Protein Overnight Oats | Easy Healthy Breakfast! (2024)

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These Protein Overnight Oats are the perfect breakfast when you want something healthy, filling, and easy to prep for the week. You only need a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes to make this yummy protein-filled recipe!

Want to hit those protein goals? Make my Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie or High Protein Blueberry Kale Smoothie.

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Table of Contents

  • What Are Overnight Oats?
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Flavor Variations
  • How to Make Easy Protein Overnight Oats
  • Do You Eat Overnight Oats Hot or Cold?
  • How Long Do These Last?
  • Can You Freeze Overnight Oats?
  • Get the Recipe

Easy & Healthy Overnight Oats

Easy breakfasts are the way to go these days. I think that just about all of you will agree that the main reason you would skip breakfast is that you don’t have time to make a healthy meal. Well, that’s about to change! Let me introduce you to Protein Overnight Oats, the no-excuse easy breakfast option that ANYONE can make (kids, too!).

I love overnight oats because they take just a few minutes to prep the night before and then they are ready to go in the morning. The only thing you need to do in the morning is to give the jar a little stir and maybe put some optional garnishes on top. And that’s it! It doesn’t get easier and is much better for you than grabbing a donut on the go.

This recipe is perfect because it only requires some really basic ingredients that are usually already in my kitchen. It’s also a great way to use up any questionable bananas you have laying around (we all have them sitting on the counter, right?!).

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What Are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats consist of mixing raw rolled oats with a liquid (usually a type of milk) and other seasonings and then letting them sit overnight so that the oats soften.

The overnight oats are also usually sweetened with things like maple syrup or honey. Additionally, there are lots of other different ways to flavor the oats like adding fruit, chia seeds, and/or protein powders.

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Recipe Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this basic Protein Overnight Oats recipe. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for the exact measurements of each ingredient.

  • Banana: Adding mashed bananas is a great way to use up bananas that are starting to brown. Plus, they add sweetness and more protein.
  • Rolled Oats
  • Vanilla Protein Powder: You could also use chocolate protein powder for a rich, cocoa flavor.
  • Chia Seeds: The chia seeds help thicken the oats and provide more nutrition, as well.
  • Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a great spice to use for oats because it’s usually always in the kitchen and is family-friendly. You could try different spices, too, like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
  • Almond Milk: You could also use regular milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free option.

What Oats Are Best for Making Overnight Oats?

Rolled oats are the best oats to use for this recipe. They absorb the liquid perfectly for soft, but still tender, oats.

I don’t recommend using quick oats as they would get too mushy. And steel oats also won’t work because they won’t get soft enough.

Flavor Variations

One of the best things about overnight oats is that you can mix up the flavors and never get sick of them! Feel free to experiment with things like different spices, fruits, nut butters, and protein powders. Or you can try some of my other delicious overnight oats recipes.

  • Easy Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
  • Vanilla Almond Overnight Oats
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
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How to Make Easy Protein Overnight Oats

Here are the easy steps for making this overnight breakfast recipe.

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First, combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar. You’ll need to make sure that you mix everything really well so that the flavors develop and the oats soften.

Then refrigerate the oats overnight. The oats should be refrigerated for at least 12 hours for the best flavor.

Enjoy the overnight oats the next morning. You can serve them plain or add any toppings that you like.

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Topping & Mix-In Ideas

The kids and I love to add different toppings and mix-ins to our overnight oats. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries
  • Nut Butters
  • Granola
  • Vanilla Greek Yogurt
  • Nuts and Seeds

Do You Eat Overnight Oats Hot or Cold?

The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t even need to reheat Protein Overnight Oats! Which makes it even faster and easier (and perfect for enjoying oats in warmer weather).

However, if you want to warm up the overnight oats, go ahead! You can heat them up in the microwave.

How Long Do These Last?

Guess what? There’s another HUGE perk to making these Protein Overnight Oats. They are perfect for week-long meal prepping. The overnight oats will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. So, you can make a bunch at the beginning of the week and be good to go!

Can You Freeze Overnight Oats?

Yes! You can freeze overnight oats really easily! So it’s another great way to make a bunch of breakfasts and store them for the future. You can freeze them in mason jars for up to 6 months and then simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator the night before you want to enjoy them.

