What’s the Difference Between Matzo, Matzo Meal and Matzo Farfel?

Matzo is the unleavened bread traditionally associated with Passover. If you’re new to planning a Passover menu, the different types of matzo can get a little confusing, but it’s actually pretty simple. Matzo meal, matzo cake meal and matzo farfel are all made from the same thing (you guessed it): matzo.

Ground Matzo

Matzo meal, matzo cake meal and matzo ball mix are all types of ground matzo. Matzo meal is slightly coarse, like the texture of breadcrumbs. Matzo cake meal is finely ground and is commonly used to make Passover baked goods and crusts. Matzo ball mix is basically seasoned matzo meal.

Matzo Farfel

Matzo farfel is simply crumbled matzo. It’s not finely ground, but closer to the size of coarsely crushed crackers. The bigger size makes it ideal for for bready stuffings, crunchy toppings, and sweet or savory kugels. To make things a little big more confusing, there are matzo farfel noodles, which are completely different than matzo farfel. They are tiny, pellet-shaped egg noodles made with flour, egg and salt.

Homemade versus Store-Bought

It’s true, you just buy Matzo and make your own meal, cake meal and farfel as needed, but, like everything else these days, convenience is king. Plus, if you’re new to matzo, it might be helpful to buy prepared until you have a better sense of what the texture of each product should be like before trying a new recipe for Passover.

One More Caveat (For the Gentiles)

While matzo is a traditional food for Passover, not all matzo is kosher, which is a requirement for a Passover meal. Skip over the matzo packages labeled “not kosher for Passover” when shopping for ingredients for your dish to pass.

Next up: 5 Fun Facts About Matzo You Don’t Know (Yet)

Plan Your Passover Seder with These Classic Recipes

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Roasted Chicken & Red Potatoes

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Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup

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Orange-Spiced Brisket

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Roasted Radishes

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Roasted Herb & Lemon Cauliflower

A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Pistachio Baked Salmon

Next time you're rushed by last-minute guests, try this fancy, flavorful salmon. With pistachios, brown sugar and dill, it's a guaranteed hit. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio

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Lemon Herb Quinoa

My family is turning to quinoa more and more these days. It's a super grain that's packed with protein and vitamins. Plus, it can be paired with any kind of main course. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

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Mediterranean Rack of Lamb

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Garlic and Artichoke Roasted Potatoes

I like to put this side into the oven to roast with the main dish. The artichokes give it a gourmet appeal. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

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Savory Rubbed Roast Chicken

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Passover Popovers

Popovers have an important role at the Passover table, substituting for bread. When puffed and golden brown, they’re ready to share. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts

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Sweet and Sour Brisket

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Double-Nut Stuffed Figs

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Roasted Carrots & Fennel

This addictive vegetable combo is a fresh take on one of my mother's standard wintertime dishes. I usually add more carrots—as many as the pans will hold. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Tangy Lamb Tagine

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Mediterranean Mashed Potatoes

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Lemony Parsley Baked Cod

The trick to avoid overcooking a good piece of fish is to cook it at a high temperature for a short amount of time. Do that and the fish stays moist and tender. —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan

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Jeweled Endive Salad

Every Christmas, friends have a huge potluck party. I wanted to bring something unique, so I topped off endive and watercress with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario

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Herb-Roasted Salmon Fillets

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Lemon-Roasted Asparagus

When it comes to fixing asparagus, I think it's hard to go wrong. The springy flavors in this easy recipe burst with every bite. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

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Charoset

Charoset with apples, walnuts and spices has a special meaning for the Passover holiday. It represents mortar used for brickmaking when the Israelites were in Egypt. The sweetness represents freedom. —Gloria Mezikofsky, Wakefield, Massachusetts

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Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Macaroons

These pretty cookies are perfect for the special holiday season and pretty easy to make! —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

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