Yes, you can enjoy the feast without breaking a bracket.
Thanksgiving is basically the Super Bowl of eating — but if you’re rocking braces (Hi, welcome to the metal-mouthed club), the menu suddenly comes with… rules. The good news? You can still enjoy so much of the holiday table without worrying about popping a wire or calling your orthodontist mid-dessert.
This guide breaks down what you can eat, what to avoid, and even gives you a few delicious braces-friendly recipes so your holiday is comfortable, cozy, and full of flavor.
What You Can Eat (AKA: The Happy Plate Section)
These foods are soft, safe, and won’t trigger an orthodontic emergency:
- Soft turkey slices (skip gnawing on the leg)
- Mashed potatoes — the MVP
- Sweet potatoes (mashed, baked, or topped with marshmallows)
- Stuffing (as long as it’s soft)
- Green bean casserole
- Mac & cheese
- Soft rolls + gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Pumpkin pie, apple pie (soft), cheesecake
Eat With Caution
- Corn off the cob (cut it first!)
- Fully cooked vegetables
- Seeded rolls
- Cut all raw veggies
Avoid (For the Love of Your Brackets)
- Hard bread crusts
- Nuts & nut toppings
- Caramel or sticky desserts
- Popcorn
- Turkey legs (your braces will lose this fight)
Braces-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
Soft, delicious, and holiday-approved:
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Braces Superstar)
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. potatoes, peeled + cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk or cream
- 2 cloves garlic (optional)
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until soft enough to mash with a fork.
- Drain and add butter, milk, and garlic.
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season to taste.
Add extra cream for an ultra-soft, braces-heaven bite.
2. Marshmallow Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients:
- 4–5 sweet potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- Splash of vanilla
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Bake or boil sweet potatoes until soft.
- Mash with butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Smooth into a baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows and broil until golden.
Soft, sweet, cozy — and zero chewing drama.
3. Extra-Creamy Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt + pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta until it is very soft (yes, softer than usual — braces win!).
- Melt butter in a pot and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Slowly add milk, stirring until thick.
- Mix in cheese until smooth.
- Combine with pasta.
The creamiest mac you’ll ever eat — orthodontist approved.
4. Soft Apple Pie Cups (Braces-Safe Dessert!)
Ingredients:
- 4 soft apples, peeled + diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Pre-made pie crust (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook apples in a pan with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until super soft.
- Spoon into ramekins and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream.
All the pie flavor, none of the crunchy crust danger.
Final Thoughts
Braces don’t have to dim your Thanksgiving fun. With the right soft, delicious foods, you can enjoy every bite — without worrying about broken brackets or emergency orthodontic visits.
Your smile is transforming, your plate is full, and your holiday is still so delicious. Happy Thanksgiving!
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Cohen, a Highland Park orthodontist, offers a wide range of treatments, like Invisalign, Angel Aligner, and traditional braces, to patients wanting a straighter, healthier smile. When it comes to the holidays, she and her team provide helpful tips so that you avoid a dental emergency while enjoying your favorite foods. If you want to make sure your smile stays beautiful this holiday season, schedule an appointment or call her office at (224) 268-8726.