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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Jewish Recipes / Grandma’s Matzo Balls

    Grandma’s Matzo Balls

    BY: Courtney PUBLISHED: Jun 12, 2012 33 Comments UPDATED ON: Sep 21, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
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    JUMP TO RECIPE
    inside of matzo ball with text saying matzo ball soup recipe.
    matzo balls in broth and showing inside with text saying matzo balls sinkers and floaters.

    My grandma’s matzo balls recipe can easily be made as a floater that’s light and fluffy or firm matzo balls as we call a sinker. Either way you make them, you’ll love them for matzo ball soup!

    3 matzo balls in a bowl of chicken soup.

    I share this recipe for my Grandma’s Knaidlach (Matzo Balls) with you and hope that you will also enjoy the way that I have for all these years.

    matzo ball soup in a white bowl with a spoon holding half a matzo ball.

    Recipe ingredients and notes

    • Eggs – It’s extremely hard to get a good matzo ball without eggs, some have used aquafaba, but eggs really keep the matzo ball together.
    • Avocado Oil or Chicken Fat/ Schmaltz – My grandmother used vegetable oil so that’s another option.
    • Kosher Salt – Always have Kosher salt in the house. Make sure you season them well or they will be bland.
    • Pepper – We like pepper, you can add or reduce the amount to your liking.
    • Parsley – Fresh or dried parsley works, we like the pop of color in the matzo balls.
    • Granulated Onion – All about flavor, you can also add in other seasonings you like, but this is traditional for us.
    • Original Seltzer – Using seltzer helps add air into the matzo ball mixture.
    • Matzo meal – I have always made my own matzo meal. You can make it homemade or purchase it already ground.

    Step-by-step instructions

    For the full ingredient amount and full instructions on how to make matzo balls see the recipe card below.

    Add the matzo meal and other dry ingredients to a bowl.

    matzo meal with seasonings to make matzo balls in a glass bowl.

    You can either combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl or just mix it all together.

    unmixed matzo ball mixture in a glass bowl.

    I like to use my hands to once the matzo ball mixture gets a bit harder to use a spoon.

    hand in a black glove mixing matzo ball mixture.
    matzo ball mixture mixed in a glass bowl.

    Place the matzo ball mixture into the refrigerator for about an hour.

    matzo ball mixture in a glass bowl with a blue lid ready to be refrigerated.

    Roll the mixture into balls and place into a large pot with chicken broth and fresh herbs.

    raw matzo balls ready to cook.

    Matzo ball sinkers, firm matzo balls cooking in chicken broth

    matzo balls in boiling broth.

    Matzo ball floaters, light and fluffy matzo balls cooking in chicken soup

    matzo balls boiling in soup in pot.

    Boil the matzo balls for about 30 minutes per batch of matzo balls. Do not overcrowd the pot as the matzo balls will swell up with the liquid as they cook. Also, add in the vegetables so they can get tender.

    cooked matzo balls in broth.

    Once they are done add to your broth of choice or refrigerate in broth until ready to serve.

    matzo ball soup in a bowl with veggies.

    Recipe tips and variations

    • We like sinkers, if you prefer a lighter matzo ball you can use less matzo meal. I use 2 cups, you can use 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups.
    • Whenever I make light and fluffy matzo balls I’ll cook them right in the chicken soup as they’re more delicate.
    • Prep the matzo balls ahead and store them in the refrigerator in broth until ready to serve. You can store uncooked matzo balls for 1-2 days and cooked for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze cook matzo balls for 3 months.
    • Use a flavorful broth when cooking matzo balls, they’re like a sponge and will absorb the flavor from the broth.
    • Season it well, if you don’t season your matzo balls they’ll be flavorless.
    matzo balls in a white bowl with a spoon on a blue napkin.

