10 Dinner Ideas After Tonsil Removal That Actually Taste Good

Getting your tonsils out? Yeah it’s not exactly a walk in the park. Your throat feels like you swallowed sandpaper and the thought of eating anything remotely solid makes you want to crawl back into bed. But here’s the thing – you’ve got to eat to heal properly and honestly there are some pretty tasty options that won’t make you want to cry.

The key is sticking to soft smooth foods that slide down easy and won’t irritate your healing throat12. Cold foods are your best friend right now because they help numb the pain38. And trust me after a few days of ice chips and popsicles you’re going to want some real dinner options.

Pro tip: Take your pain meds about 30 minutes before eating – it makes everything so much more bearable5.

1. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

This isn’t your regular chunky soup – we’re talking silky smooth comfort in a bowl. It’s packed with protein and carbs to keep your energy up while you recover.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast finely shredded
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste (go easy!)

Instructions:

1. Blend the cooked rice with 1 cup of broth until completely smooth
2. Pour into a pot and add remaining broth shredded chicken and cream
3. Heat gently – don’t let it boil or it’ll be too hot for your throat
4. Stir in butter and a pinch of salt
5. Let it cool to lukewarm before serving

2. Buttery Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins. Plus they’re so creamy when mashed properly that they practically melt in your mouth7.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Bake sweet potatoes at 400°F until super tender (about 45 minutes)
2. Scoop out flesh and mash with butter while still warm
3. Add milk gradually until you get a smooth creamy consistency
4. Stir in honey if you want it sweeter
5. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm

3. Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese

Eggs are protein powerhouses and when you make them super soft and creamy they’re perfect for post-surgery eating27.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs with milk in a bowl
2. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over low heat
3. Add eggs and stir constantly with a spatula
4. When eggs start to set add cream cheese in small pieces
5. Keep stirring until creamy and just set – don’t overcook!
6. Season lightly and serve immediately

4. Smooth Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is like a warm hug for your throat. It’s naturally sweet and has zero chunks to worry about.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast squash cubes with olive oil at 400°F for 25 minutes
2. Transfer to a blender with broth and blend until completely smooth
3. Pour into a pot add coconut milk and ginger
4. Heat gently and season with salt
5. Strain through a fine mesh if you want it extra smooth

Pro tip: Make a big batch and freeze portions – you’ll thank yourself later7.

5. Creamy Mac and Cheese (Extra Smooth)

Sometimes you just want comfort food and this ultra-creamy version hits the spot without any of those pesky breadcrumb toppings12.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni cooked until very soft
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
• 1/2 cup cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Make a roux with butter and flour in a saucepan
2. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth
3. Add both cheeses and stir until melted
4. Toss with the super-soft pasta
5. Add more milk if it’s too thick – you want it really creamy

6. Vanilla Pudding with Banana

This feels like dessert but it’s actually pretty nutritious. Bananas are soft and easy to digest13.

Ingredients:

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
• 2 cups cold whole milk
• 1 ripe banana mashed smooth
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare pudding according to package directions
2. Fold in mashed banana and honey
3. Chill for at least 2 hours
4. Serve cold – the coolness feels amazing on a sore throat

7. Smooth Hummus with Soft Pita

Regular hummus might be too chunky but when you make it extra smooth it’s a great protein source7.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (use sparingly – citrus can sting)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Warm water as needed
• Soft pita bread

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients except water until smooth
2. Add warm water gradually until you get a really creamy consistency
3. Taste and adjust – go easy on the lemon
4. Serve with soft warm pita pieces

8. Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole

This is comfort food at its finest – soft noodles in a creamy sauce with tender chicken9.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups wide egg noodles cooked until very soft
• 2 cups cooked chicken finely shredded
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Mix soup and sour cream until smooth
2. Combine with noodles chicken and peas
3. Pour into a baking dish and top with cheese
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly
5. Let cool before serving – you don’t want it too hot

9. Smooth Tomato Soup (Mild Version)

Hold up – I know tomatoes can be acidic and irritating but if you make this really mild and creamy some people tolerate it okay. Skip this if you’re sensitive to acidic foods35.

Ingredients:

• 1 can low-acid tomato sauce
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat tomato sauce gently in a pot
2. Stir in milk cream and sugar
3. Add basil and simmer for 10 minutes
4. Strain if needed for extra smoothness
5. Serve lukewarm not hot

10. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

This is like mashed potatoes but lighter and just as comforting7.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until very tender
2. Drain well and mash with butter
3. Add cream cheese and milk mash until smooth
4. Season lightly
5. Serve warm but not hot

Final Pro Tips:

• Always let hot foods cool down – your throat is sensitive right now28
• Take small bites and chew slowly even with soft foods2
• Stay hydrated between meals – it helps with healing15
• Don’t force it – if something hurts stop eating it and try something else

Remember this phase won’t last forever. In about two weeks you’ll be back to eating pizza and crunchy snacks12. Until then be kind to yourself and focus on foods that help you heal. Your throat will thank you for it!