Traditional Matzo Brei Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 4 Matzo crackers
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Optional toppings: granulated sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, or your favorite jam

Steps and instructions

  1. Break up the Matzo crackers into small pieces by hand. You want pieces that are roughly the size of a quarter.
  2. Place the broken pieces into a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let the Matzo soak for about 1 minute, until they are just softened but not mushy.
  3. Drain the Matzo in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess water.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together with the salt and pepper.
  5. Add the drained Matzo to the egg mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should look somewhat lumpy.
  6. Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until it is melted and begins to foam. Swirl the butter around the skillet to evenly coat the bottom.
  7. Pour the Matzo-egg mixture into the skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is lightly golden.
  8. Flip the Matzo brei over and cook for another 2 minutes, until the other side is also lightly golden. You can flip it as a whole or in sections, depending on your preference.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, or drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite jam. Serve immediately while hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetable Matzo Brei: Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini to the skillet before pouring in the Matzo-egg mixture.
  • Sweet Matzo Brei: Add a touch of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of sugar to the beaten egg mixture before combining with the Matzo.
  • Savory Matzo Brei: Add chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the beaten egg mixture for a fresh and savory twist.
  • Matzo Brei with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Swiss, or feta) over the Matzo-egg mixture in the skillet before flipping.
  • Matzo Brei with Smoked Salmon: Serve the cooked Matzo Brei with a side of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers for a delicious brunch option.
  • Gluten-free Matzo Brei: Replace the regular Matzo crackers with gluten-free Matzo crackers or gluten-free bread that has been toasted and broken into small pieces.
  • Matzo Brei with Meat: Add cooked diced bacon, ham, or sausage to the skillet before pouring in the Matzo-egg mixture for a heartier version.

Recipe overview

Matzo Brei is a traditional Jewish dish made from matzo crackers and eggs. It's often enjoyed during Passover, but its simple, comforting flavors make it a beloved dish all year round. This recipe will guide you on how to create your own Matzo Brei at home. You'll soak the matzo crackers until they're perfectly softened, then combine them with seasoned beaten eggs. The mixture is then cooked in a skillet until it's delightfully golden and slightly crispy. You can enjoy it as is, or sweeten it up with a sprinkle of sugar, a dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of your favorite jam. It's a versatile recipe, open to your personal touch. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the dish.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter if you prefer a non-dairy option.
  3. Can I use matzo meal instead of matzo crackers? No, matzo meal won't provide the same texture and results as matzo crackers. Stick to using matzo crackers for this recipe.
  4. Can I add other ingredients to the matzo brei? Absolutely! Matzo brei is versatile, and you can add diced onions, scallions, mushrooms, or any other desired ingredients to enhance the flavor.
  5. Can I make matzo brei ahead of time and reheat it? While matzo brei is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. However, note that it may lose some crispiness upon reheating.
  6. Can I make matzo brei without soaking the matzo? Soaking the matzo is important to soften them and prevent them from becoming too dry or crunchy. It also helps the matzo incorporate well with the eggs.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Matzo Brei, a humble yet delightful dish, carries with it the weight of history and tradition in Jewish culture. It emerged as a culinary invention of necessity during the week-long holiday of Passover, when leavened bread is forbidden. The Jewish people, remembering their ancestors' hurried flight from Egypt, which allowed no time for their bread to rise, turn to Matzo, unleavened bread, during this time. Matzo Brei, a Yiddish term that translates to "fried Matzo", is born when this simple cracker is broken, soaked, mixed with eggs, and skillet-fried to perfection. Its origins are not tied to a specific place, but rather to a people and their resilient spirit. Each bite of this golden-fried dish is a testament to the Jewish diaspora's ability to adapt and thrive, turning the simplest of ingredients into a comforting food that transcends generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.