easter bread, symbolizing God's goodness and human labor, is placed next to potica – a sweet roll sometimes baked in the shape of a ring, reminiscent of Christ’s crown of thorns. Five red eggs, called pirhi, refer to the wounds of the Savior, while sharp horseradish reminds of His suffering and the nails that pierced His body. Ham or lamb symbolizes sacrifice, and wine becomes a metaphor for Christ’s blood.
Regional traditional easter food
Slovenian traditions impress with their diversity. In Goriška, at the foot of the Alps, sweet breads shaped like birds or nests are placed in the basket, symbolizing spring renewal. In Bela Krajina, people prepare fuline – a filling of cottage cheese and greens, as well as kostelski želodec jelly, adding sophistication to the table. In Kozjansko, they surprise with bread potica, while in Rateče, eggs are complemented with pretzels, combining Christian symbolism with agricultural motifs.
Personal and communal: tradition in details
In addition to the essential elements, some regions also include fresh or dried fruits, wine or must, pints of beer, and more in the basket. Each family adds something of their own – for example, favorite dishes; sometimes children place chocolate, and mothers add coins, believing it will bring prosperity in the new year. These personal touches do not disrupt the unity of the tradition but rather make it lively and multifaceted.
Preserving traditions: Easter dinner ideas
Recipes for Easter dishes, such as ham in dough or potica, are passed down from generation to generation, preserving not only culinary traditions but also the spirit of family warmth. Their preparation often turns into a special event, where the whole family gathers in the kitchen: elders share the secrets of perfect dough and filling, while younger ones enthusiastically help with kneading or decorating. This process not only fills the home with the aroma of baking but also brings generations closer together, creating moments that become part of family history and are passed down along with the recipes.
Apple horseradish
Horseradish is an essential component of the easter breakfast and one of the few easter vegetable dishes. Traditionally, it is served freshly grated, often mixed with grated apple to soften its sharpness.
Ingredients:
- Horseradish root – 1 piece
- Apple – 1 piece
- Salt, sugar, vinegar – to taste
Preparation:
- Peel the horseradish root and grate it finely.
- If desired, grate the apple and mix it with the horseradish.
- Add salt, sugar, and vinegar to taste.
- Serve as a spicy condiment for meat dishes.
Easter ham in dough
Ham in dough is a traditional Slovenian dish, especially popular at Easter. It takes several hours to prepare, but the result is well worth it.
Ingredients:
- Smoked ham – 1 kg
- Mustard – 80 g
- Rosemary – 2 tbsp
- Flour – 400 g
- Fresh yeast – 10 g
- Warm milk – 2 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Salt – 0.5 tsp
- Butter – 50 g
- Milk – 300 ml
- Egg – 1 piece
Preparation:
- Rinse the ham under warm water, place it in a pot, cover with water, and cook for 1 hour.
- For the dough, dissolve the yeast with sugar and warm milk, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Sift the flour, add salt, the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the remaining milk. Knead a smooth dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1 cm, spread mustard over the ham, sprinkle with rosemary, and wrap it in the dough. In some regions, local herbs or cheese are also added.
- Place the ham seam-side down on a greased baking tray, brush with beaten egg, and bake at 180°C for about 1 hour.
Prata with ham
This is a traditional Slovenian easter dish, a casserole made of ham, stale bread, and eggs. It is hearty and fragrant, making it perfect for the festive table.
Ingredients:
- Ham – 0.5 kg
- White bread – 0.5 kg
- Red onion – 1 piece
- Garlic – 4 cloves
- Parsley – 1 bunch
- Eggs – 7 pieces
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Preparation:
- A day before cooking, boil the ham in salted water for 30 minutes. Save 200 ml of the broth and refrigerate the ham overnight.
- The next day, cut the ham into small pieces and place it in a large bowl. Add diced stale bread.
- In a pan, fry the finely chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with bread and ham.
- Add finely chopped parsley. Gradually pour in the reserved ham broth or stock to moisten the bread. Mix well and let it sit for 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. Pour them into the main mixture, stir well, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking dish with two layers of parchment paper. Place the mixture into the dish, pressing it down to form a compact mass. Fold the edges of the parchment over.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown. Let the casserole rest in the dish for 15 minutes after baking. Serve warm.
Potica
Potica is a famous Slovenian roll with various fillings, most often walnuts. It is one of the easter desserts that must be on the table.
Ingredients for the dough:
- Flour – 1 kg
- Yeast – 30 g
- Egg yolks – 3-4 pieces
- Warm milk – 300 ml
- Butter – 120 g
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 2 tbsp
Ingredients for the filling:
- Walnuts – 600-700 g
- Honey – 200 g
- Sugar – 50 g
- Milk – 100-200 ml
- Egg – 1 piece
- Cinnamon – to taste
- Rum or liqueur – a little
Preparation:
- Prepare a yeast starter by mixing yeast, sugar, a little flour, and warm milk. Let it rest.
