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Start your day off right with a cozy bowl of protein oatmeal that’s not just packed with protein but also tastes absolutely amazing! I’ve tried my fair share of high-protein oatmeal recipes, and I wasn’t a fan of the overpowering protein powder flavor, so I fixed it! A hint of maple syrup balances everything beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying, and perfectly sweet bowl of goodness. You can even use sugar-free maple syrup for a lower-sugar option!
Adding protein powder to oatmeal makes all the difference, giving you a creamy, delicious, and high-protein breakfast you’ll actually crave. Top it with fresh berries, and you’ve got the ultimate way to fuel your morning!
Why You Will Love This Protein Oatmeal Recipe
- High-Protein: This oatmeal is packed with protein, which can help keep you full longer.
- Easy To Make: It’s a simple and quick breakfast that’s ready in minutes!
- Balanced: Maple syrup balances the protein powder flavor without being overpowering.
- Customizable: You can customize this oatmeal by switching up the toppings.
Ingredients Needed
- Almond Milk: Use almond milk, your milk of choice, or water to cook the oatmeal. We like to add almond milk for creaminess.
- Rolled Oats: The base of this oatmeal recipe. Rolled oats provide fiber and a satisfying texture.
- Maple Syrup: You can sweeten this oatmeal with maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup. It balances the protein powder flavor and adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Add a splash of vanilla extract to bring out the flavors of this oatmeal.
- Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon for warmth and depth.
- Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Protein Powder: Vanilla protein powder is a key ingredient in this protein oatmeal recipe.
- Fruit: As an option, top this oatmeal with fresh fruit before serving.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk Options: Use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, soy milk, whole milk, 2% milk, fat-free milk, or your milk of choice for a creamy texture. Or, you can use water if you don’t have milk on hand.
- Oats To Use: We used rolled oats for the best texture, but you can substitute quick oats for a faster cooking time. If using quick oats, cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until done, according to the package instructions.
- Gluten-Free: To ensure your protein oatmeal is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free protein powder.
- Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder that you like the flavor of to complement the oatmeal. We used plant-based protein powder, but whey protein powder also works.
- Flavor Variation: To make chocolate-flavored protein oatmeal, use your favorite chocolate protein powder and add one teaspoon of Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Adjust the sweetness if needed.
How To Make Protein Oatmeal
Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
Step 2: Add the rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the saucepan and stir.
Cook the oatmeal for about 5-7 minutes or according to your package directions, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 3: Once the oats are fully cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Then, add the vanilla protein powder, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and add your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Take your protein oatmeal to the next level with delicious toppings! Drizzle nut butter or maple syrup for added flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, or peanut butter granola for crunch, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost. Some other topping ideas are chia seeds, flaxseeds, mini chocolate chips, and unsweetened coconut flakes. We love topping it with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Sliced bananas are a great addition too!
We like to pair this protein oatmeal with a green protein smoothie, protein coffee, cottage cheese egg bites, or a side of avocado toast.
Expert Tips
- Stir While Cooking: Stir the oats occasionally as they cook to achieve a creamy texture and prevent sticking.
- Add Protein Powder At The End: Mix in the protein powder off the heat to prevent clumping and maintain a smooth consistency.
- Boost The Protein: Add Greek yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter for an extra protein boost.
- Perfect the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of your protein oatmeal with maple syrup or honey. For added sweetness and flavor, mix in some mashed banana.
Storage Instructions
Storing: This protein oatmeal is best enjoyed after making it, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Reheating: Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk to restore the creaminess if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Put Protein Powder In Oatmeal?
Yes, you can add protein powder to oatmeal, that’s what we did in this recipe! Make sure to add the protein powder at the end after the oatmeal is cooked to prevent clumping. It’s a delicious and easy way to make a high-protein bowl of oatmeal!
Is Protein Oatmeal Vegan?
Yes, this protein oatmeal recipe is naturally vegan if you use dairy-free milk such as almond milk and a plant-based protein powder.
Can I Make This In The Microwave?
Absolutely! To make this oatmeal in the microwave instead of the stovetop, add the oats and milk to a large microwave-safe bowl, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in the remaining ingredients.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Cottage Cheese Quiche
- Cottage Cheese With Fruit
- Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Greek Yogurt Berry Parfaits
- Scrambled Eggs With Cottage Cheese
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
PROTEIN OATMEAL
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups almond milk, water, or milk of choice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- top with fruit, optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
- Add the rolled oats, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the saucepan and stir. Cook the oatmeal for about 5-7 minutes or according to your package directions, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the oats are fully cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Then, add the vanilla protein powder, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth. If needed, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and add your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of nut butter, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Milk Options: Use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, soy milk, whole milk, 2% milk, fat-free milk, or your milk of choice for a creamy texture. Or, you can use water if you don’t have milk on hand.
- Oats To Use: We used rolled oats for the best texture, but you can substitute quick oats for a faster cooking time. If using quick oats, cook them for about 2-3 minutes or until done, according to the package instructions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You’ll love this protein oatmeal recipe because it’s creamy, delicious, and packed with satisfying flavor without the overpowering protein powder taste, making it the perfect high-protein breakfast!
Another easy and yummy oatmeal breakfast I enjoy very often.
Hi Mary, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this protein oatmeal for breakfast. It’s such a simple, tasty way to start the day, and I’m happy it’s become a favorite of yours.