Soft matzah is a delightful twist on the traditional crisp and brittle matzah most of us are familiar with. Whether you’re preparing for Passover or simply craving a softer, more pliable flatbread, this homemade soft matzah recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Unlike the dry, cracker-like texture of typical matzah, this version is tender, chewy, and perfect for dipping, rolling, or simply enjoying on its own. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create fresh soft matzah that’s both authentic and irresistibly delicious.
Making soft matzah at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the texture to your liking. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding baking project that the whole family can enjoy.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know—from the essential ingredients to helpful tips—to master this unique recipe perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soft matzah recipe stands out because it combines traditional flavors with a modern, soft texture that’s perfect for a variety of uses. Unlike the dry and brittle store-bought matzah, this soft version is fresh, moist, and tender, making it incredibly versatile.
Perfect for sandwiches, dips, or as a side: The soft texture allows you to tear and fold the matzah without it breaking, which opens up numerous serving possibilities.
Quick and easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have soft matzah ready in under an hour.
Customizable: You can add herbs, seeds, or spices to personalize your matzah to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to aid browning and softness)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Fork or dough docker (for piercing the dough)
- Clean kitchen towel
- Pastry brush (optional, for oil)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar (if using) until well blended.
- Add wet ingredients. Gradually pour in the warm water and olive oil while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle with a little more flour as needed.
- Rest the dough. Cover the dough with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes rolling easier.
- Divide and roll out. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a very thin circle or oval, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Dock the dough. Using a fork or dough docker, prick the rolled dough all over to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake the matzah. Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes, then flip and bake another 3-5 minutes until golden spots appear and the matzah is cooked through but still soft.
- Brush with oil (optional). For extra softness and flavor, brush the matzah lightly with olive oil as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Cool and store. Let the soft matzah cool slightly on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container or wrap in a clean towel to keep soft until serving.
Tips & Variations
“For the softest matzah, avoid overbaking—remove them from the oven as soon as they start to turn golden.”
- Add herbs or spices: Mix dried rosemary, za’atar, or garlic powder into the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend but expect a slightly different texture.
- Soften with steam: Place a small oven-safe bowl of water on the bottom rack while baking to create steam, which helps keep the matzah soft.
- Storage: Soft matzah is best eaten fresh but can be refreshed by warming briefly in a pan wrapped in foil.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 piece) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 3g |
Saturated Fat | 0.4g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Fiber | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Soft matzah is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple snack.
It also works beautifully as a base for sandwiches, such as a classic egg salad or smoked salmon with cream cheese.
Use soft matzah as a wrap for Mediterranean-style fillings like hummus, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken. It’s also perfect for dipping into rich sauces, such as a creamy spinach dip or a zesty tomato salsa.
For a sweet twist, try spreading it with honey and cream cheese or topping with fresh fruit and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The soft texture makes it ideal for rolling and folding, which opens up creative serving options.
Conclusion
Making soft matzah at home is a rewarding and delicious experience that elevates your Passover meal or everyday bread options. This recipe’s simplicity combined with its tender texture offers a fresh take on a beloved tradition.
You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare with common pantry staples, and the result is a soft, pliable flatbread that complements a wide range of dishes.
Whether you enjoy it plain, with herbs, or as part of a sandwich, this soft matzah recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I encourage you to experiment with the variations and serving suggestions provided to find your perfect match.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Soft Matzah Recipe
Description: This soft matzah recipe creates tender, pliable flatbreads perfect for Passover or any meal. It uses simple ingredients and a quick baking method.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 8 pieces
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add warm water and olive oil, mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Divide dough into 8 equal balls and roll each thin.
- Place rolled dough on baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove and cover with damp cloth to keep soft.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 25g
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