Chapter 9: Pas Haba Bekisnin – Mezonos bread & Baked Snacks

Introduction: This chapter discusses the criteria for determining which breads require the blessing of Hamotzi, focusing especially on snack breads and baked goods not typically eaten as part of a meal. It explains how factors like shape, appearance, ingredients, and flavor affect the classification, distinguishing between regular breads and snack items like cakes, pastries, crackers, and pretzels.

1. Said Hamotzi instead of Mezonos on the Mezonos bread or snack:

If Hamotzi is said instead of Mezonos on Pas Haba Bekisnin (snack breads), it counts and Mezonos should not be repeated. The after-blessing remains Al Hamichyeh, unless enough is eaten to require Birchas Hamazon. If Hamotzi is said instead of Mezonos on foods that can never become Hamotzi (like pasta or porridge), it does not count, and Mezonos must be said. If corrected quickly, one is still covered.

 

2. Meal bread versus Snack bread – On which types of bread does one say Hamotzi and on which types does one say Mezonos?

Hamotzi is recited over breads typically used for meals; Mezonos is recited over snack breads, which aren’t usually eaten as meals. If a meal is established over snack bread, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon are recited instead. Snack breads include Lachmaniyos, Truknin, and Pas Haba Bikisnin; their after-blessing is Al Hamichya unless a meal is established. This chapter examines how much bread is needed to consider it a meal and clarifies rules for different baked goods.

 

3. Flat bread made from batter:

Important note:

All cases discussed apply even to bread made from flour and water batter. Sweet varieties may fall under Pas Haba Bekisnin, which is covered elsewhere and not relevant here.

A. Lachmaniyos – Thin baked product from flour water batter [i.e. Thin baked sweetless Pancake]:

Lachmaniyos are thin, soft breads made from a thin flour-water batter and baked without liquid. If the batter or the final bread is very thin, its blessing is Mezonos (as a snack) or Hamotzi (when eaten as a meal). If neither the batter nor bread is very thin, one should ideally only eat it during a meal; in pressing situations, Mezonos may be said but it’s proper to wash hands without a blessing.

• Example: Yaakov prepares a batch of thin, soft, unsweetened pancakes using just flour and water. He bakes them in the oven. Since he’s only snacking, Yaakov says the Mezonos blessing before eating. If, however, he sits down to have a full meal of these pancakes, he recites the Hamotzi blessing instead.

 

B. Truknin – Thick baked product from flour water batter [i.e. Cake, Thick Baked sweetless Pancakes]:

Truknin is a thick baked bread made from a very thin batter, sometimes similar to cake or thick pancakes. The blessing over Truknin depends on how it is eaten and the batter’s thickness: If the batter is very thin and the bread is eaten as a snack, the blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya. If eaten as a meal, the blessings are Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.If the batter is not so thin, some authorities require treating it like regular bread: only eating it as part of a meal and reciting Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon. In urgent cases, one may say Mezonos and Al Hamichya, but it’s preferable to wash hands—without a blessing—before eating.

• Example: One Friday morning, Yaakov bakes a thick, bread-like cake from a very thin batter. When he enjoys a slice as a light snack, he recites Mezonos and Al Hamichya. If he makes a meal out of it, he switches to Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon. When unsure about the thickness, Yaakov chooses only to eat it during established meals, just to be safe.

 

C. Terisa – Very thin flour water batter and baked product [i.e. Crepe]:

A crepe (Terisa) is a very thin, baked flour-water batter. Its blessing is usually Mezonos and Al Hamichya, but some authorities say its blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal; to be cautious, one should eat real bread with it before establishing a meal over it, although one may even initially eat it as a snack.

• Example: For breakfast, Yaakov whips up crepes using a very thin flour-water batter and bakes them. He enjoys a few as a quick snack and recites Mezonos and Al Hamichya. If he ever plans to eat them as a full meal, he is cautious: he eats a small piece of regular bread first, to fulfill the stricter opinions regarding the blessing.