    Storage and reheating tips

    • Refrigerate: Store any leftover matzo balls in an air-tight container in broth in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3-4 days.
    • Freeze: To freeze matzo balls you’ll place them in an air tight container after cooking and enjoy them within 3 months.
    • Reheat: To reheat matzo balls we warm them up in a pot on the stove with broth. You can do this for about 20 minutes or until the center is warm. If you’re in a rush you can slice the matzo balls into quarters.

    How to serve

    We serve matzo balls in Homemade Chicken Broth with freshly chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and parsnips. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley and dill.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you freeze matzo balls?

    Yes, you can freeze matzo balls after cooking for up to 3 months.

    Can I prep matzo balls in advance?

    Yes, to prep matzo balls in advance you can store the mixture before cooking for 1-2 days or cooked matzo balls for 3-4 days broth. Alternatively, you can also cook and freeze them further in advance.

    How can I make light and fluffy matzo balls?

    To make floater matzo balls you’ll want to use less matzo meal, so 1 cup.

    How do I make matzo ball sinkers?

    This recipe will give you nice matzo ball sinkers. You’ll need to use some pressure to cut them, just the way our family loves them.

    Sinker Matzo Ball

    close up of inside of matzo ball in chicken broth.

    Floater Matzo Ball

    large matzo ball cut in half in bowl of soup.

    more matzo recipes

    Our simple matzo meal recipe is easy to make and much more fun than buying it premade in the box at the store. Great for matzo ball soup or any recipes where you use bread crumbs, such as breaded chicken!

    Matzo Meal Recipe

    Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup - Holiday Recipe www.courtneyssweets.com

    Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup

    grandma's chicken friccassee with meatballs on a plate resting on a white napkin with black lines.

    Jewish Chicken Fricassee with Meatballs

    3 matzo balls in a bowl of chicken soup.

    Grandma’s Matzo Balls

    My grandma's matzo balls recipe can easily be made as a floater that's light and fluffy or firm matzo balls as we call a sinker. Either way you make them, you'll love them for matzo ball soup!
    5 from 7 votes

    click the stars to rate this recipe

    Print Pin Recipe
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Jewish
    Keyword: matzo ball recipe, matzo balls
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 20 matzo balls
    Calories: 70kcal
    Author: Courtney

    Ingredients

    • 4 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or chicken fat / schmaltz
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1/2 tablespoon fresh
    • 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion
    • 3/4 cup original seltzer
    • 2 cups matzo meal use 1 cup for light and fluffy matzo balls
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Beat eggs, oil, seasonings, and seltzer.
    • Add egg mixture into a large bowl with the matzo meal, mix until combined.
    • Place the matzo ball mixture into the refrigerator for about an hour.
    • Roll the mixture into balls and place into a large pot with your preferred broth.
    • Boil the matzo balls for about 30 minutes per batch of matzo balls. Do not overcrowd the pot as the matzo balls will swell up with the liquid as they cook. Also, add in the vegetables so they can get tender.
    • Once they are done add to your broth of choice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information is automatically calculated and can vary based ingredients and products used. If the nutrition numbers are important for you we recommend calculating them yourself.

    nutrition disclaimer
    Tried this recipe?Mention @courtneyssweets or tag #courtneyssweets!

    So nice to have you here! Did you try this recipe? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Be sure to leave a recipe rating! Also, tag us @courtneyssweets #courtneyssweets on Instagram so we can share it!

    Oh, how I miss my grandma. I will never forget talking to her on the phone for an hour just about a recipe or anything that involves food.  We could go on and on forever.  She taught me a very useful tip when I was younger – “Courtney, you can always add more but you can’t take out.”   I used to add too much salt to everything and then I wouldn’t touch it.  Although we found one exception to this rule, and that is chocolate – you can never have enough!  It’s been so hard not to be able to pick up the phone and talk to her about her day.  She was full of life, but her body was running on empty.

