Andy Montoya
Whether sauce and cheese pizza is mezonos or hamotzi is a subject of debate. Hamotzi is a blessing recited for bread, while mezonos is recited for snack bread. Some people consider pizza a meal and thus hamotzi, while others consider it a snack and thus mezonos. Additionally, the type of liquid used in the dough and the number of slices consumed can impact whether pizza is classified as mezonos or hamotzi. For example, if the dough is made with liquid other than water, such as juice or milk, it may be classified as mezonos. Furthermore, the method of preparation can also be a factor, as deep-fried or boiled dough products are typically not considered bread and are therefore mezonos. Ultimately, the classification of sauce and cheese pizza as mezonos or hamotzi depends on various factors and interpretations of Jewish law.
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What You'll Learn
- The blessing for a sauce and cheese pizza depends on whether it is a meal or a snack
- If it is a meal, a blessing is required
- If it is a snack, a different blessing is required
- The type of dough used in the pizza also affects the blessing
- The way in which the pizza is prepared and cooked affects the blessing
The blessing for a sauce and cheese pizza depends on whether it is a meal or a snack
The blessing for a pizza depends on whether it is considered a meal or a snack. If it is a meal, then hamotzi is recited. If it is a snack, then mezonos is recited. However, there is ambiguity in determining whether pizza is a meal or a snack, and the decision is dependent on several factors. Firstly, the number of slices consumed is a key consideration. Generally, consuming one slice of pizza is considered a snack, while eating two slices is considered a meal. However, some sources suggest that even one slice could be considered a meal if it is eaten with other foods or if it is of a substantial size.
The type of pizza and the method of preparation also play a role in determining the blessing. For example, frozen pizza may be treated differently from fresh pizza due to variations in the baking process. Additionally, the ingredients used in the dough, such as water, juice, or milk, can impact the blessing. If the dough is made with a majority of liquid other than water, it may be classified as "snack bread" or "pas haba bikisnin," which would require the mezonos blessing. On the other hand, if the dough is primarily made with water and baked in an oven, it may be considered "meal bread" or "pashtida," requiring the hamotzi blessing.
The toppings on the pizza also come into play. Cheese is considered a meal topping, so a pizza with cheese as a primary topping may be more likely to be classified as a meal, requiring hamotzi. However, if the pizza has a significant amount of vegetables or other toppings, it could influence whether it is seen as a snack or a meal. Furthermore, the shape of the pizza may be a factor, as square pizzas are typically semi-baked first and then topped with sauce and cheese, which would require hamotzi.
The context in which the pizza is consumed also matters. For instance, if one orders a slice of pizza with a salad and a drink at a restaurant, it is generally considered a meal (koveah seudah), requiring hamotzi. Similarly, if one takes the pizza home to eat, it is typically considered a meal. However, if one is having a small portion of pizza as a snack, especially if it is consumed between meals, it would likely be classified as a snack, requiring mezonos.
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If it is a meal, a blessing is required
The blessing required for a meal depends on the type of food and the circumstances in which it is consumed. In the case of pizza, there is ambiguity as to whether it is considered a "snack" or a "meal", and whether it is "pas haba bikisnin" or "bread".
If one slice of pizza is eaten as a snack, without anything else, it is considered "mezonos". However, if one plans to eat their fill or around 336 grams of pizza, or if it is eaten as part of a meal with other foods, then it is considered "hamotzi". Additionally, if the pizza dough is made with liquid other than water, such as juice or milk, it is also classified as "mezonos".
The method of preparation also plays a role in determining the blessing. For instance, if the pizza dough is baked first and then topped with cheese and sauce, as is common with square pizzas, it is considered "hamotzi". On the other hand, if the dough is deep-fried or semi-baked, or if the pizza is a calzone—an Italian turnover made of pizza dough stuffed with various fillings and baked—it is classified as "mezonos".
Furthermore, the context in which the pizza is consumed can influence the blessing. For example, if pizza is ordered at a restaurant and eaten with a salad and a drink, it is considered a "koveah seudah", requiring washing and a "hamotzi" blessing. Similarly, if pizza is taken home, it is also considered "koveah seudah".
In summary, if sauce and cheese pizza is consumed as a meal, a "hamotzi" blessing is required, especially if it is eaten with other foods or if the dough is baked first. However, if it is consumed as a snack, or if the dough is made with liquids other than water, or if the pizza is deep-fried or semi-baked, then a "mezonos" blessing is more appropriate.
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If it is a snack, a different blessing is required
The blessing required for a food item depends on its ingredients and how it is consumed. If a pizza is consumed as a snack, a different blessing is required compared to when it is consumed as a meal.
