Whether you're keeping kosher for Passover or just have some extra matzo on hand, these matzo recipes will help you use up that half-eaten box.
22 Best Matzo Recipes for Passover and Beyond
Updated on Feb. 13, 2025
1/22
Matzo Ball Soup
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional matzo ball soup recipe is worth the extra effort. If you prefer, you can add egg noodles instead of matzo balls to this Jewish chicken soup. —Julia Sherman, New Market, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
This wouldn’t be a proper list of the best matzo recipes if we didn’t include some kind of matzo ball soup! Whether you start with a store-box mix or make homemade matzo balls with schmaltz, this soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food.
2/22
Matzo Brei
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Matzo brei (pronounced like fry) is one of the few dishes from my childhood I'll never outgrow. The dampened shards of matzo mixed with eggs and milk and then cooked in butter will never go out of style. I like to serve this matzo brei recipe in one big piece, but you can also scramble the mixture. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 296 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 210mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
One of the most beloved Passover recipes, matzo brei (pronounced like “fry”) is made with dampened matzo, beaten eggs and milk. You can serve it in one big piece or break it up for a scrambled effect.
3/22
Gefilte Fish
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
13 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Gefilte fish is usually served at Passover seder before the main meal. It goes great with spicy horseradish. Don't forget to moisten your hands with water while shaping to keep the fish mixture from sticking to your hands. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 gefilte fish: 147 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Gefilte fish is one of the more time-intensive recipes on this list, but it’s worth every second. The homemade version tastes much better than jarred gefilte fish you’ll find at the store, so you may never go back!
4/22
Matzo Pizza
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Matzo crackers make a super easy pizza crust when you are short on time. Serve this for lunch or a light dinner with a salad on busy weeknights. Instead of tomato sauce, you could also use pizza sauce, marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pizza: 248 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
Who needs traditional pizza dough when you have matzo? Slather on a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce, add a handful of shredded cheese and top it with your favorite veggies. It’s finished baking when the cheese looks melty and delicious.
5/22
Matzo Toffee
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you start eating matzo toffee, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 ounces: 517 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Matzo toffee is one of the most popular Passover dessert recipes. Our recipe is topped with slivered almonds, but other toppings like sea salt, dried fruit, pecans or pistachios work just as well.
6/22
Passover Rainbow Cookies
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The name “rainbow cookies” is actually a bit of a misnomer for these classic New York treats. To make the pretty layered cookies, you’ll bake three thin cakes, spread jam between them and coat with smooth melted chocolate. —Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 32 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 21mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Ground matzo and almond flour are used instead of regular flour for this Passover-approved version of Italian rainbow cookies. The cookies originated in Italian-American communities in New York City (hence the red, white and green colors representing the Italian flag). Jewish bakeries began making a kosher version, and it’s been popular at Jewish celebrations ever since.
7/22
Potato Kugel
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret to keeping your potatoes their whitest in your potato kugel is to switch back and forth when grating the potatoes and onion in your food processor or box grater. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 515mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Kugel is a popular Jewish food for many holidays, but it’s often made with noodles (an off-limits food for Passover). This recipe uses potatoes and matzo meal instead, making it perfect for your Passover Seder meal.
8/22
Passover Popovers
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Popovers have an important role at the Passover table as a substitute for bread. When puffed and golden brown, they’re ready to share. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 popover: 174 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
Leavened foods are off-limits for Passover, but popovers are an iconic Passover side dish. So how do they get their tall, fluffy structure without leaveners? The interaction between the thin batter and the hot oven creates steam, which causes the popovers to rise. And with just five ingredients, they’re completely easy to make, too.
9/22
Matzo Meal Pancakes
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These matzo meal pancakes are a wonderful dish for breakfast or brunch. They can be served with applesauce, jam or sour cream. When beating the egg whites, start on a low speed and gradually increase to reach a good consistency. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3 pancakes: 171 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
The perfect Passover brunch involves these matzo meal pancakes. Double-check that your matzo meal is kosher for Passover, as not all brands certify their matzo.
10/22
Chocolate-Covered Matzo
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My entire family asks me to make this chocolate-covered matzo every Passover and Hanukkah! I've even been asked to ship it across the country. You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate or a combination, or add nuts before the chocolate sets. —Dana Darrow, Nashua, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 155 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
We love a chocolaty snack any day of the week. And when Passover rolls around, that snack is definitely going to be chocolate-covered matzo. For a little something extra, sprinkle the crackers with chopped nuts or add a drizzle of white chocolate.
11/22
Apple Cake for Passover
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
55 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Adding a dollop of whipped cream is a sweet addition to this Passover apple cake! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 294 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
I always like to bake a snacking cake for the week so I can steal a sneaky slice whenever the craving calls. With a matzo cake meal base, this apple cake is perfect for the week of Passover. The apples and cinnamon create delicious pockets of joy, and a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a burst of sweetness.
