Try these soft food ideas to break out of that slump and start eating deliciously. If you’ve ever had any type of oral surgery, it’s likely that you’ve been placed on a soft food diet. This means nothing crunchy, chewy, or overall difficult to eat. I hope that since you’ve found this list, you never have to miss out on delicious foods when on a soft food diet. Whether you’re looking for whole recipes or just a snack, these soft food ideas will leave you full and satisfied.
1. Hummus
Hummus is an incredibly smooth dish made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and a few other ingredients. It’s super creamy, fluffy, and luscious. You can enjoy hummus as a dip, topping, spread, or just eat it with a spoon. It’s protein-packed and full of flavor. Hummus is one soft food that just can’t be beat.
2. Eggs
Another easy-to-find, easy-to-make, and easy-to-eat soft food is eggs. Soft scramble them for a luscious meal that has some protein and can be flavored in so many ways. Add cheese, fresh herbs, or avocados for eggs that are anything but boring. Eggs are also rather soft when fried. As long as they’re not overcooked, they’re still soft, and the runny yolk is super indulgent.
3. Avocado
Avocados are one of my favorite soft foods. Turn them into guacamole with some lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. Put them on top of soft scrambled eggs or blend them into a smoothie. They’re a versatile blank canvas that’s delicious and healthy.
4. Pancakes
Pancakes, especially this old-fashioned recipe, are a soft food that you may not have thought of. There’s nothing like a scratch-made buttery pancake on a lazy weekend morning. Topped with sticky maple syrup, bananas, or just creamy butter, I guarantee that these pancakes will put a smile on your face.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a popular dish in Ireland and Britain but people around the world are enjoying it and you should too! Flavorful ground beef with tender veggies acts as a base for fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a combination that is sure to bring you pure joy.
6. Chili
Chili is the definition of comfort food. If the soft food diet is leaving you feeling a little blue, you have to make some. Ground meat, hearty beans, and loads of spices make this a dish that’s extremely satisfying. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re just tired of boring foods, cowboy chili is a must. Don’t be intimidated by the cook time. This is a low and slow dish that is worth every second.
7. Risotto
Risotto is a type of rice dish that takes some time to make but it’s so luxurious. As it’s cooked, it develops all kinds of gooey starchiness. It can be enhanced with ingredients like Parmesan cheese, butter, or fresh herbs. You can even put a poached egg on top for a dish that’s insanely delicious.
8. French Toast
If you’re restricted to soft foods, French toast is a lovely dish to try so you don’t have to eat a boring breakfast. Brioche is my favorite bread for French toast because of how soft and fluffy it is. It soaks up the custard and is just perfect in my opinion. Add bananas or mascarpone cheese on top for an even tastier meal.
9. Cheese Fondue
Cheese fondue is ooey-gooey goodness that’s delightful no matter how you make it or enjoy it. You can use virtually any cheese or blend of cheeses. With added seasonings and spices, cheese fondue will easily become your new frequent craving. Dip soft bread into the melty cheeses or for a crispier dish, try apples or broccoli.
10. Rice Pudding
Sweet rice pudding is a great snack or dessert that everybody loves. It’s creamy, comforting, and crave-able. The texture of the rice is lovely and the vanilla flavors are divine. I promise, kids and adults will love this dish. Add a dash of cinnamon on top for the perfect finishing touch.
11. Mashed Potatoes
Irish mashed potatoes, also known as Colcannon are a fluffy and delicious soft food. The Irish version of mashed potatoes is completely elevated with, you guessed it, butter. I honestly don’t think there’s a better ingredient for mashed potatoes. Although creamy spuds are a soft food go-to, you’ve never had them like this.
12. Funeral Potatoes
Although they have a silly name, these potatoes are the perfect potato casserole dish. They’re cheese, creamy, and crunchy but you can leave the cornflakes out if you’re on a soft food diet. Shredded potatoes mixed with cream sauce and cheese bake up into a soft and flavorful dish. Despite the name, serve these funeral potatoes at any celebration or occasion.
13. Polenta
Polenta is like the Italian version of grits. It’s often made from ground cornmeal and when made properly, can be a soft, light, and fluffy side dish. With butter and cream cheese added in, this polenta recipe in particular is incredibly creamy. It’s delicious when served with almost any entree like steaks or short ribs. You can even pour it into a loaf pan and chill it. Once set, slice it up and throw it on the grill. Now, you have soft polenta cakes.
