Get a double dose of protein when you start your day with High-Protein Overnight Oats with Protein Powder! Layered with rolled oats, Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, and protein powder, this healthy breakfast delivers 22 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it’s customizable and can be prepped ahead for busy mornings, making healthy eating simpler than ever!
If you need a super easy way to boost your protein intake at breakfast, high-protein overnight oats are the ticket! By adding a scoop of protein powder to your favorite overnight oatmeal recipe (which already has protein-rich Greek yogurt), you quickly get an easy, healthy, make-ahead breakfast that offers a double boost of protein, packs in over 20 grams of protein per serving, and delivers 6 grams of fiber!
Oh! And did I mention they are creamy, dreamy, delicious, and so flexible? The flavor variations are endless… you can make pumpkin spice overnight oats, protein-packed strawberry overnight oats, or double chocolate overnight oats, just to name a few! You can even make overnight oats with cottage cheese – but I’ll save that for another day.
And, bonus! There’s absolutely no cooking required. Just stir everything together the night before, and then you’ll have a protein-rich, ready-to-go meal in the morning – with no cooking required!
Why add protein powder to your oats? While I always recommend whole foods first, protein powder can be an easy and convenient way to supplement your protein intake (ladies over 40 – I’m looking at you!).
Even with the best intentions, sometimes life gets busy! Having protein powder on hand means you can meet your protein needs without cooking or preparing a whole meal. Sometimes, little hacks like this are all it takes to keep you aligned with your healthy eating goals.
Whether you add protein powder to a smoothie, mix it into protein banana bread, or whip up some protein pancakes, it’s a quick, easy, and convenient way to boost your total protein intake.
Ingredients you’ll need
This protein overnight oats recipe is easy to make with just 7 simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are the best option for this recipe. They will have the best chewy texture. Quick oats work in a pinch but will have a softer, mushier consistency. Steel-cut oats are not a good option because they will stay too hard.
- Milk: I always use unsweetened almond milk, but you can use any milk that you prefer. Oat milk, cow’s milk, cashew milk—they all work.
- Greek yogurt: This is our first layer of protein! Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse, that adds a delicious creamy texture as well!
- Protein powder: I love using vanilla whey protein powder (this is one of my favorites!) for my overnight oats, but a plant-based option would also work.
- Chia seeds: Thickens the mixture and create a creamy, pudding-like texture. They also provide healthy fats, extra fiber, and a bit more protein.
- Cinnamon: The best way to add warmth and flavor to all things oatmeal!
- Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a nutty sweetness to oatmeal. Depending on how sweet you like your oats, you can add more or less.
Fun & Delicious Flavor Variations:
You can easily customize protein overnight oats to make them your own! Here are some different flavor varieties to try:
- Banana peanut butter: Mix 15 grams of dried peanut butter powder with 1-2 tablespoons of water until it is thick and creamy. Mix this into the prepared oats before refrigerating. Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of peanut butter.
- Double chocolate: Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of low-sugar chocolate chips.
- Strawberry almond: Mix one tablespoon of almond butter into the oats before refrigerating. Top with chopped strawberries and sliced almonds.
- Blueberry coconut: Stir in two tablespoons of blueberries right before serving. Top with extra blueberries and a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Pumpkin: Stir 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the oats mixture. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. (*Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup!).
How to make protein overnight oats
OK! Don’t blink, because overnight protein oats are so quick and easy to make!
Add your almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, and cinnamon to a small jar with a lid. Mason jars work perfectly for this! Stir until everything is well combined, then top with the lid.
Leave in the refrigerator overnight or for a minimum of four hours. Enjoy straight from the fridge as is or with extra toppings!
Helpful tips
- Topping suggestions: Get creative and try topping your oats with your favorite toppings! Berries, banana slices, chopped apples or peaches, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, dried fruits, and/or Stove-top granola. The options are endless!
- Prefer warm oatmeal? Feel free to warm it up before serving! Transfer your oats to a bowl and heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute or two, depending on how warm you want them. Once heated, stir and add a bit more milk, as needed. Then pile on your toppings.
- Gluten-free oats: All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free; however, to ensure your oats are not cross-contaminated, look for an oatmeal brand labeled certified gluten-free – I like this one!
Storage recommendations
Protein overnight oats, made in an airtight container or mason jars, will last up to five days in the refrigerator. Add your toppings when you are ready to eat them to ensure they last longer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, stir the mixture and add an extra splash of milk if needed.
You can also freeze overnight oats in a freezer-safe container. To thaw them, place them in the fridge the night before you want to eat them.
More high-protein breakfast recipes using protein powder
- Protein Pancakes made with Pancake Mix
- Protein French Toast
- Banana Bread made with Protein Powder
- Banana & Chocolate Protein Shake
Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe, I would love you to give it a ★ rating below. Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration. Cheers!
High Protein Overnight Oats with Protein Powder
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweeteend almond milk
- 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder, (about 15 grams, depending on the brand)
- 1-2 teaspoons chia seeds, (the more you add, the thicker your oats will be)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-3 teaspoons maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Place oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, and cinnamon in a small jar with a cover (mason jars are perfect). Stir until well combined and place on the lid.
- Leave in the refrigerator overnight or for a minimum of four hours. Enjoy straight from the fridge as is or with extra toppings!
- Topping Suggestions: berries, banana slices, chopped apples or peaches, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, dried fruits, granola. See Notes for flavor options!
Notes
- Double Chocolate: Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of low-sugar chocolate chips.
- Banana Peanut Butter: Mix 15 grams of dried peanut butter powder with 1-2 tablespoons of water until it is thick and creamy. Mix this into the prepared oats before refrigerating. Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of peanut butter.
- Strawberry Almond: Mix one tablespoon of almond butter into the oats before refrigerating. Top with chopped strawberries and sliced almonds.
- Blueberry Coconut: Stir in two tablespoons of blueberries right before serving. Top with extra blueberries and a sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes.
- Pumpkin: Stir 1/4 cup pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the oats mixture. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. (*Optional: Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup!).
Comments
Delynn says
We have been using this recipe for months now! I struggle with protein intake and this has been a go to daily! We use all types of flavored proteins to change it up. Love this! Thank you!