3 Fun and Filling Braces-Friendly Recipes

Fill Your Belly Without Messing With Your Braces

Anyone who has braces can tell you, finding yummy things to eat that won’t cause discomfort or pain to your teeth can be tough. Some orthodontic recommended recipes might be bland or simply unappealing. It shouldn’t have to be, though! Dr. Beaufils has listed some family friendly recipes below that are both brace-safe and delicious!

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Soft Pretzels (Makes 8)

Miss pretzels but can’t enjoy the crunch because of braces? Try a soft pretzel instead! This braces-friendly treat combines the delicious salty flavors of pretzels in a soft, yummy dough. This recipe may be a little bit of work for a regular treat, but it’s perfect for parties and get-togethers!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1 package of active dry yeast
• 22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups
• 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for pan
• 10 cups of water
• ⅔ cups of baking soda
• 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Pretzel salt

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the water, sugar and kosher salt and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the butter and flour and knead until well combined and the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, roughly 4 to 5 minutes. Now, you can remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has about doubled in size.

While the dough rises, you will preheat the oven to 450º F. Brush vegetable oil over 2 half-sheet pans lined with parchment paper and set aside.

Next, combine the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan or roasting pan.

On an oiled surface, place the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a pretzel shape (or the shape of your choice).

Carefully situation your pretzels onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan and then, one by one, place them into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Carefully return the pretzels to the half sheet pan using a spatula, and brush the top of each pretzel with the egg wash. Sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Place in the oven bake until golden brown, around 12 to 14 minutes. Let sit on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Potato Pancake Chips (Makes 6)

Potato chips are a staple in the snack pantry – unless you wear braces. Chips can get lodged within your braces and make cleaning and maintaining them twice as difficult. Instead, try a perfect potato pancake recipe?

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ diced small onion
• 1½ tablespoons flour
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 cup milk
• 1½ cups cubed raw potatoes
• Non-stick vegetable spray

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth or your desired consistency. Before placing over medium heat, coat a frying pan with non-stick vegetable spray. Pour a portion of the pancake batter into the frying pan and cook until the bottom is a honey brown, about two minutes. Turn the potato pancake over with a spatula. Continue to cook until the bottom turns golden brown, about two minutes, then remove with a spatula. Continue to repeat directions with the remaining batter until empty. Top with sour cream or something sweeter, like applesauce!

Baked Potato Soup (Makes 3 Servings)

Comfort food is a must, especially on days when your gums are swollen and your teeth are feeling sore and not up to chewing. This recipe is simple enough to eat once a week – or make it in large batches and freeze for easy reheats!

Ingredients:

• 3 strips bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• ½ cup cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 5 potatoes, boiled, peeled, and diced
• 2 tablespoons minced onion

In a medium frying pan, fry bacon and onion together. Reserve the grease. In a double boiler, melt butter and blend flour and milk, stirring frequently. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir until smooth and thick. Finally, incorporate the crumbled bacon and onion mixture and top with shredded cheese.

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Your Journey to Perfectly Aligned Teeth

Your experience with braces does not need to be a terrible one! Choosing a trusted dental health care expert like Dr. Lloyd Beaufils can help make your orthodontic experience as comfortable as possible! Schedule an appointment at our Cooper City office by contacting 954-252-1390 today!