    Grandma's Knaidlach - Matzo Balls

    My last conversation with her was about her telling me about her upcoming surgery, and how it would fix everything so I could come to visit with the baby.  She talked about how she was so anxious to find out if I was having a girl or boy and what we would name them.  Unfortunately, the surgery only made matters worse, and it tore me apart that I knew my grandma wasn’t going to make it.  When she joined my parents, grandpa, and other relatives in heaven I thought to myself, how could this happen?? Why?  Then I realized not only was she with all of the people she loved.. She was out of pain.  She was set free.

    This is a copy she made for my mother. So now as I open my recipe box and look at all the memories we have of my grandma I can’t help but smile.  Smile and think of all the times we would talk about recipes.  At first, it was hard for me to even think about making anything.  Now it is bringing me comfort.  I was brought up always eating my grandma’s cooking that was full of love, and now I will enjoy it just as if she had made it herself.  Not only me but my beautiful family.

    Grandma's Knaidlach - Matzo Balls

    More Jewish Recipes

    • Hanukkah Gelt
    • Matzo Brei
    • Honey Cake (Rosh Hashanah)
    • Instant Pot Brisket

    POSTED IN: Dairy Free Recipes Jewish Recipes Main Course Recipes Soups

    About Courtney

    Family, Food, and Photography are Courtney's passions and you'll see all of that on this blog. She is happily married to her husband Chris and together they have two amazing kiddos!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tamara @ Southern Yankee Mix

      June 12, 2012 at 8:48 pm

      You are going to make me cry! Thanks for taking the time to share your Grandma’s recipe. Mine has been gone for almost 2 years now and I miss her SO much. It’s nice that you guys had something that you talked about together and you can now cook and remember her through it. ((hugs))

      Reply
    2. Nichol

      June 12, 2012 at 10:38 pm

      Courtney what a sweet post, and how thoughtful to share it with us. I have never had a matzo ball, but think I’m going to give them a try, in honor of your grandmother. They sure do look yummy.

      Reply
    3. Rachel

      June 13, 2012 at 2:07 am

      This is a beautiful, beautiful post … Absolutely beautiful.

      And I adore the way she wrote how the instructions for your mother.

      Reply
    4. Tummy Tuck or Bust

      June 13, 2012 at 3:53 am

      Thank you so much for sharing this. My grandmother passed away when I was six, but our family “adopted” one who cared for us for many many years. I will make these and think of your grandmother. I have a great challah recipe if you’re interested. Vey easy!

      Reply
    5. Debra Pearlstein

      June 13, 2012 at 3:23 am

      What a beautiful and touching post… must have something in my eye. She sounds so wonderful!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer @TheRebelChick

      June 13, 2012 at 11:37 am

      I’ve never tried making matzo balls, thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    7. April Decheine

      June 13, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      I love Matzo Balls! Especially in chicken broth!

      Reply
    8. Kenda @ Remaking June Cleaver

      June 13, 2012 at 1:39 pm

      What a wonderful thing to share with us! My husband’s family was amazed when they found I could make matzo ball soup. I think it’s one of the reasons he married me 😉

      Reply
    9. Stefani @ MommyEnterprises.com

      June 13, 2012 at 2:08 pm

      What a great post. I don’t think I have ever had these.

      Reply
    10. Penelope (NYC Mom Blogger)

      June 13, 2012 at 4:34 pm

      Ooh, bookmarking, I LOVE matzoh ball soup! This is my favorite recipe you ever posted!

      Reply
    11. Marcie W.

      June 13, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      Such a beautiful post! I’m part Jewish and miss my grandmother’s matzo balls so much. I can’t wait to try these for my family, they look so similar.

      Reply
    12. Donna

      June 13, 2012 at 3:09 pm

      I’ve never tried matzo balls before, but would feel honored to try your grandma’s! Thank you for sharing it!

      Reply
    13. Billie

      June 13, 2012 at 7:20 pm

      I’ve never had a matzo ball, it sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing your story and recipe.

