14 Creative Ways to Use Matzo

Never get bored of the passover essential again

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
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Updated on 06/27/19
Matzo Crack

 The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Are you looking for Passover-friendly recipes that omit leavened grains or searching for interesting ways to use matzo left over from the holidays? With these tasty ideas, you don't have to be Jewish or celebrating Passover to enjoy matzo for every meal of the day—from breakfast and lunch all the way to dessert.

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  • 01 of 14

    Spinach Matzo Lasagna

    Spinach Matzo Lasagna

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

     

    This genius recipe for a three-cheese spinach matzo lasagna looks and tastes like the classic kind, but is Passover-friendly, thanks to matzo squares that take the place of pasta sheets. Make it ahead and freeze in portions for filling last-minute weeknight dinners.

  • 02 of 14

    Maple Almond Matzo Granola

    Maple Almond Matzo Granola

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

     

    Do you miss the ease and crunch of breakfast cereal during Passover? Pour yourself a bowlful of this maple almond matzo granola and top with milk for an everyday meal. It gets plenty of flavor from matzo farfel, coconut flakes, almonds, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup.

  • 03 of 14

    Matzo Ball Soup

    Instant Pot Matzo Ball Soup

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

     

    Matzo ball soup is Jewish comfort food that is a must-have at Passover seders. This genius recipe features an intensely-flavored chicken broth that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen but cooks easily with chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. The classic, pillowy matzo meal dumplings are just like the ones mom makes.

  • 04 of 14

    Smoked Salmon Matzo Brei With Arugula and Onions

    Smoked Salmon Matzo Brei with Arugula and Onions

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

    Popular deli breakfast ingredients combine with a classic Passover morning treat in this smoked salmon matzo brei with arugula and onions featuring smoked salmon, egg, leafy greens, and fried matzo. Serve it when guests drop by for brunch during the holiday.

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  • 05 of 14

    Passover-Friendly Oven Breaded Chicken Breasts

    Passover-Friendly Oven Breaded Chicken Breasts

    The Spruce

     

    Crispy, breaded Passover-friendly oven breaded chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection are yours to enjoy during Passover when you use matzo meal to form the crunchy exterior. Add some poultry seasoning to the coating mixture for an extra punch of flavor.

  • 06 of 14

    Gluten-Free Zoodle Kugel

    Gluten-Free Zoodle Kugel

    Sam Stowell / Getty Images

     

    Kugel is a baked noodle casserole that's an essential side dish at Passover dinners. This healthy gluten-free zoodle kugel variation uses spiralized zucchini noodles (aka "zoodles") instead of pasta with a crunchy herbed topping made from crushed matzo crackers.

  • 07 of 14

    Passover Macaroni and Cheese

    Passover Macaroni and Cheese

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

    Kid-friendly baked Passover macaroni and cheese makes a great Passover family meal. Matzo farfel (or crushed up matzo pieces) replace the usual wheat noodles in this rich and creamy dinner that includes sour cream and plenty of cheddar cheese.

  • 08 of 14

    Matzo Bark

    Matzo Bark

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

     

    Lightly-salted matzo pieces are loaded up with sticky homemade toffee, melted chocolate, and chopped pecans to create this divine Passover matzo bark. It's great for snacking or gifting to friends and family. The recipe includes great tips for variations.

    Continue to 9 of 14 below.
  • 09 of 14

    Passover Breakfast Pancakes

    Passover Breakfast Pancakes

    Westend61 / Getty Images

    You may think pancakes are off-limits during Passover, but these smart Passover breakfast pancakes put them back on the menu! Matzo cake meal and tapioca starch give these golden-brown flapjacks a satisfying texture. Drizzle with warm maple syrup for serving.

  • 10 of 14

    Cauliflower Latkes

    Cauliflower Latkes

    The Spruce / Miri Rotkovitz

     

    Latkes are fried pancakes typically enjoyed at Jewish holiday meals. While potatoes and flour usually form the batter, this cauliflower latkes recipe uses cauliflower and matzo meal for a lighter appetizer. Serve them hot with sour cream and applesauce for dipping.

  • 11 of 14

    Vegan Sweet Potato Kugel

    Vegan Sweet Potato Kugel

    The Spruce / Jolinda Hackett

    Vegan and vegetarian Seder guests can enjoy homemade kugel with this vegan sweet potato kugel that combines sweet potatoes, apples, raisins, matzo meal, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add optional walnuts for extra crunch.

  • 12 of 14

    Passover Banana Walnut Sponge Cake

    Passover Banana Walnut Sponge Cake

    Alexandra Grablewski / DigitalVision / Getty Images

     

    Passover banana walnut sponge cake studded with ripe mashed bananas and chopped walnuts makes a light and elegant dessert at lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea. This recipe uses matzo cake meal and potato starch in the batter, so it's guilt-free for Passover.

    Continue to 13 of 14 below.
  • 13 of 14

    Almond Mandel Bread Cookies

    Almond Mandel Bread Cookies

    The Spruce / Anita Schecter

     

    Almond mandel bread cookies are the Jewish version of almond biscotti cookies and is wonderful to enjoy (and dip) with your afternoon coffee or tea. This traditional recipe can be enjoyed simply or dressed up with your favorite chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips.

  • 14 of 14

    Magical Matzoh Buttercrunch Toffee

    Magical Matzoh Buttercrunch Toffee

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

     

    If you like Skor bars, you'll enjoy this holiday-friendly spin, which combines the flavors of homemade caramel and chocolate with the crunch of matzo. This magical matzoh buttercrunch toffee makes a popular Passover dessert or a special lunchbox treat for kids.