• Soft food diets are useful in many situations, such as after oral surgery, tooth extractions, or head, neck, or stomach surgeries, as well as for people with chronic issues that make chewing and swallowing difficult.
  • There are many nutritious soft foods that can be eaten, such as eggs, soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and certain types of protein, but foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky should be avoided.
  • Soft foods can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as by cutting them into small pieces, using sauces or gravies to moisten them, or pureeing or mashing them. Additionally, there are many soft food recipes available to make the diet more varied and enjoyable.
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When exactly you'll need a soft-food diet? Here's everything you need to know.

When you should eat a soft food diet

Eating only soft foods comes in handy in many situations. In fact, this diet is good if you have had any type of mouth, tooth, head, neck, or stomach surgery. Also, you may need to follow this diet if you have a chronic issue that makes it difficult to chew and swallow.

For example, if you have gotten a dental implant placed or any type of oral surgery (wisdom teeth, braces, tooth extractions, etc.), your dentist may recommend a soft food diet. That’s a smart option because, first of all, you’ll have pain and discomfort in your mouth after the procedure. Secondly, it allows the surgical sites to heal better and quicker.

What foods to eat

Before you groan at the idea of a soft food diet, you should know there are plenty of soft foods you can eat.

Here are just a few ideas for this type of diet:

Grains

  • Bread, some cereals, muffins, pancakes, or waffle

  • Some cereals (soft and/or moist)

  • Pasta/noodles, rice

  • Saltine crackers in soup

Fruits and vegetables

  • Applesauce

  • Canned fruit

  • Cooked/baked fruits

  • Soft fruits with no skin (bananas, peaches, watermelon)

  • Soft, cooked veggies

Proteins

  • Eggs (poached, scrambled, or hard/soft boiled)

  • Easy to chew meat, like fish, chopped/ground poultry

  • Small pieces of meat in soup

  • Tofu

  • Baked beans

Dairy

  • Cheese (thinly sliced, melted)

  • Cottage or ricotta cheese

  • Milk and milkshakes

  • Ice cream

  • Yogurt

You should eat food that have a soft texture and are nutritious while on the soft food diet.

What foods to avoid

Yes, there are also plenty of foods you shouldn’t eat. And you should be aware of what they are before you bite into anything.

Here are some off-limits foods for those on a soft food diet:

Starches

  • Toast, crackers, and hard cereal

  • Anything with dried fruits, nuts or other seeds

  • Corn on the cob, uncooked potatoes, hard chips

  • Bagels, French bread, sourdough bread

  • Popcorn

Vegetables

  • Corn on the cob

  • Peas

  • Hard, unmashed, raw vegetables

Fruits

  • Hard fruits, like whole apples, raw carrots

  • Stringy fruits, like pineapple and mango

  • Any skin of a fruit

Proteins

  • Steak

  • Beef jerky

  • Bacon

  • Sausage

  • Hot dogs

  • Peanut butter (both creamy and crunchy)

You should avoid any food that’s tough, crunchy, hard, or sticky while on the soft-food diet. You should also avoid eating foods that are spicy, these can upset your stomach and cause bloating.

How to prepare soft foods

So now that you have the list of foods to eat and not to eat, how can you prepare these foods?

Below are some ideas for how to do just that:

  • Cut food into small pieces.

  • Use broth, gravy, or sauce to moisten food.

  • Soup is a healthy and safe option in a soft food diet.

  • Grind or puree foods.

  • Mash foods, like potatoes, veggies, and fruits.

Recipes for the soft food diet

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with this new diet, that’s normal with anyone who begins eating only soft foods.

But don’t worry. This is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s the perfect time to try something new.

You will be able to swallow most of this food without chewing, including meat. Just shred it into tiny pieces using a good food processor.

Here’s the ultimate list of soft food recipes. These are hand-picked, absolutely the best recipes I could find online.

This page will be updated with new recipes, so make sure to pin it for your further reference.

Your teeth will love this food – guaranteed!

Mashed

Heavenly mashed potatoes

Heavenly mashed potatoes
https://www.spoonforkbacon.com/heavenly-mashed-potatoes/

Cheesy spinach mashed potato cups

Cheesy spinach mashed potato cups
https://www.browniebites.net/cheesy-spinach-mashed-potato-cups/

Spiced sweetpotato cauliflower mash

Spiced sweetpotato cauliflower mash
https://www.accordingtoelle.com/spiced-sweet-potato-cauliflower-mash/

Herb and garlic mashed potatoes

Herb and garlic mashed potatoes
https://vikalinka.com/garlic-mashed-potatoes/

Potato pancakes

Potato pancakes
https://lilluna.com/potato-pancakes/

Irish Colcannon

Irish Colcannon
https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/authentic-irish-colcannon-recipe-mashed-potatoes-with-kale/