Summary – Bread made from a batter of water and flour:

All baked bread that is made from a thin batter of water and flour, as opposed to being made from thick dough is to have the blessing of Mezonos and Al Hamichya recited when eaten it as a snack, and the blessing of Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon when eaten as a meal [i.e. Kevius Seuda], with exception to the following cases:

1. Not thin batter nor product: Both the batter and the final baked product is thick to some degree in which case one is to only eat such bread within a meal, however, in a time of need, one can say Mezonos and Al Hamichya.
2. Thick product: The batter is not very, very, thin, and the final baked product is thick in which case one is to only eat such bread within a meal, however, in a time of need, one can say Mezonos and Al Hamichya.
3. Very thin batter and baked product: The batter and final baked product is very very thin, in which case one should not set a meal over the product unless it is eaten within a meal over real bread.

Chart for Batter Flat bread

	Batter is Very Very thin	Batter is Thin [not kneadable]	Batter is Thick [kneadbale]
Baked very very thin	Trisa; Mezonos. If Koveia Seuda eat within a meal.	Lachmaniyos: Mezonos unless set as meal	Hamotzi
Baked thin	Truknin: Mezonos unless Koveia seuda	Dispute; Eat within meal	Hamotzi
Baked thick	Truknin: Mezonos unless Koveia seuda	Dispute; Eat within meal	Hamotzi

D. Fried Batter:

Liquid batter made from five grain flour, fried in plenty of oil (like Latkes), requires the Mezonos blessing before eating and Al Hamichya afterwards, regardless of the amount eaten. If fried in minimal oil just to prevent sticking, say Mezonos and Al Hamichya unless a full meal is made; for a meal, recite Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.

• Examples: On Hanukkah, Yaakov fries up some latkes from a liquid batter made of flour and water, using plenty of oil. Before enjoying them, Yaakov recites Mezonos and, after eating, says Al Hamichya—no matter how many he eats. If he were to fry them with just enough oil to prevent sticking and eat them as a meal, he would say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.

Blessings for Fried Batter Based on Preparation

Preparation Method	Before Blessing	After Blessing	Meal Setting
Fried in ample oil	Mezonos	Al Hamichya	Any amount
Fried with minimal oil, not a meal	Mezonos	Al Hamichya	Not a meal
Fried with minimal oil, as a meal	Hamotzi	Birchas Hamazon	Meal

4. Flat bread made from dough:

Flat bread made from dough and baked is considered the same as regular bread, requiring the Hamotzi blessing and Birchas Hamazon if a Kezayis is eaten.

• Examples: For lunch, Yaakov bakes a traditional flatbread from regular dough. Since this is just like ordinary bread, before eating a piece the size of a Kezayis, Yaakov recites Hamotzi and, after eating, says Birchas Hamazon.

5. Pas Haba Bekisnin:A. The General law:

Pas Haba Bekisnin refers to certain types of bread that are classified differently depending on their ingredients and use. If eaten as a snack, these breads require the blessings Mezonos and Al Hamichya; if eaten as a meal, they require Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon. There is debate among authorities about which breads qualify, with some considering sweet-filled breads only, while others include breads kneaded with non-water liquids or containing spices. Practically, both opinions are respected: Mezonos is recited for snacks, but for meals, Hamotzi is required. Additional details on specific bread types and rulings are provided in later sections.

B. Kneaded with non-water liquids:

Breads kneaded with non-water liquids (like milk, honey, oil, juice, eggs, or fat) are classified as Pas Haba Bekisnin. When eaten as a snack, these breads require the Mezonos and Al Hamichya blessings [although some are stringent and avoid eating such bread outside of meals]; when eaten as a meal, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon are required.. If both water and non-water liquids are used, the majority determines the status: mostly non-water liquids means Mezonos for snacks, mostly water means Hamotzi even for snacks. If water is mixed with concentrate juice, the blessing follows the majority liquid—typically Hamotzi if water predominates.

