The Correct Bracha on "Mezonos" Rolls

I have seen sandwiches and rolls labeled "Mezonos Rolls." Is the bracha on these rolls really mezonos?

As noted in the previous Halacha Yomis, the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 168:7) rules that the bracha on baked dough made with honey, oil, milk or spices is borei minei mezonos. How much spice or flavor must be added to the dough to render the bracha mezonos and not hamotzi? The Shulchan Aruch rules that a discernible taste is sufficient, and this position is followed by Sephardic Jewry. In contrast, the Rama rules that the flavor must be predominant, and this ruling is followed by Ashkenazic Jewry. The OU poskim, as well as many others, understand the Rama to mean that the bracha is mezonos only if the final product tastes like cake, and not like bread.

"Mezonos Rolls" are generally kneaded with fruit juice and water. Typically, they taste almost exactly like regular rolls. Rav Belsky and Rav Schachter both held that they are without question hamotzi for Ashkenazim. Even for Sephardim, the bracha may be hamotzi, since the fruit juice is often not discernable.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.