Loaded smashed potato skillet

Loaded smashed potato skillet
https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/loaded-smashed-potato-skillet/

Cheesy mashed potato casserole

Cheesy mashed potato casserole
https://lilluna.com/cheesy-mashed-potato-casserole/

Eggs

High protein egg scramble with quinoa

High protein egg scramble with quinoa
https://krollskorner.com/recipes/quinoa-egg-scramble/

Italian egg scramble

Italian egg scramble
https://zenandspice.com/italian-egg-scramble/

Baked egg potato bowls

Baked egg potato bowls
https://www.gardenandtable.net/baked-egg-potato-bowls/

Rice

Cheesy rice balls

Cheesy rice balls
https://girlandthekitchen.com/cheesy-arancini-italian-rice-balls/

Fried rice

Fried rice
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/fried-rice-recipe/

Cheesy zucchini rice

Cheesy zucchini rice
https://www.thebakerupstairs.com/2013/10/cheesy-zucchini-rice.html

Simple turmeric rice with peas

Simple turmeric rice with peas
https://ericasrecipes.com/simple-turmeric-rice-with-peas/

Texas Hash

Texas Hash
https://12tomatoes.com/texas-hash/

Cheddar chive rice

Cheddar chive rice
https://wearychef.com/recipe/cheddar-chive-rice/

Baked casseroles, lasagnas and more

Broccoli chicken casserole

Broccoli chicken casserole
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/healthier-broccoli-chicken-casserole/

Shepherd’s pie

Shepherd’s pie
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/shepherds-pie/comment-page-1/

Classic Lasagna

Classic Lasagna
https://www.bhg.com/recipe/pasta/classic-lasagna/

Baked ravioli

Baked ravioli
https://www.tasteandtellblog.com/baked-ravioli/

Cauliflower casserole

Cauliflower casserole
https://www.wellplated.com/cauliflower-casserole/

Soups

Creamy chicken soup

Creamy chicken soup
https://www.simplysated.com/creamy-chicken-soup/

Slow cooker split pea soup

Slow cooker split pea soup
https://www.asweetpeachef.com/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup/

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/zuppa-toscana-a-la-olive-garden/

Roasted garlic soup

Roasted garlic soup
https://brooklynsupper.com/garlic-soup/

Homemade tomato soup

Homemade tomato soup
https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/tomato-soup/

Egg drop soup

Egg drop soup
https://www.aspicyperspective.com/simple-egg-drop-soup-recipe/

Creamy tortellini soup

Creamy tortellini soup
https://littlesunnykitchen.com/creamy-tortellini-soup/

Chicken noodle soup

Chicken noodle soup
https://www.cookingclassy.com/chicken-noodle-soup-2/

Creamy potato leek soup with bacon

Creamy potato leek soup with bacon
https://therealfoodrds.com/creamy-potato-leek-soup-with-bacon/

Cheesy chicken enchilada soup

Cheesy chicken enchilada soup
https://www.cookingclassy.com/cheesy-chicken-enchilada-soup/

Chicken with herbs soup

Chicken with herbs soup
https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/the-best-chicken-soup-recipe/

Pasta

Creamy garlic herb mushroom spaghetti

Creamy garlic herb mushroom spaghetti
https://pinchofyum.com/creamy-garlic-herb-mushroom-spaghetti

Baked spaghetti

Baked spaghetti
https://www.rivertenkitchen.com/baked-spaghetti-cream-cheese.html

Cheesy bacon broccoli spaghetti squash

Cheesy bacon broccoli spaghetti squash
https://peasandcrayons.com/2016/10/cheesy-bacon-broccoli-stuffed-spaghetti-squash.html

One-pan bucatini fra diavolo

One-pan bucatini fra diavolo
https://bakerbynature.com/sunday-suppers-one-pan-bucatini-fra-diavolo/

Instant pot garlic parmesan noodles

Instant pot garlic parmesan noodles
https://nourishplate.com/instant-pot-noodles/

Salads

Tomato quinoa salad

Tomato quinoa salad
https://peasandcrayons.com/2018/07/tomato-quinoa-salad.html

Avocado tuna salad

Avocado tuna salad
https://www.kimscravings.com/easy-avocado-tuna-salad/

Spicy mashed buffalo chickpea salad

Spicy mashed buffalo chickpea salad
https://eatwithclarity.com/buffalo-chickpea-salad/

