Protein overnight oatmeal is an easy breakfast option that packs in protein, whole grains, and up to a serving of fruit! This high-protein oatmeal uses Greek yogurt as a main protein source.
Overnight oatmeal with protein may quickly become your new favorite breakfast option! This recipe is extremely customizable – as long as you follow the recipe for the base ingredients, the toppings can be customized and mixed up. It’s easy to add in extra fruits, walnuts, coconut, etc… to make this a recipe that you will look forward to eating!
These protein oats would pair perfectly with a side of air fryer turkey bacon or healthy hashbrowns! After you make this, be sure to check out this coffee protein smoothie and pina colada protein shake!
Reasons to Love This
- Easy breakfast meal prep idea
- Great way to add in protein to breakfast
- Adds up to a serving of fruit
- They can be eaten “on-the-go”
Ingredients To Make Protein Overnight Oatmeal
The first 3 ingredients are the basic ingredients to make the overnight oatmeal. Every item listed after this is optional but highly recommended for the best flavor. Also, there is optional add in’s listed below, which you can customize to make this oatmeal taste better!
- Oatmeal: old fashioned oatmeal is recommended (use gluten-free if concerned about gluten)
- Greek yogurt: Vanilla-flavored non-fat Greek yogurt. The recipe has not been tested with flavored Greek yogurt, however feel free to try it and let me know how it turns out!
- Almond milk: use either plain non-fat almond milk or vanilla-flavored almond milk. Soy milk or coconut milk can also be used.
- Cinnamon
- Walnuts: chopped walnuts add extra texture. An alternative is chopped pecans, almonds or peanuts.
- Banana: Use a ripe banana. This adds extra sweetness to the overnight oatmeal without having to add more sugar.
- Syrup: adds sweetness to the protein overnight oats.
- Fruit: add your favorite fruit to the top! Ideas are berries (dice if needed), more banana, or a softened diced apple.
Why Add Protein to Overnight Oats?
Adding protein to overnight oatmeal can help to make it a more balanced meal. While most overnight oatmeal recipes contain a lot of carbs and a low protein content, the Greek yogurt in these oats adds extra protein, making it a high-protein oatmeal. This is a great way to make your breakfast full of protein, and not have to worry about eating another protein source.
How to Increase The Protein Content
The primary source of protein in the oatmeal comes from Greek Yogurt. There are several additional options to add extra protein:
- Use skim milk in place of almond milk. This adds an extra 2 grams of protein
- Add in Peanut Butter: adds 7 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon
- Use a scoop of protein powder: this may add anywhere from 10-20 grams of protein depending on the brand of protein used.
- Add in extra walnuts: ¼ cup chopped walnuts can add up to 5 grams of protein.
Optional Add-In's
Here is a list of optional items that can be added to the overnight oatmeal:
- Mashed Banana
- Frozen or fresh Fruit: diced blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries
- Extra seasonings: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or nutmeg
- Protein powder: vanilla or plain flavored
- Coconut: add a couple of tablespoons for a flavor of coconut.
Modifications Made To Make This Oatmeal Healthier
- A ¼ of a ripe banana is used, which helps sweeten the oats
- Extra fruit can be added, which also adds additional sweetness
- Use plain, unsweetened Almond milk to limit added sugars
- Greek yogurt is used to increase protein. Use plain, non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the sugar content.
Expert Tips
- Make the overnight oats in a container that has an airtight lid, such as a mason jar or a protein shaker bottle. This will allow the oats to last longer in the refrigerator.
- Mix the overnight oats well before eating. This helps make sure that any ingredients that may have settled to the bottom are evenly distributed in the oatmeal.
Overnight Oatmeal: Hot or Cold?
A common question is whether overnight oats should be eaten hot or cold. This is based on your own personal preference!
Warm overnight oats: Place in a microwave-safe jar and microwave for 90 seconds prior to eating. Stir every 30 seconds. (Microwave times may vary based on your microwave strength).
Cold overnight oats: Simply remove from the refrigerator, mix well and eat!
Leftovers
Overnight oatmeal with protein can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Any time after this may cause the oats to create a “gummy-like” texture.
To maintain the best quality of oatmeal while in the refrigerator, simply store in a container that has an airtight lid, such as a mason jar or a protein shaker jar. Mix the oatmeal well before serving.
I love using this blender bottle
! (Affiliate Link). It is smaller in size than most blender bottles, which makes it really easy to eat the oats out of. You don't have to try and stick your hands in a long cup to get to the bottle. It's also super easy to clean!
More Oatmeal Recipes
Protein Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup oatmeal (use gluten free if desired)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt nonfat, plain
- ¼ cup vanilla almond milk unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon walnuts chopped
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup (sugar free if desired)
- ¼ banana sliced
Optional Add In's
- ½ cup blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or banana slices.
Instructions
- In a medium jar with a lid, combine the oatmeal, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, walnuts, maple syrup and banana slices.
- Mix well until combined.
- Place lid on container and refrigerate overnight. (or about 4 hours if short on time)
- The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and mix the oatmeal until ingredients are combined. Add in optional fruit toppings if desired.
- Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!
Maggie
Wonderful recipe to speed up my breakfast preparations in the morning!
Thank you!