      Reply
    14. Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy)

      June 13, 2012 at 6:12 pm

      What a sweet post. I’m so glad you have this from your grandma

      Reply
    15. Anonymous

      June 14, 2012 at 2:40 am

      Matzo Ball soup has been a favorite of mine since I was 4. I never had a home made recipe b/c my grandparents always ordered from the kosher deli. This is a good recipe. I will give it a try soon. Thanks!

      Reply
    16. ♥ Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins ♥

      June 14, 2012 at 4:06 am

      Fantastic post! I’ve never heard of these before but they sure do look good. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    17. Stefanie

      June 14, 2012 at 12:29 pm

      I’ve never had Matzo balls, but they look good!

      Reply
    18. That Bald Chick

      June 14, 2012 at 6:11 pm

      I haven’t had Matzo balls in ages!

      Reply
    19. Notorious Spinks

      June 14, 2012 at 6:53 pm

      Sorry for your loss. This month will be a year that mom has been gone and I still haven’t been able to cook a “real” since she’s been gone. However, like you I’m learning to focus on the good she left while marinating on the memories.

      Reply
    20. Simply Being Mommy

      June 14, 2012 at 10:29 pm

      Those look absolutely delicious. And how awesome you still have her original recipe.

      Reply
    21. Toni Patton

      June 15, 2012 at 11:31 am

      I’ve never tried them before. I am so very sorry for your loss!

      Reply
    22. HilLesha

      June 15, 2012 at 4:46 pm

      This looks really good!

      Reply
    23. Theresa

      June 15, 2012 at 5:18 pm

      I am so sorry for your loss. I was so close to my own Grandmother and we always baked together. Memories of her homemade jam and freshly squeezed orange juice almost make me cry. ((hugs)) What a sweet post.

      Reply
    24. Tricia Nightowlmama

      June 16, 2012 at 7:14 am

      how absolutely precious and such a wonderful grandmother you have leaving recipes behind for you to enjoy looks and sounds so tasty

      Reply
    25. Kathleen

      June 17, 2012 at 1:24 pm

      I have never tried matzo balls, but they sure so look good.

      Reply
    26. Tammy

      June 18, 2012 at 2:27 pm

      It looks easy to make.

      Reply
    27. Anne - Mommy Has to Work

      August 07, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      I’ve never had one, but they look good!

      Reply
    28. Anna

      August 10, 2012 at 10:18 am

      I hope you did not use artificial sweeteners to make these. Learning about low calorie sweeteners and pregnancy has opened my eyes to healthier lifestyle.

      Reply
    29. /\Heather/\

      October 25, 2012 at 3:23 am

      Looks good. The kinder just had some today at a deli!

      Reply
    30. Anonymous

      January 26, 2013 at 8:36 pm

      I have never had these but your story makes me want to try them. Thank you for sharing the recipe. God bless….

      Reply
    31. Jeanne Lozoff

      May 02, 2020 at 11:39 pm

      I could not find matzo meal in our stores. Thank you so very much. I had a wonderful mother in law who was generous with her kitchen skills. She had a recipe but I didn’t write it down. Kitchen memories with someone who was special, that’s always a win in my book ❤️

      Reply
      • Courtney Lopez

        May 07, 2020 at 10:43 am

        So glad this helped and for sharing your story. Food brings so many good memories to us! I am so happy my grandma wrote many of her recipes down, thankfully this one had measurements, haha! 🙂

    32. Maxine

      July 27, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      You brought back so many memories and an abundant of tears to my eyes. I too make knaidlach like your grandmother. In fact the same recipe. My sweet Grandma was from Poland and taught me how to cook on the phone, as we lived several miles apart.
      I too will never forget those special moments where we spoke and laughed for hours.In fact that is how I was able to learn a bit of yiddish as she spoke half in English but mostly Yiddish.
      I would have Grandpa and Grandma over to dinner to show off my expertise. Grandma was so proud. I too miss them both. It has been 61 years since I saw her beautiful smile, it has lasted so long in my memory and always will.
      Thank you so much for bringing me back to the past.

      Reply

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