- Mix the flour with salt, add the yeast mixture, beaten egg yolks, melted butter, and the remaining milk. Knead the dough and let it rise.
- For the filling, steam the ground walnuts with sweetened milk, add honey and cinnamon, let it cool, then mix in the egg and rum.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.5 cm, spread the filling evenly, and roll it into a log.
- Place it in a greased baking dish, let it rise, brush with beaten egg, and bake at 180°C for about 1 hour.
Easter treats reflect a synthesis of Slavic and Alpine influences. They allow you to experience rich culinary traditions and enjoy the taste of festive dishes.
Where to look for holiday deals on groceries?
Easter 2025 is only a few weeks away. Major Slovenian retail chains such as Mercator, Spar, Tuš, Hofer, Lidl, Eurospin, and Interspar offer a wide selection of products and accessories for the Easter basket and a luxurious feast to suit any taste and budget.
Mercator: Easter abundance
One of Slovenia’s leading retail chains traditionally releases special catalogues with holiday promotions. For example, from 20 March to 22 April 2025, the "Special Moments" flyer is in effect, featuring Easter discounts. It presents a variety of products for the Easter basket, including fresh meat, traditional Slovenian ham and other meat products, a variety of cheeses and butter, easter baking and sweets: Easter cake, chocolate eggs and bunnies, drinks and decorations for the Easter table and basket.
It includes many new products and festive items at special prices. For instance, sliced meats start at €2 per pack, while cheese costs from €2.5 and up. Fish products are no less than €5, and snacks start from just €1. Desserts can be purchased for €2-15, depending on the type of Easter candy and the quantity in the package.
The regular Mercator catalog also features plenty of interesting offers to help save on preparing the festive menu. For example, fresh meat and chicken can already be purchased at 40-50% off, while ham – essential for an Easter breakfast – is at least 25% cheaper. Vegetables are 20-30% off, and fish is discounted by at least 20%. Owners of the Pika card enjoy even wider discount offers.
Spar: Discounts and everything for the holiday
Spar supermarkets and Interspar hypermarkets are known for their seasonal offers. In the run-up to Easter, the Spar catalog offers a wide range of products, from fresh meat and cheeses to Easter cakes and confectionery. During this period, you can save 11-50% on fresh meat, at least 10% on meat products, buy organic eggs at a special price, and seafood at 20% off. Additionally, an essential part of the holiday, baked goods and desserts, are available with at least 20% off, or even as multi-buy offers. The range also includes a vegetarian selection, including the vegan Easter egg.
Discounts also apply to drinks, which can be conveniently purchased in advance. It’s also worth considering the budget product line, which makes daily shopping more affordable.
Alongside all these groceries, the Interspar catalog features a non-food selection for enjoyable outdoor time on the terrace or in the garden, as well as everything needed for children’s Easter fun. There are also decorative elements available to add the final touch to the festive atmosphere.
Tuš: Special offers and "Super Price" deals
The Tuš catalog offers a variety of meat products and baked goods suitable for the Easter table. Ham can be bought at 45% off—almost half price—while meat comes with special deals. A juicy cut costs between €4 and €15, depending on the type and quality. Meat products and sliced meats are also available at half price. A wide selection of vegetables and fruits for side dishes and desserts is offered at "Super Price" deals.
The key festive treat—potica with walnut filling—comes with a discount of over 30%. At the same time, shoppers can stock up on Easter desserts, sweet pastries, and honey, which not only enhances the sweetness of desserts but also pairs perfectly with cheese platters.
Drinks, as the final touch to the festive table, are 15-30% cheaper, while aromatic coffee is about a quarter off. Additionally, customers can benefit from discount coupons, further reducing the cost of the Easter feast.
Hofer: Meat, vegetables, and Easter candy
This retailer is known for its loyal pricing policy and generous weekly promotions. Ahead of Easter, the Hofer catalog is packed with great deals on meat, fish, meat products, and other Easter food. On top of already low prices, some items have additional discounts of up to 25%. Special prices also apply to cheeses.
Fresh vegetables and fruits in the promotion are 20-40% cheaper. Desserts, an essential part of the holiday—especially for families with children—are also included. Chocolate eggs and chocolate Easter bunny, gummy bears and sweet sets with Easter-themed decorations are all available at great prices.
The range also includes wines at reasonable prices and non-alcoholic drinks for the festive table.
Lidl: A wide selection and bonuses for loyal customers
Lidl is another popular discount store that celebrates the holiday season with promotions across various product categories.
In the Lidl catalog, weekly offers allow shoppers to save 20-35% on fish, meat, and meat products, as well as grab great deals on sliced meats, cheeses, and signature baked goods.
