If you’re on the hunt for a luscious, comforting side that elevates any meal, this Creamed Spinach Recipe is an absolute winner. It transforms humble leafy greens into a silky, cheesy delight that’s bursting with flavor and rich texture. Whether you’re pairing it with steak, chicken, or enjoying it on its own, this dish brings warmth and a touch of indulgence to your plate, making every bite feel special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamed Spinach Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a pivotal role to build layers of flavor and a velvety texture. From the freshness of spinach to the creaminess of heavy cream and the sharpness of Parmesan, every component is essential for that perfect balance.
- Fresh spinach or frozen spinach: Fresh is vibrant and tender, while frozen provides convenience without sacrificing taste—just be sure to squeeze out excess water.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion and garlic beautifully.
- Small onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
- Garlic: Minced, it delivers a fragrant punch that complements the creamy base.
- Heavy cream: The star of the dish, responsible for that luscious, silky mouthfeel.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt effortlessly and introduce a nutty, savory kick.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): A whisper of warm spice that elevates the dish subtlety.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamed Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
If you’re starting with fresh spinach, do a quick blanch by plunging it into boiling water just until wilted—this softens it and brightens the color. Then drain it thoroughly and press out any excess water; moisture is the enemy of creamy texture here. Frozen spinach offers a quick shortcut but still needs to be completely thawed and drained to avoid watery results in your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Begin by melting butter gently in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and let them cook slowly until soft and translucent—this step brings out their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic in the last minute of sautéing to release its aroma without burning, ensuring your creamed spinach has a fragrant foundation.
Step 3: Add the Cream
Once your onions and garlic are perfectly softened, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen as the cream begins to thicken, creating the rich sauce that will envelop the spinach. Keep an eye on it and stir to prevent sticking or scorching.
Step 4: Combine Spinach with Cream
Now stir in your prepared spinach, making sure every leaf is coated in that luscious cream mixture. Allow the skillet to cook for about five minutes, gently stirring occasionally so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens further, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like a subtle warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then let the mixture cook a little longer until the cheese melts fully and everything is harmoniously combined—this step gives the dish its signature cheesy depth and complexity.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Transfer your creamed spinach to a serving dish and serve it warm. This simple final step turns your creamy, flavorful creation into an irresistibly comforting side that’s ready to steal the spotlight at any meal.
How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your creamed spinach by sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan on top, or add a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a small knob of butter melting over the warm dish can also add a glossy finish and extra flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This Creamed Spinach Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty proteins like grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or baked salmon. It also makes a fantastic complement to mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes, expanding your plate with creamy textures and vibrant colors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your creamed spinach in small ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, or spoon it onto toasted baguette slices as a savory appetizer. You can also mix it into pasta for a quick, creamy spinach pasta dish that’s equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamed spinach keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool completely before storing to maintain its texture and flavor. When you’re ready, take it out and reheat gently to avoid breaking the cream sauce.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so with caution because the cream sauce can sometimes separate after thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a well-sealed container for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the creamed spinach over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore its silky texture and avoid dryness that sometimes happens when reheating creamy dishes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this Creamed Spinach Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works wonderfully and cuts down on prep time. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible to keep your creamed spinach from becoming watery.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
For a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, and try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for the cheesy flavor. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamed spinach a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving to retain its creamy consistency and fresh taste.
What can I add to make the dish more flavorful?
Consider a dash of crushed red pepper for heat, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness. These additions can elevate the Creamed Spinach Recipe while keeping its comforting base.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?
Cook the cream gently over low to medium heat without boiling vigorously. Stir often and add cheese gradually to ensure a smooth, stable sauce. Avoid overheating, which can cause the cream to separate.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about making and sharing this Creamed Spinach Recipe with loved ones. It’s straightforward, decadent, and incredibly versatile, making it a reliable side that always impresses. So grab your ingredients, warm up your skillet, and get ready to dive into this creamy, cheesy delight that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.
Print
Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Creamed Spinach recipe features tender spinach cooked in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of garlic and nutmeg. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it combines the freshness of spinach with a luscious, cheesy cream base that’s easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Spinach
- 1 1/2 lbs fresh spinach (or 2 10-oz packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, building a flavor base for the cream sauce.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it gently to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken slightly, creating a rich sauce.
- Combine Spinach and Cream: Stir in the prepared spinach, mixing thoroughly to combine with the cream mixture. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the spinach absorbs the creamy sauce and the mixture thickens further.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce and everything is well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and serve hot as a delicious, creamy side dish that complements a range of main courses.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid watery creamed spinach.
- Fresh spinach offers a brighter flavor, but frozen spinach is convenient and works well if properly prepared.
- Optional nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that enhances the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami and depth; for a vegetarian version, use vegetarian Parmesan or a similar hard cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
