Our patients in Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Bellevue, and greater Omaha are ravenous for delicious braces-friendly recipes. When you have braces from Hawley Orthodontics, you need to eat soft foods that won’t harm your brackets or wires. But soft doesn’t mean boring! Dr. Hawley and Dr. Brace recommend tons of wonderful options. They’re easy on your teeth and full of flavor. In this list, you’ll find smoothies, soups, mac and cheese, and cookies. These certainly aren’t the only recipes, but they’re some of our favorite meals and snacks to enjoy without braces worrying about your braces.
Blueberry & Banana Smoothie
Smoothies are perfect for anyone with braces. They’re easy to make and packed with nutrients. This blueberry and banana smoothie is both tasty and gentle on your teeth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 cup milk or yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting, braces-friendly option. It’s smooth and packed with flavor, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 4 cups tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic in butter until soft.
- Add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in the cream and basil. Heat it up!
This soup is easy to eat and soothing, making it a great choice for anyone with braces.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a versatile and easy breakfast option, perfect for braces. Mix the oats with milk or yogurt. Next, let them sit in your refrigerator overnight. The next morning, put in your favorite toppings! You might try sliced bananas, berries, or a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup milk or yogurt
- Toppings of your choice (fruits, nuts, honey)
Instructions
- Mix oats and milk or yogurt in a jar.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Add toppings before serving.
These oats are soft and flavorful. They provide a nutritious start to your day without putting stress on your braces.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This healthier twist on mac and cheese uses butternut squash for a creamy texture. It’s soft and braces-friendly, so you know it’s a comforting meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz chickpea pasta
Instructions
- Cook squash until tender, then blend with milk until smooth.
- Cook pasta and mix with squash puree.
- Stir in cheese until melted.
This dish is packed with vitamins and protein. It’s perfect for a filling and nutritious meal.
Plant-Based Lentil Sloppy Joes
These vegan sloppy joes use lentils instead of ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, cooked
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
Instructions
- Cook lentils and set aside.
- In a pan, mix tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Simmer.
- Add lentils to the sauce and cook for 10 minutes.
Serve on soft buns. You’ll find a lot of protein and fiber in this recipe. It’s both healthy and satisfying.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These soft pumpkin cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without harming your braces.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix pumpkin, sugar, and butter until smooth.
- Add flour and cinnamon and mix well.
- Drop the spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Then, bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.
These cookies are soft and moist. They’re an ideal treat for anyone with metal or clear braces.
Healthy Homemade Ice Cream
This braces-friendly ice cream is made with frozen bananas and strawberries, which make it a creamy and healthy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
- For a firmer texture, serve immediately. Freeze leftovers.
This dairy-free ice cream has no additional sugar, making it a healthy option for a fantastic, braces-centric dessert.
Baked Spaghetti
Love pasta but have braces? No problem! This baked spaghetti is soft, delectable, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ground meat (optional)
Instructions
- Mix cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce and ground meat (if using).
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
The baked spaghetti is easy to chew and full of flavor.
Three-Cheese Macaroni Extravaganza
This creamy mac and cheese uses a blend of three cheeses, so you know it’s a rich and braces-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta until tender.
- Mix cheeses with hot pasta until melted and creamy.
- Transfer it to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
This yummy treat is perfect for cheese lovers and provides a comforting meal that’s easy on the teeth.
Chicken and Bean Burritos
Soft tortillas with tender chicken and beans make these burritos a braces-first option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 soft tortillas
Instructions
- Mix chicken, beans, and cheese.
- Fill tortillas with the mixture and roll up.
- Heat gently before serving.
These burritos are high in protein and easy to eat.
Braces Recipes Galore at Hawley Orthodontics
If you like any of these braces-friendly recipes, Dr. Hawley and Dr. Brace have a lot more. We have nutritious options for anyone in Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Bellevue, or the greater Omaha area. To find out more, go here to schedule your free consultation at Hawley Orthodontics.