Heavenly Creamed Spinach Recipe: A Silky Side Dish Delight

Green leafy spinach whispers culinary magic in this creamed spinach recipe that promises pure comfort.

Rich and velvety textures dance across your plate with delightful elegance.

Memories of classic steakhouse sides spark excitement for this homemade version.

Professional chefs have nothing on these creamy, luxurious greens you can easily craft.

Nutritious spinach becomes an irresistible side dish through simple techniques and smart seasoning.

Silky smooth and decadent, this recipe turns ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with every decadent, creamy spoonful that brings restaurant-quality magic to your dinner table.

Creamed Spinach Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.
• Add a splash of milk if the mixture seems too thick during reheating.
• Avoid freezing, as dairy-based sauces tend to break down and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the delicious flavors while fresh.

Good Matches For Creamed Spinach

• Pair with Roasted Protein: Match this creamy spinach with herb-crusted roasted chicken or pan-seared salmon for a delightful flavor combination that balances the rich, velvety texture.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to cut through the creamy richness and enhance the dish's subtle nutmeg and Parmesan notes.
• Create Steakhouse Magic: Serve alongside a perfectly grilled ribeye or New York strip steak, where the creamy spinach acts as a luxurious counterpoint to the meat's robust flavor.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Add a slice of toasted sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up the extra creamy sauce, turning this side dish into a more interactive dining experience.

Mix It Up With Creamed Spinach Ideas

• Spicy Mediterranean Spinach: Kick up the flavor by adding red pepper flakes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped sundried tomatoes for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon and Garlic Spinach: Crisp up diced bacon before sautéing onions, then mix in roasted garlic and use the bacon drippings for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Cheesy Herb Spinach Gratin: Layer the creamed spinach in a baking dish, top with a blend of sharp cheddar and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and crispy on top.
• Coconut Curry Spinach: Replace regular milk with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, and sprinkle with toasted cashews for a creamy, exotic spin on the classic recipe.

Top FAQs About Creamed Spinach

• What makes this creamed spinach recipe special?

This creamy side dish stands out because of its rich, velvety texture and the perfect balance of Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and fresh spinach. The homemade sauce creates a luxurious restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Simply thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the creamy sauce. This makes the recipe super convenient and works just as well as fresh spinach.

• Is this dish healthy despite being creamy?

While it’s not a low-calorie option, the spinach provides excellent nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C. The recipe uses real ingredients and offers a nutritious way to enjoy vegetables with a delicious, indulgent twist.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

The key is to whisk the milk and cream slowly into the roux, stirring constantly. This technique helps break down any flour clumps and ensures a smooth, silky sauce that coats the spinach perfectly.

What’s So Good About Creamed Spinach

• Whip Up a Quick Comfort Side: This creamed spinach recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a luxurious, creamy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious accompaniment.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: By using a basic roux method, even novice chefs can create a silky smooth sauce with layers of flavor from sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, making it an approachable culinary adventure.
• Customize Your Creamy Delight: Swap Parmesan for other cheeses, adjust seasonings to taste, or use fresh or frozen spinach, giving you flexibility to match your pantry and personal preferences without compromising on taste and texture.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated side that elevates simple protein dishes, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, comforting profile.

All The Ingredients For Creamed Spinach

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps saute aromatics.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, creamy sauce with luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build foundational flavor.
• Fresh Spinach or Frozen Spinach: Main vegetable component with earthy green taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create roux and thickens sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice that complements creamy spinach and adds subtle complexity.

How To Prepare Creamed Spinach

Step 1: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat a large skillet and transform butter into a golden pool. Toss in finely chopped onions and dance them around until they become translucent and soft. Sprinkle minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly, releasing its fragrant essence.

Step 2: Create A Silky Foundation

Dust the softened aromatics with flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety paste. This magical mixture will be the secret to your creamy spinach’s luxurious texture.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Luxury

Gently stream in milk and cream, whisking with care to prevent any stubborn lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer and transform, thickening into a dreamy, rich sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Build Layers Of Flavor

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg. Shower the sauce with grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts completely and creates a glossy, irresistible coating.

Step 5: Welcome The Spinach

Add fresh spinach leaves in gentle handfuls, watching them wilt and surrender to the creamy sauce. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly drained before introducing it to the skillet. Stir and blend until the spinach is fully embraced by the sauce.

Step 6: Present Your Masterpiece

Transfer the creamed spinach to a beautiful serving dish. This luscious side is ready to complement any main course, bringing a touch of comfort and elegance to your meal.

Helpful Tricks For Creamed Spinach

• Chop Onions Strategically: Dice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, creating a smooth flavor base for the creamed spinach.
• Control Roux Consistency: Stir flour constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and develop a rich, golden base that thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Select Fresh Spinach Wisely: Choose bright green, crisp spinach leaves without wilting or yellowing edges for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Start with small amounts of salt, pepper, and nutmeg, tasting as you go to achieve a perfectly balanced creamy dish.
• Prevent Watery Texture: Squeeze excess moisture from frozen spinach or pat fresh spinach dry to maintain a creamy, luxurious consistency without becoming runny.

Creamed Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern-style creamed spinach delivers pure comfort with its velvety texture and rich blend of butter, cream, and tender spinach leaves. Indulgent side dishes like this promise pure satisfaction for home cooks seeking classic Southern kitchen magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 oz (283 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional but classic)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently melting butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing diced onions to soften and become translucent for approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to release its fragrant essence without burning, which should take around 30 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, creating a smooth paste by continuously stirring and cooking for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually incorporate milk and cream into the mixture, whisking carefully to prevent lump formation, then allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 3-5 minutes while stirring intermittently.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by adding salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate hint of nutmeg, creating a well-balanced seasoning.
6. Introduce grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated, which will add richness and depth to the creamy base.
7. Carefully fold fresh spinach into the sauce, adding handfuls at a time and allowing each batch to wilt before incorporating the next, ensuring even distribution and a vibrant green color.
8. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained and gently mixed into the creamy sauce, heating until completely warmed through and well combined.
9. Allow the creamed spinach to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will help meld the flavors and achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
10. Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish, presenting it as a delectable side that complements a variety of main courses.

Notes

• Choose fresh, vibrant spinach leaves for the most robust flavor and brightest green color.
• Pat spinach dry before adding to the skillet to prevent excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more intense, nutty taste compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing texture.
• Transform this side dish into a vegetarian main course by adding cooked quinoa or white beans for extra protein.
• Prevent lumpy sauce by whisking milk and cream slowly and consistently, ensuring smooth incorporation with the roux.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or tarragon to elevate the classic creamed spinach flavor profile.
• Make this dish gluten-free by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch as a thickening agent.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 252
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg