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These simple recipes for creamy protein oatmeal are my favorite ways to transform an otherwise ordinary bowl of oats into something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you opt for blueberry vanilla, chocolate peanut butter, or cinnamon banana walnut oatmeal, you can’t go wrong with this easy, protein-packed breakfast.

Overhead view of 3 different flavors of protein oatmeal, each in a small white ramekin on a neutral tabletop.

🫐 What Makes This Recipe So Good

  • What’s better than warm, cozy bowl of oatmeal in the morning? Oh, I don’t know… Maybe…. A warm, cozy bowl of oatmeal that’s PACKED with protein to keep you full and satisfied ’til lunchtime rolls around?! That’s what you get with this protein oatmeal recipe. Actually, that’s what you get with these THREE protein oatmeal recipes, because we love an easy and versatile dish. Who doesn’t?!
  • Each of these recipes is SO simple, using only one saucepan and only 4-6 ingredients, depending on the flavor you choose. PLUS, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to eat in less than half an hour. If you want, you can even make your protein oatmeal a side in a larger breakfast spread, serving it next to a plate of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. You’ll definitely be ready to take on the day after that!
  • High-protein breakfasts are a great way to start the day, especially if you’re someone who likes to exercise in the morning. Protein helps maintain and repair muscles, plus it just helps you feel satiated for longer. Depending on your needs and activity levels, though, it can be hard to get enough protein into your day. That’s another thing I really love about this protein oatmeal – you don’t feel like you’re eating a ton of protein right when you wake up. Just a thick, creamy bowl of oatmeal.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Tips

  • If high protein is your goal, pay attention to the protein powder you pick for your oatmeal. All of the options might be a little overwhelming if you’re new to the world of protein powders, and finding that perfect blend of nutrients + texture + taste can take a bit of trial and error. The amount of protein in a serving (and the size of a serving!) varies from one brand to another, and even from one flavor to another within the same brand. Depending on the powder, your protein oatmeal could have anywhere from 15g to 35g of protein per bowl.
  • Keep a close eye on the oats while they’re cooking. You’ll need to stir them frequently, if not constantly, to keep them from sticking and burning – especially toward the end when they’ve absorbed a good bit of liquid. If you walk off and leave them, don’t be surprised if you come back to a block of burnt oats.
  • For creamier oats with a little extra protein and fat, use milk instead of water. Any kind of milk will work – whole, 2% – or you can use an alternative milk like almond or oat. I’d recommend using an unsweetened alternative milk, especially if your protein powder has any sweetener in it.
Close-up overhead photo of banana nut protein oatmeal in a small white ramekin with a silver spoon.

More Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Right

Overhead angled view of 3 different flavors of protein oatmeal, each in a small white ramekin on a neutral tabletop.
Recipe By: Sam Guarnieri

Protein Oatmeal (3 Ways!)

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 30 minutes
3 simple flavor variations for perfect, protein-packed oatmeal every time.
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1 serving per flavor

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Silicone spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients

For Blueberry Vanilla Protein Oatmeal

  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats dry
  • 1 ¼ cups water or milk of choice
  • ¼ cup blueberries defrosted if frozen
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder approximately 30 grams
  • sliced almonds optional, to top oatmeal

For Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Oatmeal

  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats dry
  • 1 ¼ cups water or milk of choice
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder approximately 30 grams
  • 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter plus more to top

For Banana Nut Protein Oatmeal

  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats dry
  • 1 ¼ cups water or milk of choice
  • 1 medium banana sliced, divided
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder approximately 30 grams
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

For Blueberry Vanilla Protein Oatmeal

  • Heat small saucepan over medium-low heat. When pan is warm, add rolled oats, water, blueberries, and vanilla bean paste to saucepan. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until oats have fully absorbed water – approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on preferred consistency.
    Cooked oatmeal with some water and blueberries in a silver saucepan with a single handle.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and let oat mixture cool slightly. Add protein powder and stir well until powder has fully dissolved and incorporated into oatmeal.
  • Transfer oatmeal to serving bowl and top with additional blueberries and slices of almonds if desired. Serve warm.
    Top-down look at a white bowl filled with blueberry vanilla protein oatmeal on a neutral table.

For Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Oatmeal

  • Heat small saucepan over medium-low heat. When pan is warm, add rolled oats and water. Stir to incorporate.
    Uncooked, dry rolled oats in a silver saucepan with a single handle, with water covering the oats.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until oats have fully absorbed water – approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on preferred consistency.
    Cooked oatmeal in a silver saucepan with a single handle, showing less water than before.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and let oat mixture cool slightly. Add protein powder and peanut butter to oats and stir well to fully incorporate ingredients, making sure protein powder is dissolved and well-blended.
  • Transfer oatmeal to serving bowl and top with drizzle of peanut butter if desired. Serve warm.

For Banana Nut Protein Oatmeal

  • Heat small saucepan over medium-low heat. When pan is warm, add rolled oats, water, and half of banana slices. Stir to incorporate.
    Top-down look at a silver saucepan containing uncooked rolled oats under water, with banana slices floating on top.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until oats have fully absorbed water – approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on preferred consistency.
    Cooked rolled oats with slices of banana mixed throughout in a silver saucepan with a single handle.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and let oat mixture cool slightly. Add protein powder, walnuts, and cinnamon to saucepan and stir well until powders are completely dissolved and incorporated.
  • Transfer oatmeal to serving bowl. Top with remaining slices of banana and additional chopped walnuts if desired, then serve warm.
    Top-down view of a white bowl filled with banana nut protein oatmeal topped with slivers of chopped walnuts.
  • Flavors & Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins you use for your protein oatmeal. Use strawberries, maple syrup, pecans, chocolate chips, almond butter… whatever you like, basically! Other flavors of protein powder, like snickerdoodle or peanut butter, would work well in these recipes, too.
  • Protein Powder: Any brand or type of protein powder will work, so just use what you like or what works best for your goals and needs.  Note that the amount of protein in your oatmeal will vary depending on the protein powder you use.
  • Extra Protein: For even more protein, you can top your bowl of oatmeal with hemp seeds and/or chia seeds.
  • Protein Powder Alternatives: Replace the protein powder with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Whichever you choose, let it come to room temperature, then stir it into the oatmeal when the oatmeal has cooled slightly but is still warm. Note that these options won’t contain as much protein as a protein powder would.
  • Make it Vegan: Use a vegan protein powder. There are several great ones available at most grocery stores, health food stores, and online nowadays.
  • Leftovers/Make-Ahead: Let the prepared oatmeal (minus toppings) cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. It should keep up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, microwave the oatmeal in 30 second increments, stirring between each, until it’s warmed through. Add milk or water as needed to thin the consistency. Add any toppings right before eating.

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1serving blueberry vanilla oatmealCalories: 305calProtein: 30gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 128mgPotassium: 325mgTotal Carbs: 37gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gNet Carbs: 32gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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Sam Guarnieri

Sam is a travel, food, and fitness enthusiast from the New York metro area who loves creating new and inventive recipes. Her love of food goes all the way back to her early childhood, cooking alongside her mom and Nonna – the two best cooks she knows! She's a big believer that good-for-you food can still explode with flavor and (most importantly) be easy to make. When she's not in the kitchen, Sam can usually be found planning her next vacation, spending time outdoors, or bingeing the latest Netflix docu-series.

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