High-Protein Oatmeal
Per serving (about 1.5 cups)
How I calculate this → Protein calculator →
11g of protein per 100 calories, more than 11 of the other 11 breakfast recipes here.
I blend the cottage cheese smooth before it goes anywhere near the pot, and I whisk the protein powder in after the oats come off the heat, not during. Both steps exist for the same reason: heat and lumps don't mix well with either ingredient, and this is the order that avoids both. I usually start slightly thicker than I think I want it because it's easy to loosen oatmeal with another splash of milk. Trying to fix oatmeal that's already too thin is a lot more annoying.
Why you'll love this
- 37g of protein in a single bowl, from blended cottage cheese and protein powder
- Ready in about 13 minutes
- Whisking the protein powder in off the heat keeps it smooth, not clumped
Recipe
High-Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese with the 1 tablespoon of milk until completely smooth, with no visible curds. Set aside.
- Combine the oats, water or milk, and salt in a small pot over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the blended cottage cheese until fully combined.
- Whisk in the protein powder once the oatmeal is off the heat. Adding it while the pot is still hot is what causes clumping.
- Top with banana, berries, cinnamon, or nut butter and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
Notes
- I blend the cottage cheese before it goes anywhere near the pot. Stirring whole-curd cottage cheese directly into oatmeal leaves a grainy texture that blending completely avoids.
- I always add the protein powder off the heat, after the pot comes off the stove. It's the single biggest difference between creamy oatmeal and oatmeal with chalky clumps in it.
- Protein numbers assume a typical whey scoop, about 25g of protein per scoop. Protein powders vary by brand and type, and plant-based powders often run closer to 20g a scoop, so check your label: every 5g less protein per scoop takes about 5g off this bowl.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 330 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Where these numbers come from
I calculate every figure above from USDA FoodData Central, ingredient by ingredient, then divide by the servings the recipe makes. Each FDC number links to the exact USDA entry I used. How I calculate nutrition
- Rolled oats: FDC #173904 (Cereals, oats, regular and quick, not fortified, dry), 1/2 cup = 40.5g (FDC: 1 cup = 81g).
- Liquid: calculated with water. Using 1 cup of 2% milk instead (FDC #171267, 244g) adds about 8g protein and 120 kcal.
- Cottage cheese: FDC #172179 (Cheese, cottage, creamed), 1/4 cup = 56g (FDC: 4 oz = 113g).
- Milk for blending: FDC #171267 (Milk, 2%), 1 tbsp = 15g.
- Protein powder: FDC #173180 (Beverages, Protein powder whey based), 1 scoop = 32g (FDC measure 1/3 cup = 32g), 25g protein / 113 kcal. Scoop sizes and formulas vary by brand, so swap in your product's label numbers and recompute.
- Toppings not included. 2026-09-28 recompute: 37g protein, 329 kcal, 5.8g fat, 32g carb, 5.1g fiber.
Storage
Best eaten fresh, since protein powder can thicken significantly as it sits. If making ahead, cook and portion the plain oatmeal and cottage cheese, then stir in the protein powder fresh each morning.
FAQ
Can I make this without blending the cottage cheese?
You can, but the texture will be noticeably grainier. Blending is what turns cottage cheese from a mix-in you notice into one that disappears into the oatmeal.
Why did my protein powder turn into clumps?
Almost always heat. Whisk it in only after the pot is off the burner, not while the oatmeal is still actively cooking.
Can I make this ahead for the week?
Partially. Cook a big batch of plain oats and store it, then stir in fresh blended cottage cheese and protein powder each time you reheat a portion, rather than adding either ahead of time.
Looking for more quick breakfasts: the high-protein overnight oats is a no-cook option built on the same base grain.
This oatmeal uses cottage cheese, and Is Cottage Cheese High in Protein? covers how much protein it brings.
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