Diets & Weight loss

6 Best Bland Diet Recipes in (2025)

6 Best Bland Diet Recipes in (2025)

Bland diet recipes may not initially captivate your interest, but they hold significant value. The culinary options they present are tailor-made for individuals adhering to a bland food diet due to medical reasons. This type of diet is commonly prescribed for those recuperating from an ailment or surgery, as well as individuals managing chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease.

January 1, 1970 ·

The Bland Diet: A Comprehensive Guide

10 Min, 5 Sec · By All Perfect Health

#004: This episode explores the bland diet, a way of eating that focuses on soft, easily digestible foods to aid recovery from illness or surgery. We'll cover key foods like cooked white rice, plain chicken, lean beef, cooked vegetables, broth and oatmeal and discuss what to avoid, such as spicy, fried, or fatty foods, and raw or gas-producing vegetables. The episode will touch on practical recipe ideas from the sources, such as bland vegetable soup, chicken broth and chicken and rice casserole, and will explain that the diet's main purpose is to rest the digestive system, not weight loss, although low calorie options are often included, such as oatmeal.

 

Embracing a bland diet can effectively reset and prepare your digestive system for the introduction of new foods. While cooking and consuming bland meals may pose challenges, we have curated a collection of our preferred soft food recipes that aim to alleviate this transitional period in your life. These recipes are uncomplicated, easily prepared, and ideally suited for individuals on a bland diet. Without further ado, let us commence with the first recipe!

1) Bland Vegetable soup

Bland diet recipes

Our first recipe is vegetable soup. This soup is packed with healthy vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. It’s also low in calories and fat, making it the perfect meal for those on a bland diet. 

To make vegetable soup for a bland diet, you will need:

  • -1 tablespoon olive oil
  • -1 onion, chopped
  • -3 cloves garlic, minced
  • -3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • -2 stalks celery, diced
  • -1 bay leaf
  • -8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • -1 cup of water
  • -1 teaspoon salt
  • -1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • -1 cup uncooked white rice
  • -1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes. Bring broth and water to a boil, then add rice. Simmer covered on reduced heat for approximately 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and rice is cooked. Remove bay leaf, stir in parsley, and serve the soup hot or cold. Ideal for those on a bland food diet, this flavorful bland vegetable soup is a nutritious option.

2) Bland Diet Chicken broth

a bowl of chicken broth soup: bland diet

Our next recipe, specifically designed for those following a bland food diet, is a nutritious chicken broth that is low in calories and fat, yet high in protein and sodium, making it an ideal meal to help health enthusiasts stay hydrated while adhering to their dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 cup of white vinegar
  • One teaspoon of salt
  • One tablespoon of black pepper
  • One chicken (3-4 pounds)
  • Two carrots, chopped into large pieces
  • Two celery stalks, chopped into large pieces
  • One large onion, chopped into large pieces

Directions:

In a spacious pot or Dutch oven, combine water, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat. Introduce chicken and vegetables to the pot. Decrease the heat to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for a duration of 2 hours. Employ a slotted spoon to extract and discard the chicken and vegetables from the pot. It is recommended to permit the broth to cool slightly before utilization or storage in the refrigerator. This flavorful yet mild chicken soup is an ideal addition to a bland food diet.

3) Salad

Another recipe we have for you is a simple salad. This salad is packed with healthy vegetables like tomatoes and carrots. Salads are typically very low in calories and fat, and they’re a great way to fill up without feeling too weighed down, which makes it the perfect meal to add to your bland diet menu. Avoid gas-producing vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers, and corn

4) Bland Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is a classic bland diet recipe that is delicious and easy to make. It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • One can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook rice according to package directions.
  3. Combine soup, milk, onion, poultry seasoning, chicken, and rice in a large bowl. Pour into the prepared dish.
  4. Sprinkle with cheese.
  5.  Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

4) Soothing Bland Chicken Soup

a bowl of bland soup with chicken and onions

 Chicken soup is the perfect comfort food, and it’s also great for those on a bland diet. This recipe is easy to make, and perfect for a cold winter day.

Ingredients:

  • 1-quart chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • One clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Three tablespoons of quick-cooking tapioca
  • One can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
  • 1-1/2 cups cooked, diced chicken
  • Optional: Chopped fresh parsley

 Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan, bring the broth to a boil.
  2. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, garlic, thyme, and pepper.
  3. Partially cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the tapioca and soup and return to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the chicken and heat through. Sprinkle with parsley if desired. Yield: 6 servings (3 quarts).

You can also read this article: The Ultimate Guide About Liver Shrinking Diet

5) Bland Diet Oatmeal

Bowl of Oatmeal bland diet

 

Oatmeal serves as an excellent dietary fiber source, aiding in the regulation of digestion. Its low calorie content makes it an ideal option for individuals striving to achieve weight loss goals. Oatmeal can also be utilized as part of a bland food diet during post-surgical or recovery periods. Furthermore, oatmeal boasts high levels of fiber, protein, folate, and vitamin B-12, positioning it as an optimal meal choice for those adhering to a bland diet regimen.

6) A Bland Diet Recipe: Beef dish

Our last recipe is for a beef dish. This beef dish is high in protein and low in fat, making it the perfect meal to add to your bland diet menu.

