Summer Foods You Can Still Enjoy with Braces

Summer is officially here, as of June 21st (although it’s felt like summer in Mississippi and Tennessee for a while now!)

If you’re currently going through orthodontic treatment, you know that eating with braces requires some caution; but that doesn’t mean that your options are limited! It just means that your grocery list needs a little creativity this summer. 

Your friends here at GO Orthodontics have got you covered with a few easy, summer-inspired recipes to kick off the season. You never know which recipe could become your new favorite!

Recipes & Snacks You Can Eat with Braces

 

Summer Fruit Salad

There’s nothing better than fresh fruits in the summer (especially when they’re braces-friendly.) Try cooling off with this delicious, colorful fruit salad.

 

Ingredients

For the Dressing

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. freshly squeezed orange juice

Zest of 1 lemon

 

For the Salad

1 lb. strawberries, hulled and quartered

6 oz. blueberries

6 oz. raspberries

3 kiwis, peeled and sliced

1 orange, peeled and wedges cut in half

2 apples, peeled and chopped

1 mango, peeled and chopped

2 c. grapes

 

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, and lemon zest. 
2. Add all of the fruit to a large bowl and pour dressing on top. 
3. Toss gently to combine. 
4. Chill until ready to serve.

 

Source: Delish

 

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Mac ‘n’ Cheese Muffins

Mac ‘n’ cheese in crispy muffin form? Tell us more! 

These mac ‘n’ cheese muffins are the perfect snack-sized braces-friendly treats for any time of day. 

 

Ingredients

kosher salt

2 c. uncooked macaroni

1 tbsp. butter

1 large egg

1 tbsp. onion powder

1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. mustard powder

1 c. milk

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 c. shredded cheddar, divided

2 c. shredded fontina, divided

1/4 c. panko bread crumbs

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. 
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook macaroni until just tender, 5 minutes. 
3. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
4. To bowl, add butter and egg and stir until butter is melted and egg is thoroughly coating noodles. Add onion, garlic, and mustard powders, then pour in milk and cream cheese and stir until combined. Add 1 1/2 cups each cheddar and fontina and stir until macaroni are completely coated.
5. Butter a 12-cup muffin tin and spoon mixture into cups. Top with remaining cheddar and fontina.
6. In a small bowl, stir together panko and olive oil and season with salt. Top mac and cheese with panko mixture and season with pepper.
7. Bake until the cups feel firm and cheese is golden, 30 minutes. Let cool in muffin tin for 10 minutes, then run a knife along the edge of each to loosen.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve.

 

Source: Delish

 

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Ham and Cheese Omelet Sticks 

 

Ingredients:

Cooking spray

56 buttery crackers (2 c. fine cracker crumbs)

6 tbsp. unsalted butter

6 large Eggland’s Best eggs

3/4 c. whole milk

2 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper 

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. diced deli black forest ham (about 6 oz.)

1/4 c. fresh parsley leaves, chopped

 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. 
2. Grease an 8-by-8 baking dish with cooking spray and line with parchment. Grease parchment.
3. In a food processor pulse the crackers until fine crumbs. Add the butter and pulse until combined. Pour the cracker mixture into the prepared baking dish and press into a firm even crust. 
4. Bake the crust until lightly golden, about 14 minutes. Remove to a wire rack.
5. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and flour. Season with salt and pepper. 
6. Stir 1 cup of the cheese, ham, and parsley into the egg mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the hot crust.
7. Bake until the egg is set, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 15 minutes, then slice into sticks and serve.

 

Source: Delish

 

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Eating with Braces: FAQs

Still wondering if you can eat your favorite snacks? Check out these frequently asked questions about eating different foods with braces.

Can you have s’mores with braces? Yes! A traditional s’more (graham cracker, melted marshmallow and chocolate) is on the braces-friendly list. Just be sure to brush, floss and mouthwash thoroughly after chowing down. Marshmallows are notorious for getting stuck between teeth and in the crevices of braces.

Can you have salad with braces? Salads are on the “maybe” list with braces. It depends which ingredients you choose for your salad. Try to keep bites small to prevent breaking an appliance, and avoid nuts, croutons, and full pieces of lettuce or spinach. Be sure to brush and floss right after your salad! 

Can you eat burgers with braces? Good news! Burgers can stay on the menu this summer, because they’re generally soft on your braces. It’s a good idea to cut your burger into smaller pieces to make it even easier to enjoy. When you’re done with your burger, brush your teeth and gums to remove any lingering pieces of bread!

 

Still have questions about the best food for summer braces?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We would be happy to hear from you.

Take the first step to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by requesting your complimentary consultation with us in Oxford, Saltillo, Southaven or Corinth (Mississippi) or Collierville near Memphis (Tennessee).