• Example: Moshe is preparing a snack for the afternoon. He decides to bake bread, but instead of using just water, Moshe kneads his dough with milk and honey. According to the guidelines, because Moshe used mostly non-water liquids, his bread is classified as Pas Haba Bekisnin. When Moshe enjoys a slice as a snack, he recites the Mezonos and Al Hamichya blessings.

Blessing Based on Dough Ingredients

Dough Liquid	Blessing for Snack	Blessing for Meal
Majority Non-Water (e.g., milk, honey)	Mezonos & Al Hamichya	Hamotzi & Birchas Hamazon
Majority Water	Hamotzi	Hamotzi & Birchas Hamazon
Water + Concentrate Juice (majority water)	Hamotzi	Hamotzi & Birchas Hamazon

C. Spicy dough and bread:

If bread or dough is made with spices that noticeably affect its taste, it is considered a snack and requires the Mezonos blessing, but if eaten as a meal, it requires Hamotzi. Ingredients like eggs, oil, and spices can count toward the majority over water, changing the bread’s classification.

• Example: Moshe prepares a spicy loaf, adding plenty of eggs and oil along with fragrant spices that alter the bread’s taste. This bread, too, is considered a snack and requires the Mezonos blessing. However, if Moshe sits down to eat the spicy bread as his main meal, the proper blessings would be Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.

D. Sweet Pastries –Dough fillings [i.e. Rugelach, Danish Croissant; éclair, cinnamon roll]:

See Chapter 17 Halacha 2B regarding Ikar Vitafel for the full details of this subject!

Sweet-filled pastries (such as Rugelach, Danish croissants, éclairs, cinnamon rolls) require the Mezonos blessing and Al Hamichya when eaten as a snack even if the dough is made of regular bread dough [i.e. water and flour]. If eaten as a meal, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon are said. If someone eats only the dough after removing the filling, the blessing remains Mezonos and Al Hamichya. If the filling is eaten alone after the pastry, no separate blessing is needed for the filling at that time. If only the filling (not the pastry) is eaten, the appropriate blessing for that filling (such as Haeitz, Ha’adama, or Shehakol) should be recited.

• Example: Moshe picks up a chocolate-filled Rugelach to enjoy as a midday snack. Before eating, he recites the Mezonos blessing, knowing the dough is sweet-filled. He eats enough to fulfill the amount required for Al Hamichya and recites that blessing afterward. Later, Moshe scoops out some of the chocolate filling to taste separately; since he already said Mezonos and Al Hamichya for the pastry, he does not need a new blessing for the chocolate. However, if Moshe had chosen to eat only the chocolate filling without the pastry, he would say Shehakol, the blessing appropriate for chocolate.

 

E. Savory Pastries – Non Sweet Dough fillings [i.e. pies, samosas, and knishes]:

Non-sweet dough pastries (like pies, samosas, knishes) filled with savory ingredients are considered Hamotzi, as they are eaten for nourishment. If the filling alone is eaten, recite the blessing appropriate for that filling, such as Haeitz, Ha’adama, or Shehakol. If the filling is eaten after the pastry, no new blessing is needed. To say Al Hamichya, one must eat a Kezayis of Hamotzi within four minutes.

• Example: Moshe sits at the table and takes a knish filled with potatoes. Since the dough is flour-based with just water, and the filling is savory, he recites the Hamotzi blessing before eating. After finishing most of the knish, Moshe scoops out some of the remaining potato filling and eats it alone. Because he already said Hamotzi for the knish, no new blessing is needed for the filling. If Moshe had decided to eat only the potato filling, he would have recited Ha’adama, the appropriate blessing for potatoes.

 

F. If one has Mezonos bread and Hamotzi bread on the table and he plans to eat both, over which bread should he say Hamotzi?

One should say Hamotzi on the Hamotzi bread, as it is more Chashuv.