Avocado egg salad

Avocado egg salad
https://www.isabeleats.com/avocado-egg-salad/

Quinoa mint fruit salad

Quinoa mint fruit salad
https://projectmealplan.com/quinoa-mint-fruit-salad/

Moist breads

Apple and carrot loaf

Apple and carrot loaf
https://cravingsjournal.com/apple-and-carrot-loaf/

Super moist pumpkin bread

Super moist pumpkin bread
https://zenandspice.com/grandmas-super-moist-pumpkin-bread/

Banana bread

Banana bread
https://therecipecritic.com/banana-bread/

Zucchini apple bread

Zucchini apple bread
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/zucchini-apple-bread/

Milk bread

Milk bread
https://redstaryeast.com/recipes/milk-bread/

Meat and fish

Classic meatloaf

Classic meatloaf
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/classic_meatloaf/

Pulled pork with BBQ sauce

Pulled pork with BBQ sauce
https://www.recipetineats.com/pulled-pork-with-bbq-sauce/

Baked parmesan crusted salmon

Baked parmesan crusted salmon
https://www.cookingclassy.com/baked-parmesan-crusted-salmon/

Baked lemon garlic tilapia

Baked lemon garlic tilapia
https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/baked-lemon-garlic-tilapia/

Pancakes and omelettes

Cottage cheese pancakes with blueberries

Cottage cheese pancakes with blueberries
https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a11904/cottage-cheese-pancakes-blueberry-compote-recipe-122830/

Buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon apples

Buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon apples
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/buttermilk-pancakes-cinnamon-apples/

Fluffy greek yogurt pancakes

Fluffy greek yogurt pancakes
https://www.justataste.com/fluffy-greek-yogurt-pancakes-recipe/

Oven baked Denver omelet

Oven baked Denver omelet
https://paleoleap.com/oven-baked-denver-omelet/

Spanish tortilla with ham

Spanish tortilla with ham
https://www.laylita.com/recipes/baked-spanish-tortilla-with-ham/

Moist cakes

Homemade cinnamon swirl bread

 Homemade cinnamon swirl bread
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-cinnamon-swirl-bread/

Blueberry-sour cream coffee cake

Blueberry-sour cream coffee cake
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/blueberry-sour-cream-coffee-cake

Moist vanilla mug cake

Moist vanilla mug cake
https://www.recipelion.com/Cake-Recipes/Moist-Vanilla-Mug-Cake-103-Cookbooks

Lemon drizzle cake

Lemon drizzle cake
https://www.thespruceeats.com/ultimate-lemon-drizzle-cake-435277

Kentucky butter cake

Kentucky butter cake
https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/kentucky-butter-cake.html

Lemon poppy seed loaf

Lemon poppy seed loaf
https://www.delscookingtwist.com/best-ever-lemon-poppy-seed-loaf/

Fruits and vegetables

Cider vinaigrette roasted root vegetables

Cider vinaigrette roasted root vegetables
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cider_vinaigrette_roasted_root_vegetables/

Peach mango caprese salad

Peach mango caprese salad
https://happylifeblogspot.com/peach-mango-caprese-salad/

Baked peaches

Baked peaches
https://www.wellplated.com/baked-peaches/

Homemade applesauce

Homemade applesauce
https://www.recipegirl.com/homemade-applesauce/

Mousses

Lemon mousse

Lemon mousse
https://freshaprilflours.com/lemon-mousse/

Chocolate avocado mousse

Chocolate avocado mousse
https://www.thedishonhealthy.com/2018/03/30/vegan-chocolate-avocado-mousse/

Blueberry mousse

Blueberry mousse
https://beergirlcooks.com/blueberry-mousse-shooters/

Smoothies

Vanilla mint green smoothie

Vanilla mint green smoothie
https://proteinworld.com/blogs/recipes/vanilla-mint-green-smoothie

Healthy banana cream pie milkshake

Healthy banana cream pie milkshake
https://dessertswithbenefits.com/healthy-banana-cream-pie-milkshake/

Mango banana smoothie

Mango banana smoothie
https://www.cookedbyjulie.com/mango-banana-smoothie/

Easy cherry smoothie

Easy cherry smoothie
https://www.yellowblissroad.com/easy-cherry-smoothie/

Green tea matcha smoothie

Green tea matcha smoothie
https://www.jessicagavin.com/super-green-smoothie-with-matcha-tea/

Strawberry banana smoothie

Strawberry banana smoothie
https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/strawberry-banana-smoothie/

Sherbets

Homemade raspberry sorbet

Homemade raspberry sorbet
https://www.sugarsaltmagic.com/homemade-raspberry-sorbet/

Lime sherbet

Lime sherbet
https://www.minted.com/julep/2017/02/02/recipe-homemade-lime-sheret/

Sherbet cupcakes

Sherbet cupcakes
https://sequinsinthesouth.com/sherbert-cupcakes/