9 Protein Packed Recipes

By Men's Health

To load up on extra protein, you don't need to subsist on chicken breast, salmon and shakes. Open up the tub of protein powder that's already in your pantry. Then get creative with these nine easy recipes.

There's more you can do with a scoop of protein powder than toss it into a smoothie—much more.

Sources: Jen Comas Keck, C.P.T., nutrition coach; Anna Sward, founder of Proteinpow.com; Roger Lawson, C.S.C.S.; Julie Lohre, C.P.T.

1 / Banana Pudding

Stir banana protein powder into Greek yogurt: one scoop of protein for 1 cup of yogurt.

2 / Powered-Up Oatmeal

Let plain oatmeal cool a bit, then mix in a scoop of chocolate or cinnamon roll-flavored protein.

3 / Hot Chocolate

Make a cup of hot cocoa and let it cool until it's warm, not hot. Add chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored protein.

4 / Protein Pancakes

Beat together one whole egg and two egg whites. Mix in one scoop of any flavor of protein powder. Add powder until you reach a pancake batter-like consistency. Top with all-natural butter and bananas.

5 / Instant Mocha

After a cup of coffee has cooled a bit, stir in vanilla protein for a "latte" or chocolate protein for a "mocha."

6 / Peanut Butter Balls

Knead chocolate or unflavored protein into natural peanut butter. Keep them in the fridge for a quick snack.

7 / Sweet Or Savory Crepe

Beat together two eggs and 3 tbsp milk. Add about one scoop of protein powder, so the batter has a runny consistency. Cook a thin layer on a nonstick pan over medium heat. Fill with baked apples. For a savory crepe, stuff with mushrooms, spinach and goat cheese.

For a baked apple filling:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a shallow baking pan, combine the slices from two apples, a dash of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, 2 tbsp melted butter, and a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until apples are tender, about 45 minutes.

8 / Tangy Ranch Dip

Fold a scoop of unflavored protein powder and ranch dressing seasonings into Greek yogurt. (Find ranch dressing seasonings in the salad dressing aisle.)

9 / Chocolate Cheesecake

Mix chocolate protein powder into cottage cheese. Refrigerate and top with berries.