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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to release its fragrant essence without burning, which should take around 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the aromatics, creating a smooth paste by continuously stirring and cooking for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- 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.
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate hint of nutmeg, creating a well-balanced seasoning.
- Introduce grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated, which will add richness and depth to the creamy base.
- 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.
- If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained and gently mixed into the creamy sauce, heating until completely warmed through and well combined.
- Allow the creamed spinach to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, which will help meld the flavors and achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- 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