Protein Oatmeal
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Last updated on 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!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
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.
I don’t like oatmeal but this is so good! I used chocolate protein powder and it was so yummy!
Yay! So glad you gave this recipe a try and loved it! Thanks for coming back to leave a review. I appreciate it.
This is a staple recipe for me. I make it with steel cut oats and add granola and it’s so filling and delicious!
Love hearing this, Melanie! Steel cut oats and granola sound like a perfect combo. Thanks for the sweet review!
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!
so delicious! i omitted the banana (because i didnt have one that was ripe) and added some maple syrup and PB. so delicious!!
So glad you loved this recipe, Kali! Thanks for the review!
For the protein, how many grams of protein in that one scoop? Reason I ask is my protein powder requires two scoops to equal 21 grams of protein. But, I know other brands are just one scoop for 21-25 grams of protein.
Hi Meghan – Great question. One scoop of the Truvani Protein powder that I used for this recipe is 20 grams of protein. So you will want to use 2 scoops. Hope you enjoy!
This was so good for trying something different! We normally eat lots of eggs but wanted a change. Highly recommend! Great easy recipe!
WOO! This makes me so happy to hear, Danielle. I am so glad you are loving this recipe and it turned out great. Thank you for taking the time to share your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
Finally found a protein oatmeal that is pretty good. The only thing that I would change is useless cinnamon that was way too much. I thought in my head wow that’s a lot of cinnamon but I put it in anyway next time I got to listen to my brain. But I will be using this recipe again.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Kimberly. I am so glad you loved this recipe and it turned out great for you. Thank you for sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!
I made this with chocolate protein powder and added peanut butter and it tastes like a Reeses peanut butter cup! Would recommend!!
WOO! I am so glad you are loving this oatmeal, Maddy! It sounds absolutely delicious, 2 of my favorite flavors! Thank you for taking the time to share your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
Is the nutrition info with your toppings or without?
Without!
Is there any way to meal prep this?
Hi Tara – Here is a great recipe for meal prep protein oatmeal. Is there a specific recipe you’re wanting to meal prep?!
Thanks for this recipe,Mostly every morning i eat this
Of course! I am glad to hear you are enjoying this recipe!
I didn’t actually add any toppings. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it but I ended up liking it a lot just plain. I did add bananas in during cooking
Yay! I am excited to hear that you are enjoying this recipe, Nicole. Thank you so much for your review + star rating, I really appreciate it.
BRITTANY,
thank you for bringing Eating Bird Food Recipes to me and hopefully to others,
I like Eating Bird Food and the Recipes. I am going to try your protein oatmeal recipes. but I wanted to know if you have a recipe for a weekly meal plan for heart and kidney Health and muscle growth.
Thanking you in advance. Adrian
I’m so glad you’re loving the recipes, Adrian. Thank you for the kind message. Let me know if you try the protein oatmeal recipes and how they turn out.
Great ideas! Will defo try some of them!
You’ll have to come back and let me know how it goes and which you try!
Delicious oatmeal! I added cruising and almonds since I didn’t have any bananas and topped it with Lily’s chocolate chips to keep it keto and almond milk as well. Thanks for your wonderful recipes
Woo! Happy to hear this recipe was a hit for you, Renee! Thanks for making it and leaving a review. I appreciate it.
The protein powder oatmeal was amazing!!! Loaded with flavour and the banana added to the cooking process, results in a creamy flavourful texture!! Would strongly encourage anyone to try this recipe!! Can’t wait to try the cottage cheese version!! 5 stars for this one!!
Pleasure to go through such wonderful work!!
Doubled this recipe (protein powder oatmeal) except for vanilla and cinnamon. Other changes: Coconut Milk Substitute for water, pumpkin spice for cinnamon, and omitted banana.
This was delicious!! Will be making it again, topped it with blueberries dark chocolate.
Woo!! So glad this oatmeal was a success, Emily! Thanks so much for the review and star rating. It means the world to me!
Thank You Much for your awesome 👌Healthy and nutritional recipes. I will definitely be cooking and trying them all. 😋please send me more of your nutritional recipes to my email. Have A Good Day. Sincerely Mr Mendoza.
