As many reflect on Passover, these three matzah recipes show that this historic flatbread can easily compete with its breadier counterparts.

Story by Carly Luczak

Photos by Macy Hartman

What is matzah? Upon first look, the flatbread may look more like an oversized cracker than anything else, but the unleavened bread is rooted in symbolism. Matzah is a symbol for freedom as Jewish people escaped in haste from Egypt with bread that hadn’t had time to rise. During Passover, Jewish people are only permitted to eat unleavened bread for nearly a week out of respect for their ancestors’ exodus. Overall, matzah is a reminder to live modestly based on past hardships.

That doesn’t mean that matzah can’t be leveled up or eaten as part of an everyday meal. The flatbread acts as a perfect canvas for innovation and creativity. Next thing you know, matzah could be your bread of choice. Here are three innovative matzah recipes that will have you questioning your devotion to doughy bread in the first place.

Simply Sweet Matzah Crackle

Who said matzah couldn’t be a topping for your favorite breakfast foods? This yummy crackle is sweet with a major crunch.

Makes 1 cup of crackle.

Ingredients

• 3 matzah crackers, unsalted
• 4 tbsp honey
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 oz chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ oz pecan pieces
• ¼ oz sliced almonds

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Break matzah into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Add honey, brown sugar, cinnamon and olive oil to a small pot. Cook on medium-low heat until everything melts completely. Stir frequently.
4. Once slightly bubbling, add pecans, sliced almonds and matzah to the pot until all dry ingredients are covered in the sugar mixture.
5. When fully incorporated, transfer granola mix onto a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Spread thin with a spatula.
6. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the matzah edges are golden brown. The goal is to dehydrate the pieces in order to add extra crunch.
7. Cover with melted chocolate and chocolate chips to taste.

Not-Bagels and Lox Bites

If you are ever missing bagels and lox, this innovative twist on the delicious classic acts as a great snack or hor d’oeuvre. This recipe is my personal favorite!

Makes 12 bites.

Ingredients

• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 2 matzah crackers, unsalted
• 2 oz cream cheese
• Thin slices of red onion
• Pinch of dill weed

Preparation

1. Break matzah into saltine-sized pieces.
2. Schmear on a liberal amount of cream cheese.
3. Roll up a piece of smoked salmon and position on top of cream cheese.
4. Cut red onion into thin half-moons. Place on top of the salmon.
5. Sprinkle dill over salmon.

Fluffy Chocolate Chip Matzah Pancakes

These pancakes are super simple, fluffy, and filling. Not bad for four ingredients!

Adapted from Tori Avey. Makes 10 pancakes. Feel free to substitute for kosher alternatives, or add a pinch of baking powder.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• ⅕ cup (3 tbsp) matzo meal
• 3 tsp sugar
• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• Cooking spray or a nonstick pan

Preparation

1. Separate eggs into whites and yolks.
2. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites to semi-stiff peaks.You’re looking for an opaque, glossy mixture with tips that fold over onto themselves.
3. Add egg yolks, matzah meal and sugar to another bowl and mix until well incorporated.
4. Fold egg whites into main mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites too much.
5. Add in chocolate chips and mix well.
6. Place frying pan on medium heat. Grease pan and cook pancakes. When bubbles rise from the surface and the pancake is no longer wet on the underside, flip the pancake and continue cooking until golden brown.
7. Top your finished pancakes with whatever your heart desires!