Protein Overnight Oats

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Overnight Oats Recipe

• Holy Protein, Batman! This protein oatmeal recipe is essentially classic overnight oats, with a few simple tweaks to make them extra high in protein—and, I must say, extra tasty too. Every serving packs a whopping 26 grams of protein in less than 300 calories. Ka-pow!
• Say Good-Bye to the Hangries. When I’m hungry, I morph into a grouchy, disgruntled bear. It is not pretty or pleasant for those around me. The protein in this overnight oats recipe will keep you fuller, and thus happier, for longer.
• Tastes Like a Sugar Cookie. I formulated these high protein overnight oats to taste like a sugar cookie. This means they’re delicious on their own and, just like a sugar cookie, a blank canvas for all kinds of toppings and add-ins.
• Ideal for Meal Prep. Because overnight oats can last in the refrigerator all week; if you make a big batch, you only need to remember to mix them up once (just like this my Yogurt Parfaits and Coconut Chia Pudding). I like to stir mine up on Sunday night, then for the entire week I never need to think twice about what I’m eating, no matter how busy my mornings become.

How to Make Protein Overnight Oats

The Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Protein Oatmeal:

• Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt. Our first source of protein in this recipe.
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. Or another plant or dairy milk you like or keep on hand.
• Vanilla Protein Powder. I use vanilla whey protein powder because I find the flavor to be ideal for these protein overnight oats.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats. Make sure you use gluten-free certified oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Sweetener. I like to use coconut sugar, but any sweetener you like for oatmeal will work.
• Pure Vanilla Extract. To amp up the vanilla flavor.
• Pure Almond Extract. Almond extract is the little je ne sais quoi in a lot of sugar cookie recipes. Despite its name, it actually has a cherry-like aroma and flavor.
• Optional Toppings. Feel free to get creative! Nuts, nut butters, fresh fruit, citrus zest, and chocolate are all fab.

The Directions

1. Whisk. Combine the yogurt, almond milk, and protein powder and whisk or shake until the powder is incorporated into the liquids.

2. Finish. Stir in the remaining ingredients, minus the toppings. Cover and refrigerate the protein overnight oats. Stir before serving, add toppings, and ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate overnight oats for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What to Serve with Protein Overnight Oats

• Fresh Fruit. I always like to round out my breakfast with a serving of fruit. (Or Fruit Salad if I have the time.)
• Granola. A crunchy topper for creamy overnight oats! Crock Pot Granola and Healthy Granola are two favorites.
• Applesauce. Make a breakfast parfait by layering high-protein overnight oats with Crockpot Applesauce.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Make It Your Own. While this protein oatmeal tastes great as the recipe is written, you can also use it as a starting point to add all sorts of toppings. Blueberries, orange zest, and pecans was one of my favorite combos, and apple cinnamon (a la my Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats) is classic too. Drizzle it with chocolate, add peanut butter…you get the idea!
• Don’t Skip the Yogurt. It offers 12 grams of protein in a half cup and makes the oatmeal taste extra rich and creamy too.
• Whey Is the Way. Of all the protein powders on the market, I find the taste of whey to be the best. I started adding whey protein to my smoothies and using it to make no-bake protein balls about a year ago, and I am never going back. It makes recipes more filling without detracting from the taste.