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Protein Overnight Oats

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  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 hours
  • Total Time: 24 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stir
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Protein Overnight Oats are the perfect breakfast when you want something healthy, filling, and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1/2 banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
  • 2 teaspoons chia seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions

  1. To a 16 oz. mason jar, add mashed banana, rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, chia seed, cinnamon and almond milk. Using a spoon, stir everything together and seal.
  2. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. Pull out in the morning when ready to eat. Serve as is or with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 383
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 175 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Filed Under:

  • Gluten-Free
  • Healthy Breakfasts
  • Kid Friendly
  • Oatmeal
  • Recipes

More Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

  • Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
  • Sweet Potato Hash Baked Egg Cups
  • Gluten-Free Healthy Banana Nut Bread
  • Prosciutto Egg Cups
  • Apple Pumpkin Muffins
  • Banana Bread Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

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Protein Overnight Oats | Easy Healthy Breakfast! (2024)

FAQs

Are overnight oats a healthy breakfast? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

Are overnight protein oats good for you? ›

High protein in overnight oats are a perfect source of energy especially if you're an athlete. Because oats contain dietary fiber, protein, B vitamins and minerals, they are also excellent for building muscles. The magnesium it contains promotes muscle regeneration and relieves muscle cramps.

Is it OK to put protein powder in overnight oats? ›

These delicious overnight oats with protein powder are so easy to make and contain around 30 grams of protein per serve! Make ahead the day before for a healthy breakfast for those busy mornings. These protein oats are a great option to meal prep on the weekend and top with your favourite toppings before eating.

Is it okay to eat overnight oats every morning? ›

Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Are overnight oats better than eggs? ›

Eggs = Less Calories

So, eggs have an advantage over oatmeal if you are planning to cut on your calorie intake and shed those extra kilos. Eggs have a nutrient called Choline that helps to reduce belly fat. Studies have shown that people who are overweight are usually deficient in choline, especially women.

Can I eat overnight oats for weight loss? ›

For those looking for a fiber-rich, protein-filled breakfast that requires little to no effort at all to help with their weight loss goals, overnight oats are the ideal solution. Unlike regular oatmeal, which is cooked in boiling water on the stove or zapped in the microwave, overnight oats are not cooked at all.

Which is healthier oatmeal or overnight oats? ›

The intensity of heat while cooking is the contributing factor, lower the heat better the nutrient availability. When you soak the oats overnight, it's almost like you're cooking them, but the process is much longer and slower, and it's done without heat. Hence, it is more nutrient rich than cooked version.

What does overnight oats do to your body? ›

When combined with milk or yoghurt, overnight oats can be a source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. The fibre and nutrients in oats are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. They can help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

How do you thicken overnight oats? ›

Add some extra seeds and stuff (or not)

If you want your overnight oats to have a thicker, slightly tapioca-like texture, chia seeds will do that while also adding some healthy protein. Add about 1/4 the amount of oats you added.

How much protein powder should you put in overnight oats? ›

You will need 30g of your favorite one. For me this is 1 scoop, but it may be a little different for you depending on the type of protein powder you use. Milk: My favorite milk to use here is vanilla unsweetened almond milk. The amount of milk you use will depend on the consistency you like in overnight oats!

Is overnight oats better with milk or yogurt? ›

Milk: You can make overnight oats with any kind of milk — dairy or non-dairy. If using non-dairy milk, it's best to stick with unsweetened. Greek yogurt: Not only does Greek yogurt make overnight oats more filling, but it also gives the oats a super-creamy texture.

Why put chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oats are rich in carbohydrates and a fibre called beta-glucan, which helps in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream. However, consuming oats in isolation and in the morning may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels due to the Dawn effect.

Are overnight oats high in calories? ›

Overnight oats are a great source of many nutrients. One prepared cup (240 ml) of the basic recipe made with 2% cow's milk and without the optional ingredients provides the following ( 1 ): Calories: 215 calories. Carbs: 33grams.

Why overnight oats are the best breakfast? ›

Oats are loaded with good-for-you nutrients like fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids, among other things. Plus, oats don't contain added sugar if you read the labels and avoid certain instant varieties. They also can be eaten different ways, making them one versatile power food.

Are overnight oats better than toast? ›

Oatmeal has a lower energy density than bread, with 0.7 calorie per gram compared to 2.5 for whole-wheat bread and 2.6 for white bread. A study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 1995 found that oatmeal really is more filling than bread. Oats have a lower glycemic index than most other grains.

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