Passover Potato Pie Recipe

Passover is a time of reflection, family gatherings, and of course, delicious traditional foods. While matzo takes center stage, Passover Potato Pie is a fantastic, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. This dish is naturally gluten-free, chametz-free, and can be made dairy or pareve depending on your preference.

With a crispy golden crust and a soft, flavorful filling, this potato pie is the perfect addition to any Passover meal. Let’s dive into the details on how to make this classic dish!

How to Make Passover Potato Pie

Ingredients:

For the Potato Filling:

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted schmaltz
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup matzo meal
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra olive oil for brushing
• Sautéed onions for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel and chop the potatoes into small, even pieces for faster cooking.
   • Place them in a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
   • Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
   • Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
   • Use a potato masher or fork to mash them until smooth.
   • Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gummy instead of fluffy.
3. Sauté the Onion & Garlic:
   • In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and golden brown.
   • Stir the mixture into the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
4. Mix the Filling:
   • Add the beaten eggs, matzo meal, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
   • Stir everything together until fully combined.
5. Assemble the Pie:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease a baking dish and evenly spread the potato mixture inside.
   • Brush the top with olive oil for a crispy crust.
6. Bake:
   • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
7. Garnish & Serve:
   • Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   • Top with fresh parsley or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Tips for Success:

• For a fluffier texture, use a potato ricer instead of mashing.
• To prevent a soggy bottom, drain the potatoes well before mashing.
• For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle a bit of matzo meal on top before baking.
• To enhance the flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or smoked paprika.

Ingredients Substitutes

Crust Alternatives

• Matzo meal works as a crust replacement, but you can also use ground nuts (almonds or walnuts) for added texture.
• Mashed sweet potatoes can be used instead of white potatoes for a unique twist.

Flour Substitutes

• Instead of matzo meal, potato starch or ground matzo can be used to bind the mixture.

Leavening Agents

• Since baking powder and yeast are not used during Passover, whipped egg whites can add lightness to the mixture.

Dairy-Free Options

• Replace butter with olive oil, coconut oil, or schmaltz for a pareve version.

Fats

• Schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) is a traditional Passover ingredient that adds richness.
• Avocado oil or ghee also works well for a buttery taste.

Sweeteners

• Some versions of this dish add a hint of sweetness with honey or maple syrup.

Seasonings & Flavorings

• Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill complement the potatoes.
• Nutmeg, cinnamon, or sumac can add an unexpected depth of flavor.

What to Serve With

Protein Dishes

• Brisket – The slow-cooked, tender meat pairs beautifully with this potato pie.
• Roast Chicken – A simple yet flavorful main dish that complements the creamy potatoes.
• Salmon – A lighter alternative, baked or grilled salmon balances the richness of the pie.

Vegetarian Options

• Mushroom & Spinach Kugel – This pairs well with the potato pie for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Stuffed Peppers – Filled with quinoa or matzo farfel for a satisfying dish.

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Carrots with Honey – The sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory pie.
• Sautéed Green Beans – A fresh, crunchy side that adds balance.
• Matzo Ball Soup – A Passover classic that goes well with the pie.

Salads

• Cucumber & Dill Salad – A light and refreshing option.
• Beet & Orange Salad – A sweet and tangy salad that contrasts beautifully.
• Israeli Salad – Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley with a lemon dressing.

Cooking Variations

Mini Potato Pies:

• Instead of baking in a large dish, divide the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings.
• Reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Cheesy Potato Pie:

• Add ½ cup grated cheese (like Parmesan or feta) to the mixture for a richer taste.
• Sprinkle more cheese on top before baking for a golden crust.

Spiced Version:

• Add a pinch of cumin, coriander, or za’atar for a Middle Eastern twist.

History & Cultural Significance

Potatoes have long been a staple in Jewish cooking, especially in Ashkenazi cuisine. Before modern Passover-friendly alternatives, potatoes were a go-to ingredient due to their natural starchiness. They were used in everything from latkes to kugels and even as a bread substitute.

Passover Potato Pie is a variation of potato kugel, a dish that originated in Eastern Europe. While kugel is typically cooked in a casserole form, this pie version offers a firmer texture and is easy to slice and serve.

The Role of Potatoes in Passover Cooking

Potatoes have played a crucial role in Passover cooking for centuries. Since wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt are forbidden unless prepared in specific ways (such as matzo), potatoes have become a go-to starch for Jewish households during the holiday. Whether mashed, fried, or baked, they provide a filling and satisfying component in many Passover dishes. This potato pie is just one example of how versatile and essential potatoes are during the holiday.

During times when access to matzo meal or other Passover-friendly ingredients was limited, potatoes served as a simple and inexpensive alternative. Jewish families, especially in Eastern Europe, relied heavily on potatoes during Passover, creating variations of latkes, kugels, and even potato-based dumplings. This tradition has carried on through generations, with modern cooks continuing to experiment with potatoes in new and delicious ways.

Making This Dish Ahead of Time

One of the best things about Passover Potato Pie is that it can be made in advance, making it a perfect option for a stress-free holiday meal. If you’re preparing multiple dishes for a Seder or family gathering, having one dish ready ahead of time can be a lifesaver.

To make ahead:

• Prepare the mashed potato mixture and assemble the pie up to two days in advance.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator.
• When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Alternatively, you can fully bake the pie in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate it. Simply reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes before serving. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day!

Passover Potato Pie for Large Gatherings

If you’re hosting a large Seder or dinner party, this dish can easily be doubled or tripled. Instead of using a standard baking dish, try using a large casserole dish or two smaller ones. This allows for easy serving and ensures everyone gets a piece.

For buffet-style serving, consider cutting the potato pie into small squares so guests can take individual portions without needing to slice into a large dish. These bite-sized servings also work well for casual Passover lunches or as part of a brunch spread.

Creative Leftover Ideas

If you happen to have leftover Passover Potato Pie, don’t let it go to waste! Here are a few creative ways to repurpose it:

• Potato Pancakes: Mash the leftover pie, form into small patties, and pan-fry them in olive oil for crispy Passover-friendly latkes.
• Breakfast Hash: Chop the pie into chunks and sauté it with onions and bell peppers for a delicious breakfast side dish.
• Savory Matzo Sandwich: Use slices of the potato pie as a filling between two pieces of matzo for a hearty sandwich.
• Soup Thickener: Blend a portion of the pie into soups to add creaminess and thickness.

These ideas make it easy to enjoy this dish beyond the holiday meal!

Pairing Passover Potato Pie with Wine

Since wine plays an important role in the Passover Seder, pairing it with the right dish enhances the dining experience. This potato pie, with its rich and savory flavors, pairs well with a variety of Kosher for Passover wines.

• Red Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon balances the richness of the potatoes while complementing the seasonings.
• White Wine Pairing: If serving the pie with fish or lighter sides, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc adds brightness.
• Sweet Wine Pairing: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, a Moscato or Kiddush wine can contrast nicely with the savory pie.

Choosing the right wine enhances the flavors and creates a more refined dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This Passover Potato Pie is a comforting and satisfying dish that fits beautifully into any Seder meal. Whether served alongside brisket, roast chicken, or vegetarian dishes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to the table.

The best part? It’s versatile—you can keep it simple or experiment with flavors, toppings, and textures. Whether you’re looking for a traditional side dish or a new Passover favorite, this recipe is sure to be a hit!