Say hello to homemade protein waffles! Since you guys love my protein pancakes so much, I figured I had to make a waffle version.
They are crispy on the outside, light and fluffy, and so good! They taste just like your classic waffle, but have more protein thanks to the addition of protein powder and greek yogurt!
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We all know getting enough protein can be tough. But when you are eating things like waffles, it seems effortless! I always aim for 30+ grams of protein at breakfast. I love eggs, but let’s be honest, I can get tired of them. So adding protein to things like pancakes, waffles, smoothies, and oatmeal is a go-to for me.
I love making these on the weekend or for a post-workout meal. They are also great for meal prep. Make a couple of batches and reheat them throughout the week as desired. And of course, top them with all your favorite toppings!
Why we love these protein waffles
- simple ingredients – made with healthy ingredients you probably already have at home
- high-protein – one batch/serving has 33 grams of protein!
- macro-friendly and balanced – a good ratio of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber for balanced blood sugar and to avoid those spikes and crashes that a sweet breakfast can do.
- perfect for post-workout – while I enjoy these on any day, I especially love them post-workout due to the amount of carbs and protein, and not too much fat.
Are protein waffles healthy?
Yes, protein waffles can be a great addition to anyone’s diet. Typical waffles are high in carbs and sugar and low in protein. This spikes your blood sugar, causing it to fall fast, and making you feel tired, sluggish, and craving more sugar. By adding protein, these waffles will fill you up, keep you full, keep your blood sugar balanced, and give you energy for a healthy and balanced way to start your morning.
Ingredients
- rolled oats
- protein powder – plant-based works for this protein waffle recipe.
- cinnamon
- baking powder
- salt
- egg
- greek yogurt
- vanilla extract
- oil, butter/ghee, or cooking spray, for cooking
How to make protein waffles
- Blend your oats. Add rolled oats to your blender and blend for 15-30 seconds or so until it is broken down into a flour consistency.
- Combine your dry ingredients. Add processed oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and mix well to combine.
- Mix your wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, add your egg, greek yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix well to combine. Add your dry ingredients to your wet and mix until combined. The batter should be pretty thick. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat up your waffle iron. Pour batter into your waffle iron (the amount will depend on what size you are using) and let cook until crispy and golden brown. You may have to make them in batches depending on how big your waffle maker is.
- Enjoy! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Can I use another protein powder?
Unfortunately, I have not tried another kind of protein powder with this recipe. Plant-based protein powder is thicker than other kinds and helps absorb the liquid. I am afraid whey and collagen will not work, or the amounts of the ingredients will have to be adjusted.
All about the toppings
What are waffles without some solid toppings?! Feel free to get creative but here are some of my favorite toppings:
- maple syrup
- greek yogurt
- nut butter – I love peanut butter or cashew butter
- fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- sliced bananas
- butter
- cinnamon
Storage and reheating
- refrigerator – store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Waffles should stay fresh for 4 days.
- freezer – allow them to cool completely. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet in a single layer and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen. Then place them in a storage bag for up to 3 months. Freezing them in a single layer allows them to not stick together when you place them in a bag/container.
- reheating – when you are ready to heat them up, pop them in the microwave, toaster, or toaster oven.
Substitutions and additions
- rolled oats – if you don’t have a blender, you can use store-bought oat flour. I have not tried this, but it should work the same with using 25 grams. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- protein powder – any flavor of protein powder will work! I suggest a flavored one as it adds some sweetness. Also, a plant-based protein works the best as consistency works well to help absorb the liquid. I am not sure if whey protein powder or collagen will work.
- egg – I have not tried this, but egg whites should work instead of a whole egg. You will need 2 tablespoons of egg whites. I have not tried to use a flax egg, but it might work.
- greek yogurt – dairy or dairy-free will work.
Here are some additions you can add to your protein waffles as well:
- chocolate chips
- spices – nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice
- cacao powder – for a chocolate flavor!
More healthy breakfast recipes
- protein pancakes
- chicken hash
- mango overnight oats
- protein yogurt bowl
- blender cottage cheese pancakes
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Protein Waffles
equipment
ingredients
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (25 grams)
- 1/4 cup plant-based vanilla protein powder (25 grams – see notes)*
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (4 ounces – I used full-fat)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- oil, butter/ghee, or cooking spray, for cooking
- toppings: maple syrup, fruit, chocolate chips, nut butter…
instructions
- Blend your oats. Add rolled oats to your blender and blend for 15-30 seconds or so until it is broken down into a flour consistency.
- Combine your dry ingredients. Add processed oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and mix well to combine.
- Mix your wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, add your egg, greek yogurt, and vanilla extract and mix well to combine. Add your dry ingredients to your wet and mix until combined. Try not to overmix. The batter should be pretty thick. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat up your waffle iron. Pour batter into your waffle iron (the amount will depend on what size you are using) and let cook until crispy and golden brown. You may have to make them in batches depending on how big your waffle maker is.
- Enjoy! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
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notes
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I was not a fan at all. They came out so dry and chalky. I used Garden of Life Vanilla protein and used my scale to measure everything out. I quadrupled the batch so I cooked 2 of the waffles on a lower heat setting after they came out dry on the higher (#3) setting. Regardless, they were the same.
I will take this recipe and incorporate parts of it into my regular waffles recipes to increase the protein in those though.
Sorry to hear they didn’t come out for you, Kaitlyn. I’m not too familiar with that protein, but that could be a factor. I’ll admit it’s hard making recipes with protein powder since they are all so different. I appreciate you giving them a try though.
I made these for breakfast today with whey protein powder as it was what I had in. It worked beautifully! I’m going to make some to freeze for busier mornings. All of your recipes I’ve tried so far have been excellent. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed them, Alycia! And glad to hear they work well with whey. Thanks for trying them!
This recipe has been the best thing I could come across. Protein packed and flavorful. Now I make a big batch and freeze them for on the go breakfast or snacking during the day with a bit of peanut butter.
My 4yr old keeps stealing them, so that tells you that they are indeed delicious!
Thank you so much for this recipe, it has become the new staple in meals.
So happy to hear they are a hit with the whole family! Thanks for trying them and glad you enjoy them!!
Excellent! I used coconut milk greek “yogurt” as that’s what I had, and plain protein powder. Delicious!! Thanks for a great recipe.
Glad you enjoyed them, Denise! Thanks for trying them!
Mine came out very dry. Wondering if I overbaked them or had the griddle temp too high.
Sorry to hear that Joe. It could be that it was too high. Most waffle makers will tell you when it’s done so you should know when to take it off to not overcook, but if it’s too high, they can get overdone.
Just made these and they are yummy! I think it will definitely depend on the protein powder you use. Think I will add these to my meal prep, maybe use some chocolate protein and pb powder next time. Highly recommend!
Yum, that sounds so good! So glad you enjoyed them, Ashley, thanks for trying them!
This recipe needs more votes!
Haha, thank you, Kenneth! Glad you enjoyed them and thanks for trying them!
I made it today and it was absolutely delicious, glad I made extra batter!
So happy to hear that! Thanks for trying them Lisa and glad you enjoyed them.