Halakha: What Blessing Is Recited Over Potato Kugel?

Forpotato kugel, the blessing is recited if the potatoes are discernible; if not, recite 'shehakol' (first blessing)

At the end of eating, recite 'borei nefashot' (final blessing)

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Portion Size for Obligation of Final Blessing (from 'Daily Halakha' by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, ztz"l):

For any food a person eats, they must recite a "first blessing", such as "shehakol" or "ha'etz". Even if only eating a small amount of that food, one must bless as long as they intend it for eating. (However, if one only tastes to adjust seasoning, no blessing is needed). Therefore, someone chewing flavored gum must bless for its taste, even if they swallow very little of it. Similarly, one drinking anything must bless even for just a drop of the beverage.

This applies specifically to the first blessing, while a final blessing is recited only after an "important eating," defined as the portion size of "kezayit", which is twenty-seven grams; for drinking, the portion size is "revi'it", which is eighty-one grams.

Additionally, the eating or drinking must occur within a timeframe that allows the portions to combine. For example, if one eats a "kezayit" of bread over an entire day, crumb by crumb, they cannot recite Birkat Hamazon afterward. Eating a "kezayit" must occur within the time of "achilat pras"; opinions vary, saying it is between five and seven and a half minutes. It's advisable to consume a kezayit within four and a half minutes to satisfy all opinions.

Regarding a final blessing for beverages, one needs to drink a "revi'it" (eighty-one grams) at once. If there is an interruption between sips, no final blessing is recited. Consequently, someone drinking soup with a spoon or hot coffee or tea doesn't recite a final blessing because they cannot consume a revi'it at once.​