The Matzo Ball Soup Recipe is warm, comforting and full of flavor. This classic Jewish soup is perfect for holidays or family dinners.
It features light, fluffy matzo balls in a rich chicken broth. Making matzo ball soup at home is easier than it seems. If you want to learn how to make Matzo Ball Soup, this guide will help.
The ingredients for Matzo Ball Soup are simple and easy to find. Everyone will enjoy this homemade soup that feels special and nourishing.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this soup for a family holiday dinner. I wanted a traditional, homemade flavor without buying canned soup.
The matzo balls were light and fluffy. The chicken broth was rich and tasty. My family loved it and asked for seconds.
Since then, I make this soup for holidays and cold evenings. It is comforting, easy to prepare, and full of flavor. Everyone enjoys it, from kids to adults.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Course: Soup
- Cuisine: Jewish / American
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot for broth
- Medium mixing bowl for matzo balls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for shaping matzo balls
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients You Need for Matzo Ball Soup
- Chicken broth – 6 cups
- Chicken pieces (with bones) – 2 pounds
- Matzo meal – 1 cup
- Eggs – 4
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – ¼ cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (for matzo balls)
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh dill – 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Carrots, sliced – 2 medium
- Celery, sliced – 2 stalks
- Onion, chopped – 1 medium
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Broth
Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper in a large pot. Add water if needed. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Matzo Ball Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, oil or melted butter, salt and pepper. Stir in matzo meal. Let sit 15 minutes to thicken.
3. Shape the Matzo Balls
Wet your hands and form the mixture into small balls. Size should be about 1–1.5 inches. Keep them even for consistent cooking.
4. Cook the Matzo Balls
Bring chicken broth to gentle boil. Carefully drop matzo balls into broth. Cover the pot and simmer 20–25 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
5. Finish the Soup
Remove chicken pieces. Shred meat and return to broth. Add fresh dill for flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Tips to Make the Best Matzo Ball Soup
- Chill matzo ball mixture for 15 minutes before shaping
- Wet hands to prevent sticking while forming balls
- Simmer broth gently for light, fluffy matzo balls
- Use homemade chicken broth for best flavor
- Cover pot while cooking matzo balls to trap steam
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing matzo mixture, making dense balls
- Cooking at high heat, causing matzo balls to fall apart
- Not chilling mixture, leading to sticky dough
- Using low-quality broth, reducing flavor
- Skipping seasoning adjustments at the end
Serving Suggestions
Serve Matzo Ball Soup hot in deep bowls. Pair with crusty bread or challah. Garnish with extra dill or a squeeze of lemon.
It works as a starter or a main course. Perfect for holidays, cold evenings or family dinners.
Variations You Can Try
- Add garlic or onion powder to matzo balls
- Include peas or green beans in the broth
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a twist
- Bake matzo balls before adding to broth for firmer texture
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for extra color
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover soup in the fridge for 2–3 days
- Keep matzo balls separate to prevent sogginess
- Reheat gently on stove; avoid boiling
- Freeze broth without matzo balls for up to 3 months
- Add fresh matzo balls when ready to serve
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Health Benefits
Matzo Ball Soup is nutritious and comforting. Chicken provides protein and vitamins. Vegetables add fiber and minerals.
Homemade broth avoids preservatives found in canned soups. This soup is low in calories and high in nutrients. It is soothing for colds and easy to digest.
Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken broth – 6 cups
- Chicken pieces with bones – 2 pounds
- Matzo meal – 1 cup
- Eggs – 4
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – ¼ cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon for matzo balls
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh dill – 1 tablespoon chopped
- Carrots sliced – 2 medium
- Celery sliced – 2 stalks
- Onion chopped – 1 medium
Instructions
Prepare the Broth
- Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, salt and pepper in a large pot. Add water if needed. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
Make the Matzo Ball Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, oil or melted butter, salt and pepper. Stir in matzo meal. Let sit 15 minutes to thicken.
Shape the Matzo Balls
- Wet your hands and form the mixture into small balls. Size should be about 1–1.5 inches. Keep them even for consistent cooking.
Cook the Matzo Balls
- Bring chicken broth to gentle boil. Carefully drop matzo balls into broth. Cover the pot and simmer 20–25 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
Finish the Soup
- Remove chicken pieces. Shred meat and return to broth. Add fresh dill for flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- Chill matzo ball mixture for 15 minutes before shaping
- Wet hands to prevent sticking while forming balls
- Simmer broth gently for light, fluffy matzo balls
- Use homemade chicken broth for best flavor
- Cover pot while cooking matzo balls to trap steam
FAQs about Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare broth and matzo mixture a day before. Cook matzo balls just before serving to keep them fluffy.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, but homemade broth tastes richer and more flavorful. Add salt and pepper to adjust seasoning.
Can I freeze matzo balls?
Yes, freeze uncooked matzo balls in a sealed container. Cook directly from frozen in simmering broth.
Can I make gluten-free matzo balls?
Yes, use gluten-free matzo meal or a mix of almond and rice flour. Texture may be slightly different.
How do I keep matzo balls from falling apart?
Chill mixture before shaping, use gentle folding and simmer gently covered. Avoid stirring too much while cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Matzo Ball Soup Recipe is classic, comforting and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and produces fluffy matzo balls in rich chicken broth.
Once you learn how to make Matzo Ball Soup, you can enjoy it for holidays, family dinners or cold evenings.
The ingredients for Matzo Ball Soup are easy to find and the result is warm, flavorful and nourishing. Try this recipe today and enjoy homemade, comforting soup everyone will love.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!