6. Minority flour cakes – Lekach and Honey cake, brownies, cheesecake, almond cake:

Cakes made mainly with ingredients like honey (such as Lekach), and only a small amount of flour, are considered Mezonos for the blessing, not Hamotzi, unless the cake is eaten as a full meal. This rule applies to brownies, cheesecake, and almond cake with minimal flour: their blessing is Mezonos unless used as the main meal.

• Example: Shlomo attends a family gathering where a variety of cakes are served for dessert, including cheesecake and almond cake. For reference, cheesecake is typically made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a small amount of flour in the crust or batter. Almond cake often features ground almonds, eggs, sugar, and a bit of flour. He takes a modest slice of cheesecake to enjoy with his tea. Remembering the blessing rules, Shlomo recites the Mezonos blessing before eating, as this is not his main meal.

7. Ugos Yiveishos – Savory baked goods or savory snacks – Crackers and pretzels:

Crackers and pretzels, which are plain flour-and-water baked goods, are due to doubt considered Mezonos when eaten as a snack and Hamotzi when eaten as a meal. Due to the doubt, some people avoid eating them outside of a meal unless they contain spices or fruit juices, which makes their blessing Mezonos.

• Example: Suppose Yanky is preparing a snack before heading out for the afternoon. He reaches for a box of plain crackers and wonders which blessing to recite. Since he’s enjoying them as a quick bite and not as a meal, Yanky says Mezonos. However, he remembers what he learned: if he were to sit down and eat enough crackers to constitute a meal, he would need to say Hamotzi instead. To avoid any doubt, Yanky sometimes chooses crackers flavored with herbs or fruit juice, ensuring Mezonos is the correct blessing according to all opinions.

