When your child has braces, meal times can be tough, especially after an adjustment. Hard, chewy foods are out of the question, so finding meals that are both soft and filling is key. We’ve put together a list of 27 quick and braces-friendly meals that will keep your child comfortable and well-fed. These easy dishes are gentle on sore teeth and simple enough to whip up on busy days.
Cacio e Pepe
This creamy pasta is easy to chew, making it great for kids with braces. The soft noodles and cheesy sauce blend together to create a gentle, comforting meal. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, braces-friendly dinner when chewing needs to be effortless.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Miso Glazed Salmon
Soft and packed with flavor, this miso-glazed salmon is ideal for kids with braces. The tender fish and rich glaze are easy on teeth, providing a gentle bite that’s both satisfying and kind to sensitive mouths. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal without the struggle.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
This pasta dish features a smooth, creamy sauce that’s easy for kids with braces to handle. The tender noodles combined with the mild pea flavor offer a gentle, braces-friendly meal that’s comforting and simple. It’s a soothing option for days when regular meals are too difficult to chew.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Cream of Celery Soup
This creamy celery soup is gentle on teeth, making it a great choice for kids with braces. The blended celery is smooth and full of flavor, perfect for chewing when uncomfortable. It’s a warm, easy-to-make meal that provides comfort without putting strain on sensitive mouths.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Celery Soup
Caramelized Apple Oatmeal
This warm oatmeal with caramelized apples is soft and easy to eat, making it perfect for kids with braces. The sweet apples blend into the tender oats, creating a comforting and gentle breakfast. It’s an excellent option for starting the day with a meal that doesn’t require much effort to chew.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Apple Oatmeal
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is cooked until soft, making it gentle on teeth for kids with braces. The tender lentils are simmered in a flavorful broth, offering a satisfying and easy-to-eat meal. It’s a simple and comforting dish that’s kind to sensitive mouths and easy to chew.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Oatmeal Pancakes
These fluffy oatmeal pancakes are ideal for kids with braces who need something soft and easy to chew. The blended oats provide a gentle texture that works well for breakfast or dinner. They offer a wholesome, braces-friendly option that makes mealtime comfortable and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Pancakes
Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes
These mashed potato pancakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them easy on braces. They’re an inventive way to enjoy mashed potatoes without any tough textures that could be uncomfortable. This dish provides a comforting, braces-friendly meal that’s simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Pancakes
Crockpot Applesauce
This smooth, slow-cooked applesauce is a soft and gentle snack for kids with braces. The apples break down into a naturally sweet and easy-to-eat texture that’s kind to sore mouths. It’s a simple, comforting option that offers ease and nourishment without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Applesauce
Soy Ginger Salmon
This soy-ginger salmon is tender and flavorful, making it a great option for kids with braces. The soft fish combined with the light glaze ensures a gentle bite that’s easy on teeth. It’s a tasty, braces-friendly meal that delivers both taste and comfort without the challenge of chewing.
Get the Recipe: Soy Ginger Salmon
Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that’s ideal for kids with braces. Their soft texture makes them easy to enjoy, providing comfort when other foods are too hard to chew. They’re a versatile, braces-friendly addition to any meal that offers soothing ease.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
French Onion Soup
This rich and savory French onion soup is perfect for kids with braces, with its soft caramelized onions and flavorful broth. Topped with cheese and tender bread, it’s a gentle meal that’s easy to eat. It provides a warm and comforting option when regular foods feel too difficult.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
This hearty chickpea tomato soup offers a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy for kids with braces to handle. The blend of chickpeas and tomatoes creates a rich, gentle meal that’s kind to sensitive teeth. It’s a satisfying option for days when a filling, braces-friendly dish is needed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Pesto Salmon
Tender salmon topped with fresh pesto makes for a soft, easy-to-eat meal that’s perfect for kids with braces. The gentle texture and balanced flavors create a delicious dinner that’s kind to sensitive teeth. It’s a healthy and enjoyable option for a meal without the discomfort of tougher foods.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Potato Corn Chowder
This creamy potato corn chowder is a perfect choice for kids with braces, as it’s both smooth and easy to chew. The blend of tender potatoes and sweet corn creates a comforting soup that’s gentle on sore mouths. It’s an ideal option for when your child needs a filling meal that doesn’t require much effort to eat.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Tomato Soup
This smooth tomato soup is ideal for kids with braces, offering a rich and easy-to-eat meal. Made quickly in the Instant Pot, it’s perfect for days when chewing regular foods feels too difficult. It’s a simple, comforting option that provides nourishment without the strain.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Mini Apple Pancakes
These soft, bite-sized apple pancakes are a fun and easy-to-eat option for kids with braces. Full of sweet apple flavor, they’re great for breakfast, snacks, or any time regular foods feel too uncomfortable. They offer a gentle and enjoyable meal that’s easy to chew and digest.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pancakes
Egg Muffins
Soft and protein-packed, these egg muffins are a great choice for kids with braces who need an easy-to-eat meal. They can be filled with various ingredients for variety, making them versatile for breakfast or dinner. It’s a quick, braces-friendly option that’s simple to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Egg Muffins
Greek Yogurt Popsicles
These creamy yogurt popsicles are a soothing treat for kids with braces, offering a cool and smooth texture that’s easy on sore mouths. The combination of yogurt and fruit creates a gentle snack that’s both refreshing and simple to make. A perfect choice for a soft, tasty, and comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Tender and flavorful, sweet potato turkey meatballs are ideal for kids with braces due to their soft texture that’s easy to chew. The combination of sweet potatoes and turkey creates a gentle meal that’s easy on sensitive teeth while still providing a satisfying dinner. These meatballs are a great choice for when a filling, braces-friendly option is needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs
Potato Gnocchi
Soft and pillowy, this gnocchi is an excellent choice for kids with braces who need an easy-to-chew meal. The tender dumplings pair well with any sauce, creating a gentle and comforting dish. It’s perfect for dinner when regular foods feel too tough to handle.
Get the Recipe: Potato Gnocchi
Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
This creamy bean soup is smooth, hearty, and easy on braces, making it a warm meal that’s gentle on sensitive teeth. The blend of beans and herbs creates a filling dish that requires minimal chewing. It’s an ideal choice for a soothing dinner when other foods are too hard to eat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup
Sourdough Pancakes
Light and fluffy, these sourdough pancakes offer a soft texture that’s gentle on braces. The mild tangy flavor adds a twist while remaining easy on sensitive teeth. They’re a simple and enjoyable meal option when regular foods are too tough to chew.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pancakes
Ground Turkey Pancakes
These savory ground turkey pancakes are a unique breakfast option that’s perfect for kids with braces. They’re soft and easy to chew, making them suitable for both breakfast and dinner. It’s a flavorful and braces-friendly meal that’s gentle on teeth and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pancakes
Italian Meatball Soup
Soft meatballs in a savory broth make this soup a great choice for kids with braces. The warm and filling meal is easy on teeth, offering comfort without any tough textures. It’s an ideal option for when your child needs something hearty yet gentle to eat.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Simple Salmon Patties
These soft and flaky salmon patties are perfect for kids with braces, offering a gentle and protein-packed meal. With their tender texture and simple ingredients, they’re a quick and easy option that’s kind to sensitive teeth. It’s a tasty way to enjoy a filling dinner without the challenge of chewing.
Get the Recipe: Simple Salmon Patties
Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl
This colorful smoothie bowl is a soft and nutritious choice for kids with braces. The creamy blend of fruits is easy on the teeth, providing a fun and gentle breakfast option. It’s a light yet filling way to start the day with something soothing and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Smoothie Bowl