3 high-protein recipes to help hit your January goals
Pancakes, flatbreads, and sandwich loaves that deliver a big protein hit.
Date
January 7, 2026
Put down that protein shake — there are better ways to hit your protein goals. Specifically, with pancakes and bread.
Not what you expected? Protein and baked goods don’t typically go together, but these clever recipes prove that with a few powerhouse ingredients, they can deliver just as much protein as bars and shakes. They mostly rely on three key protein sources: eggs, cottage cheese, and oats, so if you’re looking to up your protein intake, here are three outstanding recipes to try:
Super Protein Pancakes
True to its name, this recipe is packed with protein, thanks to cottage cheese, plenty of eggs, and, crucially, King Arthur Rolled Oats. Those oats are notable because this oat variety has 40% (!) more protein than standard options, boosting the nutritional profile of these pancakes. Because they are made entirely with oats — no flour! — they are hearty-yet-tender, and packed with whole grains alongside all that protein. Make a big batch and freeze for later — just drop pancakes into the toaster and enjoy at a minute’s notice. (If you’re looking for another protein pancake option, try our Gluten-Free Protein Pancake Mix, with 11 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of fiber in each serving.)
Protein per serving: 8 grams per pancake
Get the recipe: Super Protein Pancakes
Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Flatbreads
The key ingredient in these tender flatbreads is cottage cheese. Not only does it boost the protein content in this recipe, but it also gives each rip-able, dip-able flatbread a nice chewiness. As an added bonus, these are super easy to make: The dough comes together entirely in a food processor, and the breads are cooked directly on the stovetop in a matter of minutes. Now your dinnertime side of bread can also deliver a quick hit of protein, too.
Protein per serving: 14 grams per flatbread
Get the recipe: Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Flatbreads
Multigrain Protein Bread
This sliceable sandwich loaf is full of our three key protein-rich ingredients: egg whites, cottage cheese, and rolled oats. They combine to yield a nutty wholegrain loaf that can be toasted and topped with jam or griddled to make a protein-laden grilled cheese. This recipe was developed by Lukas Volger, a bread machine enthusiast, so you can either make it in a machine with just about 5 minutes of hands-on time, or knead the dough with a mixer and bake it in the oven for a crustier loaf.
Protein per serving: 11 grams per slice
Get the recipe: Multigrain Protein Bread
Looking for even more protein options? Our recipe for Bircher Muesli (Creamy Overnight Oats) delivers 12 grams of protein in each 1 cup serving and is a great make-ahead breakfast option.
Cover photo by Patrick Marinello; food styling by Yekaterina Boytsova.