Promotions on vegetables and fruits ensure delicious side dishes, salads, and fresh fruit platters, with discounts of at least 30%. Sweet tooths will be pleased with chocolate bunnies, chicks, lambs, Easter chocolate eggs, jelly sweets, and gift sets featuring a plush toy for little ones.
For those who enjoy making their own festive treats, Lidl offers ingredients for home baking and dessert preparation: baking powder, flavourings, food colouring, bright sprinkles, sugar decorations, jelly, icing, and ready-made baking mixes—just a glimpse of what home bakers can find in-store.
Drinks are also part of the promotions. Water and beer are cheaper in packs, coffee is available in a 2+1 offer, and wines can be selected based on preference and current deals. An interesting option is the "Po poti dobrih vin" catalogue, in which the retailer provides reviews of different wines available in-store, tips on pairing them with dishes, and even recipes for certain treats—useful if you're looking for Easter menu ideas and want to make your feast perfect.
Lidl Plus programme participants get additional savings opportunities: cash discounts and coupons, special promotions, and prize draws allow shoppers to enjoy their favourite products without compromise.
Eurospin: Budget-friendly offer
Eurospin focuses on budget-friendly Easter products, providing quality goods at attractive prices. Cold cuts and canned fish are 20% cheaper, meat and baked goods come with a 30-40% discount, and vegetables and fruits are available at affordable prices. Sweets and snacks are another category covered by the promotion in the Eurospin catalog. Purchasing these products allows you to save between 10% and a quarter of the cost.
The retailer also pleases customers with discounts on drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages in packs, beer, and wines are 20-25% cheaper.
When planning your shopping, note that store opening hours may change during the holidays. Before heading to shopping centres and supermarkets, check their opening hours to avoid inconvenience.
Alternatives to retail giants
As Easter approaches, Slovenian markets and fairs come to life, offering a wide selection of fresh products and traditional delicacies for the festive table, while small specialised shops provide high-quality and unique products—though not always at low prices.
Fairs and markets
The Ljubljana market, located in the heart of the capital, is famous for its variety and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, cheeses, and baked goods, including traditional Easter treats. Markets in other Slovenian cities, such as Maribor, Celje, and Koper, also offer local products and handmade goods.
In smaller towns like Kranjska Gora or Bled, local markets sell homemade cheeses, smoked meats, and baked goods, while in coastal cities like Koper, you can buy fresh fish and seafood.
Specialised shops and farm stores
In addition to markets, small shops specialising in organic and local products are popular in Slovenia. Here, you can buy homemade bread, cheeses, sausages, and other traditional items. Prices may be higher than in chain supermarkets, but in most cases, they are worth it.
How not to miss out on savings?
Preparing for holidays like Easter often turns into a race for food, decorations, and gifts. Here are some key tips to help you avoid stress and stay within budget without compromising on quality.
Plan your menu like a pro
Before heading to the store, sit down with a cup of coffee and write down your Easter brunch ideas. Calculate how much meat, eggs, cheese, and other products you’ll need. This will not only prevent the situation where you suddenly run out of something while cooking but also help you avoid impulsive purchases.
Stock up early - but wisely
Canned goods, grains, frozen vegetables and fruits, wine, and other drinks won’t spoil if you buy them a month or even two before the holiday. Keep an eye on promotions in chains like Mercator or Lidl, where discounts on long-shelf-life products appear in waves, and stock up when possible.
Team up with loved ones: strength in numbers
Bulk purchases are more cost-effective than retail ones. Arrange with friends or relatives to buy meat, cheese, other easter meals or drinks together. Many retailers offer significant discounts on large packages.
Listen to the experience of the old-timers
Seasoned shoppers know which market is worth visiting, where to find a good butcher’s shop, whether the cheapest grocery store is really that good, which shop has genuinely good deals, and where prices are artificially inflated before discounts. Using their experience can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and disappointments.
Loyalty programmes: your secret code
Don’t ignore cards like Spar Plus, Pika from Mercator, or Lidl Plus—they provide access to special prices, discount coupons, and various bonuses. Plus, purchases earn points, which will turn into savings in the future.
Timely information is the key to success
Keep track of retailers' promotional campaigns to make sure you don’t miss out on saving opportunities. Instead of collecting flyers from different supermarkets or checking their websites one by one, use modern solutions. For instance, by visiting the Geobuyer website or app, you can easily explore the commercial infrastructure of your area, view all current flyers, compare product prices across different stores, create a shopping list, and save both time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips and impulsive purchases. Additionally, the blog on the platform helps you better understand the mechanics of various promotions, select the best deals, and learn more about the retail industry.
P.S.
In the pursuit of discounts and delicacies, don’t forget that the essence of an Easter feast is not the luxurious table setting or the numbers on the receipt but the warm atmosphere and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Easter is a time for gathering with family, sharing good news, remembering cherished traditions, and enjoying moments that will be remembered far longer than the taste of gourmet dishes.
May your festive table be not only delicious but also filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of close hearts.
