Enjoy some treats for the holidays without sacrificing your oral health.

The holidays are upon us! It’s time to buy those gifts, schedule those family gatherings, and plan those meals. These next few months are meant to be a time of joyous celebration, and you can avoid the last-minute rush by preparing beforehand.

Of course, one of the best parts about the holidays is the food! So, today, we’re sharing 10 dentist-approved, mouth healthy recipes to jump-start your appetite and get you in the spirit.

1. Halloween Fruit Kabobs

Let’s kick this list off with some spooky good Halloween treats. These Halloween fruit kabobs are a fun and healthy way to celebrate this holiday and offset the bucket of sweets your kiddos will bring home after trick-or-treating! Made with just marshmallows, strawberries, and melons, they’re as easy as they are delicious. One taste, and you’ll know why it’s one of our favorite low-sugar recipes.

2. Keto Pumpkin Mousse

It wouldn’t be October without pumpkin everything. If you’ve grown a little tired of your go-to PSL, then it’s time to shake things up a bit with this decadent keto pumpkin mousse! Even if you aren’t specifically looking for keto recipes, these are a surefire hit. You can make this crust-free dessert by blending pumpkin puree with cream cheese, heavy cream, pumpkin pie spice, and a little powdered erythritol for sweetness.

Did you know pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food? We love it because it’s high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium and magnesium, which keep your teeth strong and healthy.

3. Honey Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the unsung heroes of the Thanksgiving table. Packed with vitamin A, they keep the soft tissue of your gums healthy and your tooth enamel strong. This year, try preparing these honey cinnamon sweet potatoes for a yummy twist on an old favorite. Once you peel and cube your potatoes, the only thing left to do is drizzle them with olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper! Then, roast them for 30 minutes at 350 degrees and dig in.

4. Turkey Spring Rolls

Sure, you could combine leftover dinner rolls with your Thanksgiving turkey to make sliders the next day; however, after a heavy meal, nothing tastes better than fare that’s light and fresh. That’s why we love these Turkey Spring Rolls!

When you fill delicate rice paper wrappers with marinated turkey pieces, soft noodles, lettuce, sprouts, and cucumber strips, you’ve got an instant new classic. Filled with enamel-loving protein, vitamin D, and calcium, turkey is a great choice for this holiday.

5. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Wild Rice

Looking for low-carb recipes as you prepare your Turkey Day feast? Squash boats are so fun and simple to make, and they’re excellent vessels for a range of creamy fillings. As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, be sure to include stuffed butternut squash with wild rice!

Once you remove the seeds from your squash, cut it in half lengthwise and roast it. Then, fill it with the recipe’s unbelievable rice blend, which combines Basmati rice and wild rice, along with savory veggies like onions, green peas, and mushrooms. Season the mixture, add a little cheese, and pop the squash under the broiler for a few minutes.

The beta-carotene in the squash will help keep your enamel strong. At the same time, vitamins A and C promote healthy gums.

6. Curry Vegetable Latkes

As Hanukkah approaches, are you looking forward to those familiar fried latkes? While the potato versions are undeniably delicious, these curry vegetable latkes are equally yummy.

Made with grated zucchini and carrots, the batter also contains matzo meal, eggs, potato starch, and a ton of rich spices, including curry powder, allspice, and cumin. Top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a dose of tooth-loving protein!

7. Breaded Chicken Schnitzel

While it’s customary to eat brisket at Hanukkah, this breaded chicken schnitzel is equally satisfying and it’s gluten-free. After a quick egg wash, dip the chicken into the wonderful blend of almond flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and onion granules. Then, pan-fry it for three minutes or until it’s crispy and beautiful. Chicken is high in protein and can help protect your teeth and gums while you eat!

8. Boiled Egg Snowmen

There’s nothing like a snow day at home. When the white stuff starts falling around Christmas, be prepared with these boiled egg snowmen. Start by making six large hard-boiled eggs, and six small ones. Stack the smaller ones on top of the larger ones using a piece of uncooked pasta. Then, add peppercorns for eyes and buttons and a tiny sliver of carrot for the nose. Kids will especially love festive, healthy holiday recipes like this one!

9. Pita Christmas Tree Appetizers

These pita Christmas tree appetizers would be ideal to serve when it’s time to crank up the carols and deck the halls. A skinny pretzel stick forms the trunk, while a fun guacamole drip delivers the greenery!

To make the dip, combine guacamole with fat-free sour cream, parsley, and your favorite garlic/pepper blend. Spread that mixture on top and add a few chopped veggies for extra color!

10. Apple Cranberry Relish Biscotti

Christmas cookies aren’t just reserved for the kids table. These apple cranberry relish biscotti are delightfully crunchy and just the right amount of sweet. To make them, you’ll start by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt.

Setting that aside, you can blend your other ingredients, which include butter, sugar, eggs, honey, and vanilla. Then, blend in the real star of the show — the zesty apple cranberry relish — to make the dish sing. Fold everything together, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for around 28 minutes.

Cranberries are high in polyphenols, which help prevent tooth decay!

Keep your teeth healthy over the holidays.

This list of healthy recipes proves you can indulge over the holidays without sacrificing your beautiful smile! If you do nibble on sweets, be sure to wait at least 20 minutes before brushing. This helps you get rid of as much plaque as possible.

In addition to the above foods and snacks, keep in mind that what you drink matters too. Of course, water is always a great choice, but other tooth-healthy beverages include milk, low-sugar vegetable juices, and green tea.

If you’re in the greater Omaha area, our dental team is here for your family throughout the holidays and beyond. Contact our office if it’s time to schedule an appointment!