Ingredients:

  • -1/2 pound beef, cut into 1″ cubes
  • -1/2 onion, chopped
  • -1 garlic clove, minced
  • -3 tablespoons butter-
  •  3 tablespoons flour
  • -1 cup beef broth
  • -1/4 cup sour cream
  • -salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté beef, onion, and garlic in butter until browned. Sprinkle with flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked noodles or rice.

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté beef, onion, and garlic in butter until browned.
    6 inches, onion, garlic clove
  2. Sprinkle with flour and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
    sprinkle, flour
  3. Add beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
    stir, sour cream, season, salt, pepper
    Serves 4-6 Time 30 minutes Difficulty Moderate

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Bland Diet Recipes

  • What is a bland diet and why might someone need to follow one?
  • A bland diet consists of foods that are generally soft, easily digestible, and low in seasonings or irritants. It’s often prescribed for individuals recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease. The purpose is to give the digestive system a break, allowing it to heal and prepare for the reintroduction of more varied foods. By avoiding spicy, fatty, or heavily seasoned foods, the diet helps to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
  • What are some common foods included in a bland diet?
  • Common bland diet foods include cooked white rice, plain chicken, lean beef, cooked vegetables (such as carrots, celery), chicken or vegetable broth, oatmeal, and simple salads (avoiding gas-producing vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). The focus is on gentle, easily digested foods that are not likely to irritate the digestive system. It is important to prepare food simply, for example, boiling vegetables instead of frying.
  • Are there any foods that should be avoided on a bland diet?
  • Yes, several types of food should be avoided. This includes spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, highly seasoned foods, acidic foods (like citrus fruits), caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Additionally, raw vegetables and gas-producing vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers, and corn should be avoided. The overall aim is to exclude foods that could trigger discomfort or digestive upset.
  • What are some recipe examples that would be suitable for a bland diet?
  • Several recipes can be adapted for a bland diet. These include bland vegetable soup (using carrots, celery, onion, and a gentle broth), chicken broth (made with minimal seasoning), chicken and rice casserole, soothing chicken soup, simple salads (avoiding gas-producing vegetables), oatmeal, and lean beef dishes cooked simply. These recipes focus on gentle cooking methods and the use of easily digestible ingredients, avoiding strong spices and fats. The beef dish listed is also a good example of a dish that can be easily adapted, by avoiding the sour cream if it is not suitable for your requirements.
  • Is a bland diet suitable for weight loss?
  • While a bland diet is not specifically designed for weight loss, it can contribute to it due to its focus on low-calorie and low-fat foods, like many of the recipes listed. Oatmeal is one example that is both filling and low in calories which makes it a popular option for those that wish to lose weight as part of a bland diet. However, the primary purpose of the diet is to rest the digestive system, and it is important to seek advice from a medical professional before attempting a bland diet with weight loss as the only goal.
  • How does oatmeal fit into a bland diet?
  • Oatmeal is an excellent food for a bland diet because it provides a good source of dietary fibre, aids in digestion, and is low in calories. It is also rich in nutrients such as protein, folate, and Vitamin B-12. Due to its gentle nature, oatmeal is often recommended for individuals recovering from illness or surgery, as well as being a staple for those with digestive issues.
  • Can you use cheese when on a bland diet?

Whilst some recipes in the text do include cheese, it can often cause issues for those with a sensitive digestive system. For those that are unsure, it may be best to avoid cheese whilst sticking to a bland diet as it has been known to cause bloating and indigestion in some people. If you do wish to include cheese, it is best to start with small amounts, and monitor your own reactions to it.

  • How long should someone typically stay on a bland diet?

The duration of a bland diet depends on the individual’s specific condition and their healthcare provider’s recommendations. It’s usually a short-term measure used during a recovery period or to manage symptoms. The diet would be gradually relaxed over time, introducing new foods bit by bit and in small amounts, and should be done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Conclusion: Embracing the Benefits of a Bland Diet

Navigating dietary restrictions can be challenging, but the bland diet offers a pathway to healing and digestive comfort. Whether you’re recovering from an illness, surgery, or managing a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease, a bland diet can be a valuable tool. It focuses on providing your digestive system with a break, allowing it to rest and recover before reintroducing more complex foods.
Key Takeaways About Bland Diets
Gentle on the System: Bland diets consist of foods that are soft, easily digestible, and low in seasonings or irritants. This helps minimize discomfort and allows your digestive system to heal.
Focus on Simple Foods: The diet includes items like cooked white rice, plain chicken, lean beef, cooked vegetables (carrots, celery), chicken or vegetable broth, and oatmeal. These are all gentle on the stomach and easy to process.
Foods to Avoid: It is important to avoid spicy, fried, fatty, or highly seasoned foods, as well as acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Raw vegetables and gas-producing vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, green peppers, and corn should also be avoided.
Recipe Adaptability: Many recipes can be adapted for a bland diet by using gentle cooking methods and simple ingredients. Examples include bland vegetable soup, chicken broth, chicken and rice casserole, soothing chicken soup, simple salads (with permitted vegetables), oatmeal, and lean beef dishes.
Not Primarily for Weight Loss: While a bland diet can contribute to weight loss due to its focus on low-calorie, low-fat foods like oatmeal, it’s primary purpose is to rest the digestive system.
Nutritious Options: Foods like oatmeal are great options within a bland diet, providing fibre, protein, folate, and Vitamin B-12.

 Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on the appropriate duration for adhering to a bland food diet.

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