Protein Oatmeal
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Published May 09, 2024, Updated Sep 18, 2024
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This simple protein oatmeal recipe packs in over 25 grams of protein thanks to the addition of protein powder. It’s easy to make and will keep you full all morning long!
If oatmeal has one fault, it’s that it typically isn’t very high in protein! For those of you that think oatmeal isn’t very filling or you’re hungry one hour after eating it, all you need to do is make protein oatmeal.
There are many ways to add protein to your oats, but for this recipe I’m sharing today we’re adding protein powder to our oatmeal, which will help to keep you full and satisfied all morning long! Not only does the protein powder add a ton of protein, it also adds a nice flavor to the oatmeal as well.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed – The addition of protein powder transforms your usual oatmeal into a high-protein breakfast that’s packed with over 25 grams of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied all morning long.
- Quick and Easy – This recipe is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable – I love the simplicity of this recipe, but you can easily customize it with different protein powder flavors, mix-in’s or toppings. The options are endless!
Ingredients Needed
You only need 7 simple ingredients to whip up this protein oatmeal. I bet you already have most, if not everything in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you need:
- old fashioned rolled oats – the base of the oatmeal, providing a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. Rolled oats make for such a creamy bowl of oatmeal. I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free rolled oats.
- banana – this adds some natural sweetness to the oatmeal and melts into the oats as it cooks creating some creaminess. You can of course skip this if you don’t want the added sweetness.
- sea salt – a pinch to balance the flavors.
- cinnamon – adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana and oats.
- vanilla – the perfect flavor enhancer.
- water or milk – I typically cook my oats in water but if you want an extra creamy bowl, you can use regular or dairy-free milk. My preference is unsweetened almond milk.
- vanilla protein powder – for the protein boost, making the oatmeal more filling and nourishing. I love using vegan vanilla protein powder, but feel free to use your favorite flavor of protein powder. See below for what brands of protein powder I recommend!
How to Make Protein Oatmeal
This protein oatmeal couldn’t be any easier to make! Here’s how to make it:
In a pot, combine oats, sliced banana, sea salt, cinnamon, vanilla and water or milk. Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the oats are thick and the banana has melted in, remove from the heat then stir in your vanilla protein powder.
Serve the oatmeal in a bowl, adding more water or milk if needed for the right consistency. Add toppings of choice and enjoy!
Recipe Tips!
- Stirring the oats while cooking helps prevent them from sticking to the pot and helps with even cooking. This also helps the sliced banana to melt into the oats, creating a smoother texture.
- Make sure to remove the oats from the heat before stirring in the protein powder, otherwise your protein powder might get clumpy from the heat.
Topping And Mix-In Ideas
You can enjoy this protein bowl as is, or take it to the next level with a few mix-in’s or toppings! Here’s some ideas:
- Fresh Fruit: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds can add crunch and extra nutrition.
- Granola: Sprinkle on some granola for a crunchy texture and added sweetness. For even more of a protein boost try this protein granola.
- Spices: A dash of nutmeg or ginger can bring warmth and complexity to the oatmeal.
- Sweeteners: Want some additional sweetness? Stir in some maple syrup, honey, stevia or date syrup.
- Nut or seed butter: I love adding a drizzle of nut butter to my oats. My go-to is almond butter or peanut butter, but cashew butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter are all great options.
- Chocolate: Turn this into a chocolaty protein bowl with your favorite chocolate chips or a crushed chocolate bar.
- Coconut flakes: Sprinkle on some coconut flakes for a touch of tropical flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
This protein oatmeal recipe is really best enjoyed right away, but if you find yourself with leftovers or want to double the recipe for meal prep, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can warm it over the stovetop or in the microwave adding a little milk or water to maintain the right consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe I used plant-based protein powder. I love Nuzest, which has a minimal, clean ingredient list. Plus, the vanilla flavor is delish. You can use my code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order. I also love Truvani and Sun Warrior.
I have a more detailed guide on the best protein powders out there if you’re interested in learning more.
Yes! If you’re not a fan of protein powder or just don’t have any there are a variety of different ways you can add protein to your oats from nut butter and nuts to Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and eggs! Check out some of my other protein oatmeal recipes: Cottage Cheese Oatmeal, Greek Yogurt Oatmeal, Egg White Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Overnight Oats.
I prefer to cook my oatmeal on the stovetop, but you can also microwave this oatmeal if you want. Just add your oats, liquid, banana slices, salt, cinnamon and vanilla into a microwave-safe bowl with plenty of room for the oats to bubble up. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and then microwave at 30 seconds increments, stirring between each one.
Cook until the oatmeal is the consistency you like – I typically cook mine for about 3 minutes but you’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the oats are hot. Remove from the microwave and stir in your protein powder.
Everything You Need to Make Protein Oatmeal
Buy Now → 
Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 3 Quart Saucepan, Medium
Buy Now →
Bob’s Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, Gluten Free, 32 Ounces (Pack Of 4)
Buy Now →More Oatmeal Recipes
- How to Make Oatmeal
- Protein Baked Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal
- Cauliflower Oatmeal
- Blueberry Oatmeal
- Air Fryer Baked Oats
Be sure to check out all of my oatmeal recipes as well as all of the protein recipes here on EBF!
If you tried this Protein Oatmeal or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ banana, sliced
- pinch of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Add oats, banana slices, sea salt, cinnamon, vanilla and water or milk to a pot and stir to combine.
- Heat over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure to stir the oats several times while cooking to make sure the banana slices melt into the oats. You’ll know the oatmeal is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the oats are thick and fluffy.
- Remove oats from the heat and stir in protein powder. If the consistency of the oats gets too thick, add in a little more water or milk. Transfer oats to a bowl and top with your favorite oatmeal toppings.
Notes
- Feel free to skip the banana if you don’t want the added sweetness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
- Small Pot (I like this stainless one)
This post was originally published on April 26, 2019, updated on June 12, 2023 and republished on May 9, 2024.
My new go-to winter breakfast – delicious and super easy to make for someone who can’t easily cook an egg :). Thank you!!
So glad you loved this recipe, Christine! Thanks for the review! 🙂
I have a really hard time getting protein in, especially for breakfast. The rest of my family eats eggs a lot, but my stomach and eggs do not mix.
I decided to try this recipe and woah, WAY BETTER than how I’d been making oatmeal.
I used truvani vanilla protein and coconut milk instead of milk (we were running low on regular milk.)
Normally I have to put brown sugar or maple syrup in, but this was perfect. The bananas added just the right amount of sweetness.
Definitely will make this again!
Woo!! That makes me so happy to hear, Hannah. Thanks so much for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Hi, I came across your blog article on healthy food. No fluff, just helpful info. Keep up the good work.
Is the nutrition info based off milk or water? Thanks!
Hi Jennifer – It’s based on water!
This was so good! I did 2% milk because one cup has 13g of protein! and then added in vanilla protein powder, topped mine with a sprinkle of flax seeds, peanut butter, fruit, and walnuts! Will make again!!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Jazmyne. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
How well does this re-heat?
I prefer to eat this oatmeal right after cooking it, but if you wanted to make a big batch for meal prep you could store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or over the stovetop. You might just need to add a splash of water or milk when reheating!