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It’s creamy, cheesy, and so delicious that even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. Creamed Spinach will change your mind about greens if you’re not a fan.
Do you ever find yourself searching for the perfect side dish that makes everyone at the table say, “Wow!”? Look no further! This Creamed Spinach recipe is a game-changer.
I made this for a family dinner last night, and let’s just say there were no leftovers. That’s always a win!
This dish combines fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to create a rich cream sauce that perfectly complements the spinach.
It’s one of those easy recipes that feels fancy but is super simple to make. Whether you’re preparing a steak dinner, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, or just need a quick side for a weeknight meal, this homemade creamed spinach is your new best friend.
I’m actually kind of amazed at how such basic ingredients could create such a flavorful dish. It’s just plain mouthwatering!
Plus, it’s a great way to get more greens into your diet without feeling like you’re eating veggies. Trust me, even spinach skeptics will be converted!
So, are you ready to make the perfect side dish that will steal the show at your next meal? Let’s dive into Creamed Spinach!
Some of our other favorite SIDE DISH RECIPES we have on our site include: Shortcut Sweet Potato Tempura with Curry Aioli, Crispy Baked Parmesan Asparagus Fries Recipe, and Simple Seared Brussel Sprouts in a Pan.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE CREAMED SPINACH:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- CAN I USE FRESH SPINACH INSTEAD?
- CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and parmesan cheese creates a decadent, creamy mixture that’s bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, this is an easy creamed spinach recipe that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with various main courses, making it ideal for everything from a casual weeknight meal to a fancy steak dinner.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Frozen spinach, thawed and excess liquid drained
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow or sweet onion, finely diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream or half and half
- Cream cheese, softened
- Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Ground nutmeg
HOW TO MAKE CREAMED SPINACH:
- Melt butter in a large skillet pan over medium high heat.
- Add diced onions and saute until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and saute for 1 minute.
- Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pan and cook on low until the cream cheese melts and a sauce forms; stir constantly.
- Stir the thawed spinach into the sauce and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking and spinach is warmed through.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE FRESH SPINACH INSTEAD?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach leaves or fresh baby spinach instead of frozen.
You’ll need about 32 ounces of fresh spinach.
Blanch it in a large pot of water for a minute, then drain and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the cream sauce.
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Absolutely!
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat it over medium-low heat until warmed through when you’re ready to serve.
ANY ADDITIONS?
This stuff is so tasty I could have it as a main dish. Seriously!
Try it and you’ll know what I mean from the very first bite.
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms to make it heartier.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and broil until bubbly.
- Mix in artichoke hearts for a spin on spinach dip.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Include chopped water chestnuts for crunch.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color.
- Stir in some sour cream for extra tanginess.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about this.
It’s always great to experiment!
- Heavy cream: Substitute with half and half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Cream cheese: Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Swap with white cheddar or parmigiano reggiano.
- Butter: Replace with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Yellow onion: Use shallots or red onion for a milder or sweeter taste.
- Nutmeg: Omit it or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Freezer
- Transfer the cooled creamed spinach to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Drain the Spinach Well: Squeeze out as much excess water as possible to avoid a watery dish.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess and adds depth to the flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Maintain a medium-low heat to prevent the cream sauce from burning.
- Taste and Season: Always taste before serving and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
This Creamed Spinach is a great side dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become one of your favorite sides.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or a simple weeknight meal, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow or sweet onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 6 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 16 ounce package frozen spinach thawed and excess liquid drained
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet pan over medium high heat.3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Add diced onions and saute until softened, about 3-5 minutes.1 small yellow or sweet onion
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and saute for 1 minute.3 garlic cloves
- Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pan and cook on low until the cream cheese melts and a sauce forms; stir constantly.6 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, ¾ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Stir the thawed spinach into the sauce and simmer on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking and spinach is warmed through.16 ounce package frozen spinach
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Nutrition
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