Recipes to Prep for Post Wisdom Teeth Removal

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed! I know how overwhelming it can be to find things to eat, and you don’t just want to live on milkshakes.

Before surgery, I started making a list of soft meals, snacks, and easy recipes to have ready because I knew I wouldn’t feel like cooking afterward.

Honestly, having things planned to make (like smoothies, can’t really prep those in advance) and having things already made (like instant pot applesauce and homemade tomato soup) made things SO much better.

The first few days can be awkward when you’re hungry but can’t really chew much.

You want foods that are soft, filling, easy to eat, and comforting.

I found that I really only needed to eat this way for about 2-3 days, and then I “graduated” to more regular foods.

So, I definitely wouldn’t prep ALL of these ideas. Choose two or three that sound good and you should be good to go.

I put together this list of recipes to prep for post wisdom teeth removal, along with foods to buy ahead of time and things to avoid.

If you or someone in your family has surgery coming up, hopefully this helps make recovery feel a little smoother and a lot less stressful.

Things to Specifically Avoid

After wisdom teeth removal, the extraction sites need time to heal.

Certain foods can get stuck in the area, irritate the gums, or require too much chewing.

It’s always best to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s specific instructions, but these are common foods people are told to avoid:

• Chia seeds (not sure why so many people recommend overnight oats with chia seeds, chia seeds would be your worst nightmare getting stuck in those sockets!!!!)
• Popcorn
• Chips
• Rice
• Quinoa
• Granola or Nuts
• Chewy candy
• Tough meats like steak or jerky
• Raw vegetables
• Spicy foods (can irritate sensitive areas)
• Very hot foods right away
• Foods that require wide biting, like burgers or sandwiches
• Using straws (important to avoid dry socket)

Things You Can Just Purchase

Having a few ready-to-eat options in the fridge makes recovery much easier.

My game plan was to make a few things homemade and buy a few things from the store.

Balance is always the answer in my book.

Here are things I purchased:

• Annie’s Shells and White Cheddar (this is the best mac and cheese, can’t tell me otherwise! it was soft enough I could easily eat it)
• Snack Pack Chocolate Fudge Pudding (my little sweet treat haha)
• Avocado Mash Snack Cups (add these to your Target pick-up order, a good healthy option!)
• Apple Sauce Cups (so inexpensive)
• Fairlife’s Core Protein Drinks (worth it – SO delish and good source of protein)

and here are a few more good ideas you could buy:

• Protein Powder to add to water or milk for a protein boost (this one is my all time fav)
• Superfood Fruit Smoothie pouches
• Rao’s Soups (any of these are good – and Rao’s is by far the best brand)

Healthy Recipes (because you can’t live on milkshakes alone 😉)

The biggest thing I ran into when trying to find wisdom teeth removal foods was all of the recommendations were ice cream, jello, and milkshakes.

I love a good milkshake, but that’s not really something I can drink multiple times per day and feel good on.

You definitely need some healthy stuff, then enjoy your milkshake after.

So, here are some nourishing, good for you ideas, then I’ll share some “fun” recipes at the end.

Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

A blueberry smoothie is a great thing to enjoy after wisdom teeth removal because it’s cold, refreshing, and simple to sip with a spoon.

The cool temperature can feel especially soothing during the first couple of recovery days when everything feels swollen and tender.

This is also a great option when you want something fruity but still filling.

Smoothies can help you get calories in when chewing feels impossible, and they’re quick to make whenever hunger hits.

Instant Pot Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is such a smart recovery food because it’s naturally soft, comforting, and easy to eat.

Making it in the Instant Pot keeps things hands off and simple, which is ideal if you’re prepping meals ahead of time.

This is one of those foods that tastes good chilled or warm (once you’re ready for warmer foods). It’s mild, gentle, and a nice break from heavier foods.

Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse

If you want something that feels like dessert but still has a little staying power, cottage cheese chocolate mousse is a fun option.

It’s creamy, rich, and smooth enough to enjoy during recovery.

This can be a great snack when you’re tired of soups and smoothies. It feels indulgent while still being easy to eat and surprisingly satisfying.

Homemade Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is classic comfort food for a reason. It’s warm, smooth, and easy to enjoy when chewing isn’t happening.