8. Practical lists of various baked goods and pastries and their corresponding law:

• Bagels: Bagels made with fruit juice are considered a snack (Mezonos blessing), but if eaten as a meal, require the Hamotzi blessing. If made with water, always Hamotzi.
• Biscuits: Tender, flaky biscuits are a snack (Mezonos), but if eaten as a meal, Hamotzi applies.
• Bissli (wheat): This crunchy, fried snack is always Mezonos, even if eaten as a meal.
• Blintzes: Thin pancakes filled and fried; Mezonos if snacked, Hamotzi if eaten as a meal.
• Boiled dough: Always Mezonos, regardless of serving size.
• Bran bread: Made with whole wheat and bran. Hamotzi if made with grain flour; Shehakol if made with legume flour.
• Bread with chocolate/sweet spread (added after baking): Always Hamotzi.
• Brownies, cheesecake, and cake with minor flour are Mezonos when snacked, but Hamotzi if eaten as a meal.
• Burekas, cinnamon rolls, and similar sweet pastries are Mezonos when snacked, and Hamotzi when made a meal, with some being careful to only eat them with bread.
• Burekas made from regular bread dough are always Hamotzi.
• Cake: Made with sweet ingredients and often a loose batter. Mezonos when eaten as a snack; Hamotzi when eaten as a meal.
• Cheesecake: Contains a minority of flour. Mezonos as a snack; Hamotzi if establishing a meal.
• Cinnamon Roll: Sweet, yeasted dough with cinnamon and sugar. Mezonos when eaten as a snack; Hamotzi when eaten as a meal.
• Crackers: Made from flour, water, oil, and salt. Mezonos as a snack; Hamotzi as a meal. Some are strict and only eat with bread.
• Crepes: Thin batter of flour, milk, eggs, and butter, fried or baked. Mezonos as a snack; only eaten with bread if serving as a meal.
• Croissants: Laminated, buttery dough. Mezonos as a snack; Hamotzi as a meal.
• Croutons: Store-bought are Mezonos. Homemade retain Hamotzi unless added to hot soup, then doubtful; in bowls, Hamotzi unless disintegrated.
• Danish [PHB]: A sweet, layered pastry made with butter, often filled with cream cheese, fruit, or nuts. Classified as Pas Haba Bekisnin, its blessing is Mezonos when eaten as a snack, but Hamotzi if eaten as a meal.
• Éclair [PHB]: A pastry made from choux dough, filled with cream and topped with chocolate. Considered Pas Haba Bekisnin; blessing is Mezonos as a snack, Hamotzi for a meal.
• Ezekiel bread: Bread made from sprouted grains and legumes, usually requires the Hamotzi blessing. If made only from sprouts or non-grains, the blessing is Shehakol.
• Flavored or spiced bread: Regularly requires Hamotzi, unless so highly flavored it is only eaten as a snack, in which case the blessing may be Mezonos.
• Flour Latkes [Fried, PHB x1]: Fried pastries made from flour, eggs, and water. Considered Pas Haba Bekisnin, so Mezonos as a snack; if eaten as a meal, should be included within a bread meal.
• French Toast: If the slice is large, the blessing is Hamotzi. If small and fried in oil, there is debate; should be eaten within a meal, or Mezonos may be said.
• Gluten free bread: If made from oat flour, blessing is Hamotzi. If made from legumes, blessing is Shehakol. Mixtures depend on the amount of oat flour and how much is consumed.
• Hamintashin [PHB]: Sweet, filled pastries usually made with cookie-like dough and jam or chocolate filling. Snack blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya; if made with bread dough and savory fillings, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.
• Jachanun – steam cooked [Boiled, PHB x1]: Yemenite Jewish slow-cooked roll. Made from flour, water, oil, sugar. Steam-cooked overnight. Blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya even for a meal.
• Jachanun – Baked [PHB x1]: Similar dough, baked instead of steamed. Snack blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya; meal blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon. Some are stringent to only eat within a meal.
• Jachanun – Fried [PHB x1]: Same dough, fried. Snack blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya; for a meal, should be eaten with real bread. See Chapter 8 Halacha 21.
• Kneidlach: Dumplings, usually from matzah meal. Blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya. See Chapter 8 Halacha 24.
• Kokosh Cake [PHB]: Yeast dough rolled with chocolate or cinnamon. Snack blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya; meal blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.
• Lekach Honey Cake: Traditional honey cake with flour and honey. Snack blessing is Mezonos; for a meal, blessing is Hamotzi, and after-blessing depends on flour content.
• Malawah [PHB]: Yemenite Jewish flaky, layered flatbread, made with puff pastry-like dough and fried. Snack blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya; meal blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if baked or fried with little oil. If fried with much oil, eat with real bread for a meal. Some are stringent to only eat within a meal.
• Matzah: Standard blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.
• Matzah balls: Blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya.
• Matzah Brye: If made from small matzah pieces or flour, blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya, even if eaten as a meal.
• Mezonos bread: Bread made mainly with juice or sweeteners is usually Mezonos and Al Hamichya when eaten as a snack, but Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon when eaten as a meal. Some are strict to only eat it within a meal.
• Oatmeal flake bread: If it contains grain flour and resembles regular bread, blessing is Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon. If made with only flakes and not bread-like, blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya.
• Pancakes: Blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack. If eaten as a meal, depends on how it was cooked; sometimes Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon apply.
• Pastry dough (Betzek Alim): Considered Pas Haba Bekisnin, so blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon when eaten as a meal. Some are stringent to only eat within a meal with real bread.
• Phyllo dough: Similar to pastry dough, blessing is Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack, Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal, with stringency to eat within a meal with real bread.
• Pizza with Hamotzi dough: Considered bread; recite Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon.
• Pizza with Mezonos dough: Considered cake unless eaten as a meal (Kevius Seuda); usually recite Mezonos and Al Hamichya, but Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eating a meal.
• Pretzels: Typically Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack; require Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal. Some are strict and only eat plain pretzels with a meal.
• Puff Pastry Dough: Mezonos and Al Hamichya if eaten as a snack; Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal. Stringent individuals only eat certain types with a meal.
• Raisin Bread: Usually Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon, unless highly flavored, in which case Mezonos and Al Hamichya if eaten as a snack.
• Rugelach: Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack; Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal.
• Strudel: Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack, even for strict individuals; Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if eaten as a meal.
• Sun Dried Tomato Bread: Usually Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon, unless heavily flavored, in which case Mezonos and Al Hamichya if eaten as a snack.
• Wafers: Mezonos and Al Hamichya as a snack; best to eat with bread if setting a meal over them.
• Zatar Bread: Usually Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon, unless very heavily spiced, in which case Mezonos and Al Hamichya if eaten as a snack.