12/22
Zucchini Latkes
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Avi, and I carry prepare these delicious latkes with our children, Sara, 10, and Yaakov, 5. This year, Sara is old enough to help make the latkes (the oil can get very hot, so be careful). I serve my latkes with sour cream, cottage cheese and applesauce, plus a salad on the side. —Chava Zaitschek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 latkes: 218 calories, 21g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Latkes are traditionally a Hanukkah recipe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make these crispy patties all year round! This recipe utilizes matzo meal to hold the shredded zucchini and grated onions together.
13/22
Passover Meatballs
Skill Level
Intermediate
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist and slightly sweet Passover meatballs are popular with family and friends during the spring holiday season. They're bound to become a tradition at your house.—Julie Sollinger, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 41 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
These meatballs are bound together by eggs and ground matzo meal and covered in a sweet tomato glaze. They cook on the stovetop for almost an hour (which makes the kitchen smell incredible). One reviewer had success baking them in the oven, which is a good option if stovetop space is at a premium.
14/22
Onion Kugel
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliced eggplant, diced green pepper or shredded cabbage can be used in place of onions for this onion kugel recipe. Easy and traditional, this dish resembles a delicious souffle. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 171 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Our Passover-approved onion kugel recipe calls for finely chopped onions and matzo meal instead of the usual egg noodles or sliced potatoes. If you prefer a savory kugel over a sweet one, this recipe is for you.
15/22
Passover Rolls
Skill Level
Beginner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
We use these traditional eggy Passover rolls to make sandwiches throughout the week. But they can also be served as rolls with dinner. —Myrna Lief, Burlington, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 bagel: 134 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
This Passover recipe can be used to create dinner rolls for your Seder celebration or bagel bites for breakfast (they’re especially tasty when slathered with kosher-friendly cream cheese). Either way, it’s a great way to use up a whole cup of matzo meal!
Minas (Matzo Pies)
Matzo pies (aka minas) are a traditional Passover dish for many Sephardic Jews in Turkey, Greece, Spain and parts of Africa. This vegan spinach and potato matzo recipe from Nava Atlas of The Vegan Atlas is based on a traditional minas recipe. However, a creamy blend of cashews and avocados is used instead of cheese.
16/22
Passover Baklava Bimuelos
Bimuelos are doughy fried balls that are often considered a Hanukkah food, but you can make them with matzo for Passover. Cookbook author Samantha Ferraro makes her mother’s baklava bimuelos for Passover. Made with crushed matzo, eggs and spices, they’re fried and covered in rose water syrup and a layer of ground pistachios.
17/22
Chocolate Matzo Cake
This layered chocolate matzo cake comes from Israeli baker and food writer Natalie Levin of Lil’ Cookie. With pieces of softened matzo sandwiched between thick layers of homemade chocolate ganache, how can you go wrong? She tops the cake with shaved white chocolate, but you could also use nuts, coconut or other toppings.
18/22
Matzo Mac and Cheese
Pasta is off the menu during Passover, but you can still get your favorite comfort food fix. This matzo version of mac and cheese comes from
19/22
Matza-quiles
Inspired by Mexican chilaquiles, this matza-quiles recipe comes from food writer Emily Paster of West of the Loop. Smilar to matzo brei, softened matzo is cooked with onions and eggs to make a tasty scramble. Then, it’s finished with salsa, avocado, queso fresco and cilantro for a vibrant (and delicious) meal.
20/22
Matzo Lasagna
Similar to matzo minas, this vegetarian matzo lasagna recipe from registered dietitian Abbey Sharp is made with layers of matzo, sauce and cheese. Paired with a red kosher wine and a fresh green salad, it makes for a satisfying Passover dinner.
21/22
Matzo Granola
Oats aren’t kosher for Passover, so this matzo granola recipe from blogger Sheri Silver is a great breakfast alternative. It calls for almonds, pecans, coconut, figs and dates, but you could use any of your favorite nuts and dried fruit. Try walnuts and dried apples for charoset-inspired granola.
Matzo Recipes FAQ
What is matzo made of?
Matzo is an unleavened bread made from flour and water. Kosher for Passover matzo is made in a specific way so the dough doesn’t have a chance to rise or ferment. Some brands use whole wheat flour, spelt flour or even gluten-free ingredients like tapioca starch or potato flour, although these versions may not be suitable for Passover. Seasonings like herbs or even everything bagel seasoning can be added to matzo.
How do you make your own matzo?
The trick to making matzo is that you need to work fast. Matzo should be prepped and baked in under 18 minutes to prevent the dough from rising. After mixing flour and water into soft (but not sticky) dough, divide it into several portions and roll it into a very thin sheet. Bake it in a 500°F oven until the matzo begins to puff and brown, two to three minutes per side.
What’s the difference between matzo and matzah?
Matzo and matzah are different spellings of the same cracker-like bread. The pronunciation is the same for either spelling, as the “h” is silent.
22/22