Just make sure it cools slightly before eating during the early recovery stage.

This is also a nice savory option if you’re craving something beyond sweet foods.

Pairing soft soups into your meal rotation can help recovery meals feel more normal.

Spinach Smoothie

This spinach smoothie is a great way to sneak in something fresh and nourishing while recovering.

It’s smooth, easy to eat, and can help balance out all the softer comfort foods.

If you’re someone who likes lighter options, this is perfect. It feels energizing and refreshing while still being gentle to eat.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pudding

This recipe sounds cozy and comforting, and it’s perfect for wisdom teeth recovery.

Anything creamy and spoonable tends to be a win, and butternut squash has that naturally smooth texture people love.

It’s a nice option when you want something savory-leaning but still soft and mellow. It also feels more substantial than basic pudding cups.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower gives you that same comforting vibe as mashed potatoes with a lighter twist.

It’s creamy, soft, and easy to enjoy without chewing.

This can be a great side dish or even a main meal during recovery days when you want something warm and filling.

It’s especially helpful when you’re craving comfort food.

Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie

This smoothie is rich, fruity, and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat while also being filling enough to count as a meal!

Smoothies like this are ideal for recovery because they’re easy to customize and simple to enjoy slowly. Just make sure the texture is completely smooth.

Roasted Carrot Soup

Carrot soup is naturally velvety and comforting. This is an excellent post-surgery meal.

It’s warm, flavorful, and easy to eat when chewing still feels uncomfortable.

This is also a great make ahead recipe to freeze in portions.

Having this homemade soup ready to go can make recovery so much easier.

Homemade Hummus

I know it’s a bummer you can’t dip pita chips or raw veggies in this during your recovery, but hummus is so nourishing you can just make it to eat by the spoonful.

This is nice when you’re tired of sweet foods and want something savory.

It can also help make snack time feel a little more interesting during recovery.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are basically the MVP of wisdom teeth recovery foods.

They’re warm, comforting, soft, and filling. Making them in the slow cooker makes prep even easier.

This is one of those recipes almost everyone appreciates after surgery. It’s simple, familiar, and always hits the spot.

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

I didn’t know whether to include this one in this “healthy” category or bump it back down into the dessert section, but I’m giving you a pass and calling it healthy since it has avocado, lol!

This is such a fun recovery recipe because it feels rich and decadent while still being smooth and spoonable.

It’s a great option when you want something different from regular ice cream and need a little mood boost during recovery.

Desserts (The Fun Recipes)

Alright, you’ve eaten your healthy foods. Protein? check. Healthy fats? check. Fruits and veg? check. Now let’s reward ourselves with a little post wisdom teeth extraction treat. 🙂

Here are a few sweet ideas worth prepping ahead of time.

Homemade Chocolate Mousse

This chocolate mousse was seriously so good.. it was INCREDIBLY satisfying post wisdom teeth extraction. (this is one of the recipes I choose to make!)

I mean, everything from Sally’s Baking Addiction is absolute fire.

No Ice Cream Machine Required Mango Ice Cream

A fruity frozen dessert can be such a nice change from heavier chocolate options. Mango ice cream sounds refreshing, tropical, and soothing.

The best part is how easy these no-machine recipes usually are. It’s a simple make-ahead treat to keep in the freezer.

Easy Crème Brûlée Recipe

Crème brûlée has that silky custard texture that works really well for recovery.

You may want to skip or soften the crunchy top during the earliest healing stage, but the creamy base is ideal.

This dessert feels extra special, which can be nice when you’re stuck eating soft foods for days.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

You can never go wrong with classic vanilla ice cream after wisdom teeth removal. It’s cold, smooth, and always comforting.

This is one of the easiest foods to keep on hand because everyone likes it, and it’s perfect when you need something gentle and simple.

Final Thoughts

Wisdom teeth recovery is a lot easier when you prepare before surgery day. Stocking up on soft staples, planning a few filling meals, and having fun treats ready can make those first few days much more comfortable.

Instead of wondering what you can eat, you’ll be able to open the fridge and already have great options waiting.

Whether you lean toward smoothies, soups, mashed favorites, or ice cream, a little prep goes a long way.