Protein Overnight Oats

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Want a make-ahead breakfast that’s packed with protein? Then Protein Overnight Oats is right up your street. With Greek yogurt, almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds, and rolled oats, you’re set for an easy, make-ahead Meal Prep Breakfast that’s delicious and comforting.

There are so many great ways you can jazz up this protein oats recipe, what I’m calling Prot-Oats. Add chocolate protein powder or just a bit of cocoa powder, sunflower or peanut butter, or even jam or fresh fruit. This is an easy breakfast to put on repeat and a great postpartum meal to take to a new mom.

cup of protein overnight oats on cloth with spoon and coffee.

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One of our family’s new favorite breakfasts is this overnight oats recipe. I can mix up bowls for both Bryan and me in just a matter or minutes.

When we wake in the morning, breakfast is ready. It’s a great, on-the-go breakfast that’s packed with nutrition.

Why Make This

It’s easy! With just a handful of ingredients, this Protein Overnight Oats is super simple to prepare.

It’s very customizable. Since you can add all kinds of mix-ins, you can adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Scroll down for some of the yummy variations you can explore!

It’s so good. I love the flavors and texture in this easy breakfast and am confident you will, too.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Protein Overnight Oats:

Greek yogurt – You can use plain Greek yogurt or a flavored variety, if you prefer. Greek yogurt has more protein than other types of yogurt, but you can use what you have.

almond milk – I like to use almond milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer. Remember you can freeze almond milk if you have too much to use before it goes bad.

rolled oats – I use old fashioned rolled oats in mine, but Bryan prefers Coach’s Oats in his. Both work; just don’t use quick oats which will get too soggy. There are so many great oats recipes, so be sure to try them all.

whey protein powder – I use unflavored whey protein, but you can use vanilla protein powder, chocolate, or whatever flavored protein powder you prefer.

chia seeds – Since chia creates a gel when in liquid, it helps absorb extra liquid, adding nutrients and also helping the texture of your Protein Overnight Oats.

optional sweetener – I find that I prefer mine unsweetened, but if you’re not sure, honey is good for sweetening protein overnight oats. You can also use sugar or maple syrup if you prefer. If you use a sweetened protein powder, you probably won’t need anything to sweeten it.

optional spices – You can use ground cinnamon, ground ginger, or even apple or pumpkin pie spice to make things interesting. Scroll down for some fun flavor combinations.

additional toppings – Load up your Protein Overnight Oats with fun toppings, such as fresh fruit, jam, nut butter, or chopped nuts

Variations

Vegan or dairy-free: use a plant based protein as well as plant-based yogurt.
Gluten-free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but read the packaging on the oats, protein powder, and chia seeds to avoid cross contamination.
Mocha: stir in ½ teaspoon espresso powder or instant coffee as well as 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.
Chocolate Peanut Butter: stir in 1 tablespoon peanut butter as well as 1 teaspoon cocoa powder.
Apple Cinnamon: stir in ½ apple, finely chopped as well as the optional cinnamon.
Pumpkin Spice: stir in 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree as well as ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
Strawberries and Cream: stir in 1 tablespoon strawberry jam and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Protein Overnight Oats:

In a 2-cup container, whisk together the Greek yogurt and almond milk. Add honey to taste, if using.
Stir in the oats, whey protein, chia seeds, and the cinnamon, if using.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
To serve, top with fruit or other toppings, and serve.

FAQs

Are overnight oats a good source of protein?

Oats on their own aren’t particularly high in protein, but if you add Greek yogurt and protein powder, the dish can be a good source of protein.

How do I add protein to my morning oats?

Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and protein powder are good uncooked ingredients to add to oats. If you’re cooking your oats, you can add egg whites prior to cooking. The texture will be markedly different, but full of protein.

What are overnight protein oats?

Overnight protein oats are rolled oats that have been soaked in milk, protein powder, and Greek yogurt. They have more protein than regular overnight oats or overnight oats with water.

spoonful of protein overnight oats with blueberries.

Meal Prep Breakfast Ideas

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