Easy gluten-free matzo recipe

Don't miss out on family traditions this Passover! Try my gluten-free matzo recipe adapted for those with gluten intolerances.

Having a gluten intolerance is a challenge at the best of times, but especially during family celebrations. If you are looking for a gluten-free matzo recipe for Passover this year (one that doesn't deprive you from the distinctive matzo taste), then you are in the right place!

This simple homemade matzo lets you enjoy the seder tradition without the gluten and brings back those beloved tastes you remember so fondly from childhood!

For years, I've grappled with finding alternatives for foods I love but my body can't handle. I've experimented with recipes I adore, but the difference is always noticeable, and they never quite hit the mark. 

Adapting to a gluten-free diet is a challenge, and it's one of the reasons I started creating my own recipes. I firmly believe that dietary restrictions shouldn't rob you of the joy of food, exclude you from celebrations, or prevent you from savoring authentic flavors. 

Passover has been no different. I have searched for the perfect gluten-free matzah recipe for years. Through experimentation and pure determination, I finally produced what I believe to be the best substitute recipe so that you can maintain cultural traditions during Passover celebrations. 

What are Matzos?

Matzo (or matzah) are a Jewish unleavened bread that has the consistency of a cracker. Generally eaten during Passover, this is a staple food which replaces bread in most Jewish households over the 8 day celebration. 

The simple ingredients of matzo are: water and flour. Baked in the oven within 18 minutes of the flour touching the water, the bread stays flat and creates the famous crispy crunch we all crave and come to know as Jewish people. It's easy, fast and can be made gluten free for those with dietary restrictions. See the traditional homemade recipe that started it all right here.

This gluten free matzo recipe is kosher for Passover for those who eat kitniyot, as they are unleavened and baked 18 minutes from the start of preparation. However, they are not necessarily kosher for the seder table as they do not contain oil in addition to the customary water, flour and salt. You can even use them to make your own matzo balls!

Ingredients

Make this homemade matzo with 4 simple ingredients. 

Gluten free flour blend: Here you can use whichever store-bought gluten-free flour blend you like. Things like white rice flour, tapioca, potato starch, gluten free oat flour or brown rice flour will do the job.

Warm water: The liquid base.

Olive oil: The magic ingredient to add the crunch and help the dough come together!

Salt: For seasoning and flavor.

Optional toppings: Here you can experiment with flavors, but some of my favorites are everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt and sesame seeds. Remember this makes our easy gluten free matzo not appropriate for the seder table.

See the detailed recipe card for quantities.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Pizza stone (or heated baking sheet)
• Knife
• Rolling Pin
• Parchment paper
• Fork

Step-by-step instructions

Firstly, preheat the oven to 425°F with a pizza stone or baking tray inside.

Make matzo mix:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt until fully combined. Then, add the water and olive oil to the flour mixture and mix the flour and water well.

Form the matzo crackers:

On a floured surface, use your cutting knife to cut the dough into 4 equal pieces. 

Once cut, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a thin rectangle (or circle) and transfer it to its own piece of parchment paper. 

Next, take a fork and score the dough then sprinkle them with salt or other seasonings you desire. 

Bake:

Once seasoned, slide the parchments onto the hot pizza stone or a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes on one side, and then 5 minutes on the other side, until crisp.

Repeat with remaining dough. And there you have your gluten free Passover recipe!

Serving suggestions

These easy gluten free matzos can be served with a sweet sauce like hashachar chocolate spread (a childhood favorite!), or try something savory like cream cheese, or my Colombian empanada sauce for something a little different!

Other matzo recipes

Try my matzo brei recipe for a Passover brunch your family will request again and again. 

Or for the French-toast of Passover, my sweet matzo brei will be sure to win over the kids (and adults with a sweet tooth!)

My husband and I are always trying different ways to enjoy matzo each year, and one of his favorites is my matzo brei pizza recipe. It's the perfect way to allow for pizza at breakfast time!

Recipe