Pizza is considered "Pas Haba'ah B'kisnin", which is interpreted in various ways. The Alter Rebbe defines it as dough made with a majority of liquid other than water. However, some hold that pizza dough is made with juice, which would make it "mezonos". If the pizza is eaten as a snack, the blessing would be "Al Hamichya". This blessing is said after eating foods (not bread) prepared from the five grains.
On the other hand, if the pizza is consumed as a meal, the blessing would be "hamotzi". This blessing is typically given for bread. Additionally, if the pizza is eaten with something else, even if not directly with the pizza, it is considered a meal, and "hamotzi" would be recited.
The ambiguity surrounding pizza's blessing status (snack or meal) has led some to avoid eating it outside the context of a bread meal. The blessing also depends on the number of slices consumed, with one slice usually requiring "mezonos", and two slices requiring "hamotzi".
In summary, if pizza is consumed as a snack, the blessing required is "Al Hamichya", while if consumed as a meal, "hamotzi" is recited. The number of slices and whether it is eaten with other food also play a role in determining the appropriate blessing.
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The type of dough used in the pizza also affects the blessing
The type of dough used in a pizza affects the blessing because the blessing depends on whether the pizza is considered "pas haba bekisnin" or "pat ha-ba'a be-kisanin".
If the dough is made with more fruit juice than water, then the pizza is considered "cake" and the blessing is "mezonos" for a single piece. This is because the dough itself is considered "pas haba bekisnin", which is a category of food that includes baked goods made with liquids other than water.
On the other hand, if the dough is made with majority water, then the blessing is "hamotzi" for a single piece. This is because the dough is considered regular bread, and the blessing for bread is "hamotzi".
Additionally, the method of preparing the pizza also affects whether it is considered "pas haba bekisnin" or "pat ha-ba'a be-kisanin". If the dough is baked with the filling, as in the case of some frozen pizzas, it is more likely to be considered "pas haba bekisnin". However, if the dough is baked without the filling and then topped with sauce and cheese, it is more likely to be considered "pat ha-ba'a be-kisanin".
Furthermore, the amount of pizza consumed and whether it is eaten as a snack or a meal also affects the blessing. If one slice of pizza is eaten as a snack, it is considered "pas haba bekisnin" and the blessing is "mezonos". If two slices or more are eaten, even if not directly with the pizza, it is considered a meal and the blessing is "hamotzi".
In summary, the type of dough used in a pizza, the preparation method, and the amount consumed all play a role in determining whether the pizza is considered "pas haba bekisnin" or "pat ha-ba'a be-kisanin", which in turn affects the blessing recited.
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The way in which the pizza is prepared and cooked affects the blessing
The way in which pizza is prepared and cooked has a significant impact on the blessing recited. The blessing depends on whether the pizza is considered a meal or a snack, and whether it is classified as "pas haba bikisnin" or "bread".
Firstly, the number of slices consumed and whether the pizza is eaten as a meal or a snack affects the blessing. If one consumes a single slice of pizza as a snack, it is generally considered "mezonos". However, if two slices are eaten, it is often considered a meal, requiring a "hamotzi" blessing. The definition of a meal is also influenced by what else is consumed alongside the pizza.
Secondly, the liquid used in the pizza dough influences its classification. "Mezonos" is recited when the dough is made with liquid other than water, typically juice or milk. This is because the pizza is then considered "pas haba bikisnin", a type of "snack bread". On the other hand, if the dough is primarily made with water, it is more likely to be classified as regular bread, requiring a "hamotzi" blessing.
Additionally, the method of cooking affects the blessing. For example, deep-fried dough loses its status as bread and becomes "mezonos". Similarly, frozen pizza produced by baking the dough and then adding cheese and sauce is more likely to be considered "mezonos", as it resembles cheese melted on bread. In contrast, baking the dough with the toppings, as is done with calzones, results in a "hamotzi" blessing, as it is considered a meal food.
The ambiguity surrounding pizza's status as a snack or meal, and the difficulty in determining the serving size that constitutes a meal, have led some people to avoid eating pizza outside the context of a bread meal to ensure they follow the correct blessings.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on whether you are eating anything else with it. If you are eating one slice of pizza on its own, it is considered a snack and requires a mezonos. If you are eating one slice of pizza with a salad and a drink, it is considered a meal and requires a hamotzei.
Yes, the type of dough can affect whether pizza is considered mezonos or hamotzei. If the dough is made with liquid other than water, such as juice or milk, it is considered mezonos. If the dough is made with water, it is considered hamotzei.
Yes, the way frozen pizza is made can affect whether it is mezonos or hamotzei. If the sauce and cheese are added to raw dough and then baked and frozen, it is considered mezonos. If the dough is semi-baked or baked first and then the sauce and cheese are added, it is considered hamotzei.
Yes, square pizzas are typically made by baking the dough first and then adding the sauce and cheese, so they are considered hamotzei.
Mezonos is a blessing recited for snack foods, while hamotzei is a blessing recited for meal foods.
