Good Friday Food Ideas

Good Friday is an important day in the Easter calendar that many choose to mark with something a little lighter on the table. While some people choose to fast completely, others opt to eat meat-free, celebrating the huge array of fish and seafood available across the UK. And if you fancy finishing with a sweet treat, try our Easter-ready recipes: think hot cross bun bread and butter pudding or zingy lemon bars.

Whether you’re cooking up a feast for the family gathering this Good Friday (3 April 2026), or designing the perfect grazing table for friends over the long weekend, we’ve got all the vital ingredients covered in the Foodhall.

Fish for Good Friday

Fish is a traditional, light and easily adaptable option for Good Friday dinners. Fish and seafood are surprisingly versatile for fussy eaters (see: the kids) and fish fanatics alike. Explore curries, tray bakes, stir-fries and more.

Our new Roast In The Bag fish makes serving up a fish supper for Good Friday even easier. Each bag takes the fuss out of fish prep and loads up the flavour. Choose from Aromatic Cod Fillet with spring onion and coriander, flaky Scottish salmon fillet fragrant with zesty lemon and pepper, and whole sea bass marinated in olive oil, lemon and parsley.

Meat-free options for Good Friday

If you’re keen on eating plant-based this Good Friday, you’ll find a wealth of options in our vegetarian meal ideas list. From easy-peasy traybakes to showstopping pies, you'll find dishes to satisfy even the pickiest carnivores. Shop from our Plant Kitchen range for easy meat-free swaps.

Good Friday dessert ideas

Don't wait until Easter to indulge everyone's sweet tooth. When it comes to Good Friday desserts, opt for light, bright flavours – after all, you've got plenty of chocolate to come! Look to seasonal ingredients, such as ruby-hued forced rhubarb or zingy citrus, and you won't go far wrong.

• Try these fuss-free rhubarb and custard mini pavlovas for a quick-fix Good Friday pud.

• Whip up Tom Kerridge's easy lemon and blueberry loaf cake for the family.

• Got a crowd coming? How about a wow-worthy raspberry Eton Mess trifle?

• For something lighter, these Pistachio Creme-filled amaretti fit the bill.

• Don't fancy cooking? Browse our patisserie-worthy desserts in the Foodhall.

Hot cross buns for Good Friday

Did you know that hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday? Our bestselling buns are crafted according to a secret recipe, and the perfect way to end your evening (or start to your day), whether you're a sweet or savoury fan. Choose from:

• Collection Rich and Fruity Hot Cross Buns

• Granny Smith Apple Hot Cross Buns

• Mini Millionaire's Hot Cross Buns

• Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns

• Extremely Chocolately Hot Cross Buns

• Extremely Cheesy Cheddar and Red Leicester Hot Cross Buns

• Made Without Wheat Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns

Can't decide? Check out our guide to the best hot cross buns, plus irresistible ideas for how to use up the leftovers (did someone say hot cross bun churros?).

Planning your Good Friday meals is easy with our pick of flavour-packed, fuss-free recipes. Choose from our cheat sheet below or explore hundreds more ideas on our recipe hub.

You’ll find plenty of show-stopping Easter food now available in store (including our new Big Daddy Easter Eggs), and even more Easter recipes to whip up between egg hunts. From hot cross buns to lamb roasting joints, you’ll also find our Easter range online at Ocado.