Great ideas. Still, I wonder why no mention of adding other grains? Small amounts of flax, too much flax and and you’ll have some great glue to stick in a garage bag.
I add a little of whatever grains I have on hand.
It’s fun and tasty to experiment with grain combos.
I like it so much better than buying a box of multigrain cereals.
Thank you for the inspiring additions. I will continue on the otmeal path to jolly health. Alohugs!
Me and an hawaiian friend came up with that. So I’m sharing, I hope alohugs spreads around the world,. We could certainly use them hugs.
i was just scrolling through oatmeal recipes when i found this one. it sounded so good so i had to try it! i substituted the water with unsweetened almond milk and it was so good. thanks so much for this recipe!!
This was so tasty! I usually can’t eat just oatmeal because I am hungry an hour later. Hopefully the protein powder does the trick!
So glad you enjoyed the protein powder oat combo! Thanks for giving it a try and for the review. 🙂
I’m not an Oatmeal fan. (don’t like the smell) But I tried this, because today was cold and I didn’t want a cols smoothie after CrossFit. I used cappuccino flavored Protein Powder. I used coffee as the liquid added chia seeds and ground flax just as I would in my smoothie. I was impressed. I added the 1/2 banana and some Lilly’s dark chips. Yum! I’m so glad I stumbled on to your site.
I’m so glad you stumbled upon my site too! And so pumped you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for giving it a try and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating, Becky. I so appreciate it. <3
A serving size of the protein powder I typically use is two scoops. Should I still only use 1/2 a scoop of protein powder for this recipe or was it your intention that I use half a serving (in my case, 1 scoop) of protein powder? Thanks!
Hi Leah! You could do either, but I’d start with 1/2 scoop and then add more if you want more! I recommended doing 1/2 scoop because sometimes too much protein powder can make the oatmeal tacky or dry. Hope this helps!
Do you think using steel cut oats would change anything? Also…if adding the protein powder or cottage cheese or yogurt, could these be made the night before and kept refrigerated?
Hey Donna – I’d use this recipe for my steel cut oats and you can add protein powder or cottage cheese or whatever protein you prefer. If adding protein powder, you might need to add in some more liquid.
The protein powder oatmeal was the first oatmeal recipe I ever used (I used to make an omelet every single morning) and now I make oatmeal even more than omelets! Like it is literally one of my favorite foods ever; I always add a tbsp of brown sugar & top it with peanut butter, a spoonful of vanilla yogurt, banana slices, and berries. Like this is the perfect oatmeal recipe, I cannot stress it enough!
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Ashley!! So glad you’re a fan of the protein powder oatmeal. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. <3
OMG, thank you. I tried a few recipes for oatmeal as I don’t like the taste of it only cooking with water. This one is by far the best. I added a bit of granola on top too.
Ahh that makes me so happy to hear, Amanda!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this oatmeal. Thanks for giving my recipe a try and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I so appreciate it. <3
Hi!
Had a couple of questions:
1. If you put the protein powder in while the oatmeal is cooking (stove top) does that change the properties/effectiveness of the protein? (I’m not a huge fan of the flavor of protein powder)
2. When using greek yogurt, could you add it in while its cooking on the stove top? Or is it best to add on as a topper?
Thanks!
Hey Joana – No, adding the protein powder to the oatmeal while cooking shouldn’t change anything about the protein powder. You can add the Greek yogurt in while it’s still cooking on the stove top, I just prefer to mix it in once I remove the oats from the burner.
I just found this site. I already found four new recipes to try. Ty!
Ahh I’m so glad you found me and found some new recipes to try! Definitely come back and let me know how they turn out for you.
Protein powder oatmeal-
Delicious!! Add the vanilla after cooking. Adds more flavor. Vanilla flavoring is easily cooked off. Great way to get more protein!
Thanks for sharing!!
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed the protein powder oatmeal, Sara. Thanks for coming back to leave a comment and star rating. It means the world to me. 🙂
It’s delicious! What about adding some fruits in?
This is exactly what I need!
Nice one!
Great recipe!
So delicious!
Thanks for sharing!