Food Name	Blessing
Bagels	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon
Biscuits	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Bissli	Mezonos and Al Hamichya
Blintzes	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Bread with chocolate spread after baking	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon
Brownies	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi (meal)
Burekas	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Cake	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Cheesecake	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi (meal)
Cinnamon Roll	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Crackers	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Crepes	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Croissants	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Danish	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Éclair	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Flavored bread	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon
Flour Latkes	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Hamintashin [PHB]	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Jachanun (baked)	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Jachanun (fried)	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Jachanun (steam cooked)	Mezonos and Al Hamichya
Kokosh Cake	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Lekach Honey cake	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi (meal)
Mallawah	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Mezonos bread	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Pancakes	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Pastry dough	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Phyllo Dough	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Pizza with Hamotzi Dough	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon
Pretzels	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Puff Pastry Dough	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Raisin bread	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Rugelach	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Strudel	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Sun dried tomato bread	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Wafers	Mezonos and Al Hamichya (snack), Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)
Zatar Bread	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon (meal)

 

9. Kevius Seuda – The definition of a meal:

In many of the previous laws regarding Mezonos bread and other products [Pas Haba Bekisnin; Teruknin; Lachmaniyos], we stated that when one designates Mezonos bread or similar Mezonos foods as a meal (Kevius Seuda), the blessings change, and Hamotzi with Birchas Hamazon must be recited. The law clarifies what qualifies as a meal and when these blessings apply.

A. The law:

One only says Mezonos on Mezonos bread if he is eating under 6 Kibeitzim and he will not be satisfied. One always washes on vc22 Mezonos bread if he will be eating more than 4 Kibeitzim and will be satisfied. One washes on a different piece of bread if he is eating under 4 Kibeitzim and will be satisfied, or he is eating between 6 and 21 Kibeitzim and will not be full.

If one ate less than 4 Kibeitzim [220 grams]: Say Mezonos and Al Hamichyah if not satiated. If satisfied, say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on real bread.

Ate between 4 and 6 Kibeitzim [220-330 grams]: If not satiated, say Mezonos and Al Hamichyah. If satisfied, say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on the Meozonos bread.

Ate between 6 and 21 Kibeitzim [330-1500 grams]: If satiated, say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on the food itself. If not, say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on real bread.

If ate 21 Beitzim or more [1500+ grams]: Always wash, say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on the Mezonos bread regardless of satiety.

Amount Eaten	Satiated?	Blessing	On Which Food?
Less than 4 Kibeitzim [230g]	No	Mezonos and Al Hamichyah	Mezonos product
Less than 4 Kibeitzim [230g]	Yes	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon	Real bread
4-6 Kibeitzim [230-346g]	No	Mezonos and Al Hamichyah	Mezonos product
4-6 Kibeitzim [230-346g]	Yes	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon	Mezonos product
6-21 Kibeitzim [346-1244g]	Yes	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon	Mezonos product
6-21 Kibeitzim [346-1244g]	No	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon	Real bread
21+ Kibeitzim [1244g+]	Yes or No	Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon	Mezonos product

B. Became full as a result of other foods in addition to the bread:

If someone becomes full from eating Mezonos bread and other foods, they should wash and say Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon if they ate more than four Kibeitzim of bread; if they ate less, these blessings are said on regular bread instead.

