This oatmeal bowl is the only breakfast that keeps me full all the way until lunch. 25 to 35 grams of protein because of the Greek yogurt, nut butter, and optional protein powder mixed into nicely cooked oats.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, and whatever you love)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 20-25g protein, optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For Mixing In:
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts or additional chia seeds
- Drizzle of nut butter
- Optional: sliced banana, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, or a sprinkle of granola
Instructions
Step 1: Start with the oats
In a small saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk, water, and a pinch of salt.
Stir everything together and place over medium heat.
The combination of milk and water gives you the creamiest texture without being too heavy.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Put the mixture on the stove and let it simmer gently.
Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
This allows the oats to tender and the mixture to thicken.
However, if you feel like the mixture is becoming too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
By the time the oats have softened and become creamy, add the chia seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon.
If you are using protein powder, add it now with a splash of milk.
This will help it to mix in easily. Make sure to stir it quickly to avoid clumping.
Let it cook for another minute and then take it off the heat.
Step 4: The Protein Power Move
To complete the dish, add Greek yogurt, nut butter, and honey to your oats while they are still hot.
They will make the mixture sweet and will help to thicken the oats.
Stir it well after to enhance the texture. The yogurt will add a tangy flavor and will thin out the oats.
The nut butter will make it thick and will help to achieve a creamy consistency that is enjoyable.
Step 5: Build your bowl
Place the oatmeal in your preferred breakfast bowl. Now add the toppings.
Arrange the fresh berries on top, followed by the halved nuts, hemp hearts, and extra drizzles of nut butter. Make it as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 6: Relish right away
Take your spoon, and savor everything before it cools down.
The combination of piping hot, creamy oats will contrast beautifully with the cold, fresh, and invigorating berries. It is simply divine.
Tips for Success with Protein Powder
Not all protein powders are the same. I personally like vanilla whey and some other quality plant-based powders.
If it is your first time adding protein powder to oatmeal, try starting with 1/2 a scoop since some can overpower the taste.
Another option, which some might find sneaky, is using unflavored collagen peptides. It fully dissolves and keeps the same taste.
Oatmeal consistency
If your oatmeal is too thick, you need to add more liquid.
You can add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you are satisfied with the thickness.
If your oatmeal is too thin, it will thicken as it cools. Just give it a minute.
Make the dry ingredient mixture (oats, chia seeds, cinnamon) in advance to store in mason jars for the week.
All you have to do is add the liquid, heat, and cook.
Or, you could prepare a large portion to hold in the fridge for the week and then re-heat each morning, adding fresh yogurt and toppings.
Don’t skip the salt
Every recipe needs a little salt, and Silverstein is right to add a tiny bit to every oatmeal recipe. It prevents blandness and brings the flavor to the front.
Use a medium flame to cook oatmeal or anything that contains milk. It prevents scorching, which gives a nasty flavor.
Ingredient Swaps and Substitutes
Use sliced bananas and 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts in the oatmeal. Mix, then top with honey.
- Detox Recipe: With the other ingredients, add 1 Tbsp cocoa powder, then blend. Use peanut butter, then top with sliced bananas and cacao nibs.
- Apple Cinnamon: While cooking the oats, add 1/2 a diced apple and another 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Mix and top with chopped pecans.
- Tropical Twist: Use coconut milk with the oats and top with diced mango and pineapple, sprinkle with coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts.
- Pumpkin Spice: Combine 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree with a 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Garnish with pepitas and a maple syrup drizzle.
- Dairy-free option: Use your preferred plant-based milk and replace Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew yogurt.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini and top with pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This oatmeal bowl is a stand-alone, complete breakfast, but here are a few other ways to round out your morning:
- Have it with a piece of whole-grain avocado toast for added healthy fats.
- Enjoy it with a small smoothie for more fruits and veggies.
- Sip hot coffee or green tea with it.
- Include it in a weekend brunch spread with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
- To boost nutrition, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or wheat germ for added fiber and omega-3s. For a superfood boost, sprinkle with bee pollen.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Store cooked oatmeal without toppings in an airtight container. For individual portions, reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk and stirring halfway through. After reheating, add fresh yogurt and nut butter.
Freeze for up to three months, you could freeze portions of cooked oatmeal. Transfer to the fridge the night before to defrost and reheat per the directions. After freezing, the texture might be different, but it will still taste good.
On Sunday night, prepare a large batch and divide it into glass containers.
Each morning, one portion can be reheated and a swirl of fresh Greek yogurt and nut butter can be stirred in, along with any other desired toppings.
You will have a protein-rich breakfast in under three minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much protein is actually in this bowl?
The Greek yogurt, nut butter, protein powder, and milk all provide around 25-35 grams of protein per serving, depending on the amount of powder and other ingredients you incorporate.
Without the protein powder, you’ll still have a nicely balanced breakfast with 15-18 grams of protein, which is considerable.
Can I use instant oats?
You can, but regular rolled oats are a better option. For one, they have a better texture, and they contain more fiber.
If instant oats are a must, lower the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes and use less water. Instant oats absorb liquid.
Why does my Oatmeal come out gummy or gluey?
Typically, this is a result of overcooking or excess stirring.
Once you add the oats, you should stir occasionally but not all the time. It’s also important to check the oat-to-liquid ratio you’re using.
Can I do this in the Microwave?
In a large microwave-safe bowl (as it will bubble up), combine the oats, milk, water, and salt.
Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stir, and continue cooking in 30-second intervals until fully cooked, about 2 to 3 minutes in total. Follow up with the remaining directions.
Is this good for Weight loss?
This is a filling breakfast that can definitely aid in weight loss.
Its high protein and fiber content help keep you full for hours, preventing mid-morning snacking.
Just be careful with portion sizes of nut butter or other toppings, and other toppings.
What if I don’t like Greek yogurt?
You can replace it with smooth blended cottage cheese or use regular yogurt.
Another option is an extra tablespoon of nut butter, or a soft-cooked egg white that you stir in (trust me, you won’t taste it, but you’ll get the protein).
Can kids eat this?
It’s recommended for children as well.
For younger children, you may want to reduce or take out the protein powder, and you can also let them pick their own toppings for added fun.
My daughter enjoys arranging the berries to make a smiley face.
Conclusion
This breakfast bowl takes plain oatmeal and turns it into a meal that will keep you going for your busiest mornings.
It will take you less than 10 minutes to prepare, and it’s truly hearty, delicious, and nutritious. That’s everything you want to start your day.