14. Oatmeal
I love oatmeal for breakfast any day. You can make instant oatmeal, rolled oats, or steel cut. The choice is yours. I love all of the different toppings you can add to it. To keep oatmeal in the soft foods category, add bananas, brown sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, or peanut butter. Oatmeal is a versatile staple that is far from boring if you show it a little love.
15. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is probably the most popular soft food. Tender noodles in a creamy, cheesy sauce are so comforting, you may even forget the whole reason you’re eating soft foods. Macaroni and cheese is not just for kids. This recipe only requires a few ingredients and comes together quickly and easily. You’ll enjoy a gooey bowl of mac and cheese in no time!
16. Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican street food made with masa and stuffed with virtually anything. Masa dough is made from corn, lard, and a few other ingredients. Spread it onto a corn husk and then add the stuffing ingredients. Wrap it up into its own little package before cooking. For soft foods, I suggest stuffing them with cheese and green chilis, or you can make a sweet version with pineapple.
17. Ice Cream and Gelato
Ice cream or Gelato are always on my list of soft foods. I’ll always take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy a bowl of creamy frozen dessert. Choose a flavor without ingredients that may be hard to chew like chocolate chips or cookie pieces. You may also want to watch out for frozen cookie dough since it can get pretty hard. No matter what flavor you choose, ice cream or gelato is an excellent choice when it comes to soft foods.
18. Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a Chinese dish consisting of tofu and ground meat in a spicy and thin sauce or broth. If you’re looking for a ton of flavor on your soft food journey, this recipe is a must-have. The soft tofu combined with the meat is a texture and flavor combination that’s super tantalizing. Serve this dish over rice for a complete meal that’s perfect for any soft food appetite.
19. Rice
Rice is an approved soft food in all forms. However, why have plain white rice when you can have a flavor-loaded bowl of Mexican rice. Cooking rice in onions, tomatoes, and a terrific combination of spices will leave you with a tasty meal. Rice is one of my favorite things to play around with, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.
20. Applesauce
Applesauce comes in many forms: unsweetened, sweetened, pouches, cups, jars, or combined with other fruit or veggies. Even the unsweetened applesauce is delicious. Eat it with a spoon or from a pouch. You can also add it to other dishes like potato pancakes or baked recipes.
21. Yogurt/Kefir
Like ice cream, yogurt or kefir is a creamy treat that is ideal for any soft food diet. Enjoy yogurt for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and you won’t be disappointed. Add toppings like honey, raspberries, bananas, and more. Yogurt is also packed with protein and will help keep you feeling full throughout the day.
22. Flaky Fish
There are many soft flaky fish dishes out there. One of my favorite dishes is salmon. Broiled, baked, pan-seared, or poached, fish is easy to make and full of healthy fats. Omega 3s are essential to your brain function and heart health. Fish should definitely be on your grocery list when shopping for soft foods.
23. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese, along with many other soft cheeses, is a great snack. Enjoy cottage cheese with some fruit for breakfast or a protein-packed snack or dessert. It’s nutritious and delicious. Cottage cheese does have a bit of a sour cream taste. But when paired with sweet fruit or honey, it balances perfectly and becomes so yummy.
24. Smoothies/Shakes
This is a great option if you’re craving something that isn’t soft like strawberries or peanuts. Shakes are creamy and dreamy and they’re really just a more fun way of eating ice cream. Disclaimer: If you’re eating soft foods due to oral surgery, be sure to eat smoothies or shakes with a spoon instead of through a straw!
25. Bananas
Bananas are an easy soft food that is accessible and universally loved. Make sure they’re ripe as under-ripe bananas can be a harder texture. You can eat bananas as-is or add them to all of your favorite soft foods. Make a banana split, sweeten your bowl of yogurt, throw them on top of pancakes, and so much more.
26. Hot Dogs/Sausages
Hot dogs and sausages are an easy way to get protein while on a soft food diet. They don’t require much cooking, and you can enjoy them in so many ways. If you have hot dog buns, eat them the traditional way. You can also slice them and add them to your macaroni and cheese or eggs. Click on a star to rate it!
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