• Example: If an individual consumes a sandwich containing meat or fish and becomes satiated from it, it is regarded as if they became full from the Mezonos bread. Therefore, if they consumed more than four kibeitzim of the bread, they should wash their hands over it. If they consumed less, they should wash their hands over another piece of regular bread.
• Example: Chava had a sandwich with Mezonos bread along with side dishes and felt full. Because she consumed more than 4 Kibeitzim of the bread, she washed her hands, recited Hamotzi, and Birchas Hamazon. If she had consumed less bread, she would have washed her hands and recited Hamotzi and Birchas Hamazon on another piece of regular bread.

C. One planned to eat a snack of Mezonos and then changed his mind to eat Shiur Seuda:

If someone starts eating a small amount of Mezonos bread but then decides to eat enough for a meal, they should first say an after-blessing (Al Hamichyah), take a break, and then wash and say Hamotzi before continuing with at least 4 Kibeitzim of bread, finishing with Birchas Hamazon. If they do not pause for the after-blessing and continue eating until they are full and have eaten at least 4 Kibeitzim, they still say Birchas Hamazon at the end, even if Hamotzi was not said earlier. decided to eat a full meal.

• Example: Michael initially planned to have a small snack of Mezonos crackers but then decided to eat a full meal. He first said Al Hamichyah as an after-blessing for the initial portion, took a break, and then washed his hands, recited Hamotzi, and ate the remaining crackers, ensuring to consume at least 4 Kibeitzim. He concluded with Birchas Hamazon.

10. Compilation – Boiled and fried dough and batter: [See chapter 8 Halacha 16-17]

A. Boiled dough [or batter]:

Boiled or deep-fried dough (like sufganiyot) always receives the Mezonos blessing, regardless of how much is eaten or the meal context.

B. Sizzling in oil – Pan Fried dough or batter [Non-deep fried]:

Fried dough (not batter) in oil is mostly considered like boiled dough and is Mezonos, but it’s best not to eat to satiation unless within a meal due to some differing opinions. Pan-fried batters (such as pancakes) also receive Mezonos, even if eaten in large amounts.

C. Non-Stick Coating or Greasing – Pan baked dough or batter:

Dough or batter baked with only a light coating of oil: Thin batters get Mezonos unless eaten as a meal, while dough receives Hamotzi and Birkat Hamazon even in small amounts.

Summary of Chapter

Three main reasons something is Mezonos:

1. Liquid content (majority non-water)
2. Flavor profile (sweet/spicy so not meal bread)
3. Form/texture (thin batter, snack size, or filled with sweets)

Kevius Seuda (establishing a meal) is the main trigger for switching to Hamotzi — except for foods that are always Mezonos (deep-fried dough, minority-flour cakes eaten in small amounts).

Baal Nefesh stringency: Avoid borderline Mezonos breads outside a meal.

📊 Analysis Table – Types of Mezonos Breads

Type / Example	Key Defining Features	Blessing as Snack	Becomes Hamotzi When…
Pas Haba Bekisnin – Kneaded with non-water liquids (e.g., Mezonos bread, milk bread)	Majority liquid is milk, juice, oil, honey, etc.	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Pas Haba Bekisnin – Spicy dough	Strong spice/sweet taste (garlic, sugar, za’atar) so not eaten as meal bread	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Pas Haba Bekisnin – Sweet-filled pastries (Rugelach, Danish, cinnamon roll)	Regular dough filled with sweet fillings	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Pas Haba Bekisnin – Savory-filled pastries (meat knish, potato bureka)	Regular dough filled with satiating savory foods	Hamotzi always	—
Lachmaniyos (thin baked batter bread)	Thin batter or thin-baked product	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Truknin (thick baked from thin batter)	Very thin batter baked thick	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Terisa (very thin batter & very thin bake – crepes)	Paper-thin batter & bake	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Some say Hamotzi if Kevius Seuda
Minority flour cakes (honey cake, brownies, cheesecake)	Flour is minority ingredient	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Savory dry snacks (crackers, pretzels)	Flour & water, small/dry snack form	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	Eating Kevius Seuda amount
Pancakes / Fried batter	Thin batter fried in oil	Mezonos + Al Hamichya	If baked/greased lightly → Hamotzi when Kevius Seuda