Matzo-rella Sticks

Get it? Matzo-rella? Matzo-rella sticks are mozzarella cheese coated in a seasoned matzah ball mixture, rolled in more matzah meal for crunch, and deep-fried. So good, you’ll want to eat them long after Passover is over.

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Whether you spell it matzah, matzo, matzoh or matza, you can’t have Passover without the unleavened bread. It’s literally a commandment to eat it at your Seder.

Like many traditional Jewish foods, there is symbolism behind this famous flatbread. Eating matzo on Passover reminds us how our ancestors had to flee Pharaoh’s army so quickly that they didn’t even have time for their bread to rise. So they grabbed matzo instead.

That first bite tastes like tradition, and reminds us of Passovers of years past and difficulties we have overcome.

Most people nosh on some matzo during Passover. Things start off strong with the basic toppings. You would be pressed to find a better Passover snack than matzah schmeared with salted butter or whipped cream cheese.

Then of course, we have matzo pizza. A staple in modern-day Passover diets. And fried matzo in eggs either savory with onions or sweet with sugar or maple sugar aka matzo brei. Matzo nachos, matzo granola, the possibilities are endless! The versatile matzo also works as dessert. Chocolate covered or with a layer of caramel are both so good.

Despite the many ways to use matzo, it is possible to get a little tired of it by day eight of Passover – but that’s why it’s so important to get creative and dress it up! Although the flavor of matzo is lovingly compared to cardboard, it’s really just a vessel for awesomeness. 

Though matzo is known for being dense, it makes the perfect crust for matzo-rella sticks (get it?) Mozzarella cheese is coated in a mixture of matzo meal, seltzer, Parmesan and spices, rolled in more matzo meal for crunch, and deep-fried. The result is a crunchy exterior with a soft and cheesy inside that’s perfect for dipping in homemade marinara.

I thought about the meaning of matzah as I crafted these matzah-rella sticks (get it?) Like the bread of affliction harks back to our escape from slavery in Egypt, matzah-rella sticks remind us that like the cheese we were ones entrapped, but now (with one bite) we are free. Maybe a stretch, but let’s go with it.

Get the full recipe for Matzo-rella Sticks on Food Network!