Fluffy matzo balls come from schmaltz, seltzer, and a full hour of chilling the batter so the meal hydrates before it hits the water. Simmer the balls in salted water, never in the soup itself, so the broth stays clear.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook90 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineJewish
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains eggs · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Chicken
A whole bird or thighs simmered low builds the clear golden broth that carries everything.
Simmer the brothCover the chicken with water and aromatics, bring to a bare simmer, and cook 75 minutes, skimming the foam for a clear broth.
Mix the matzo batterWhisk eggs with schmaltz and seltzer, fold in the matzo meal and salt, and chill covered for at least 1 hour.
Form and boil the ballsWet your hands, roll golf-ball rounds, and simmer them in a separate pot of salted water for 30 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
AssembleStrain the broth, add sliced carrots and cook until tender, then serve the matzo balls in the broth with fresh dill.
Can you make Matzo Ball Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Matzo Ball Soup? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Matzo Ball Soup ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Matzo Ball Soup gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Matzo Ball Soup vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →