If you are searching for a luscious, comforting side dish that steals the show every time, look no further than The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe. This dish combines tender spinach with a rich, velvety creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned and cheesy, making it an irresistible classic. Whether you choose fresh or frozen spinach, the blend of butter, cream, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a deliciously indulgent experience that elevates any meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, straightforward ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each component adds depth, richness, and balance, making the creamy texture silky-smooth and the flavor profiles sing.
- 1 pound frozen chopped spinach or 2 pounds fresh: The star of the dish, spinach provides that vibrant green base loaded with nutrients and subtle earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, slightly sweet foundation for sautéing and flavor melding.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings gentle sweetness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers an aromatic punch that complements the dairy beautifully.
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: The luxurious liquid that creates the silky sauce texture.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Boosts creaminess and adds subtle tanginess that balances out the richness.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor essential to classic creamed spinach.
- Pinch nutmeg: A tiny twist that brightens the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by handling your spinach based on which version you’re using. If frozen, thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out every bit of excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce. For fresh spinach, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the leaves for just about one minute, then drain and rinse under cold water. Squeeze dry and chop if you prefer smaller pieces. Properly prepping the spinach sets the stage for the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Butter
In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cooking slowly for 5 to 7 minutes helps the onions soften and caramelize lightly, releasing their natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes in the dish.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower your heat slightly (medium-low works well) and stir in the minced garlic. Pour in the heavy cream followed by cream cheese, parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts into the hot liquid, allowing the sauce to thicken and become velvety. This stage requires patience but is worth every second.
Step 4: Combine Spinach with Sauce
Fold in the prepared spinach gently, letting it warm through and soak up all the creamy goodness. At this point, adjust the texture to your liking by adding a splash more cream for extra looseness or simmering a little longer if you want the sauce thicker. This flexibility makes it easy to customize to personal taste.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper generously. This extra seasoning accentuates the flavors beautifully and finishes the dish perfectly. Give it one last stir, and your rich, comforting creamed spinach is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan or a few crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top can add delightful texture and extra flavor accents. A dash of freshly ground black pepper or a few lemon zest curls also brighten the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or seared fish as a flavorful, creamy side. It’s equally fantastic alongside hearty mashed potatoes or fresh crusty bread, helping soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve the creamed spinach over toasted brioche or swirl it into pasta for a quick weeknight meal. It also works perfectly baked into a savory tart or combined with other greens and cheeses for an elegant gratin platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months. However, note that the texture may slightly change upon thawing due to the dairy, but reheating with a splash of cream can restore its creamy charm.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a little more cream or milk helps bring back the silky consistency as it warms through, making it taste as fresh as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works beautifully if you blanch it quickly and squeeze out the water, just as described. It tends to have a brighter flavor and a slightly different texture, making it a fantastic option.
Is there a lighter version of The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use reduced-fat cream cheese. Just keep in mind this changes the richness somewhat, but the dish will still be delicious and creamy enough for comfort food cravings.
How do I prevent the creamed spinach from being watery?
The key is removing as much moisture as possible from the spinach before cooking. Thoroughly draining and squeezing it dry ensures the sauce thickens nicely without becoming diluted.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this recipe relies on dairy for its signature richness, vegan alternatives can work by using plant-based cream, vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The texture and flavor will differ but can still be quite tasty.
What can I do with leftover creamed spinach?
Leftovers are versatile and can be stirred into scrambled eggs, spread on sandwiches, added to casseroles, or used as a base for stuffed chicken breasts. The creamy texture enhances many dishes and adds a nutritious twist.
Final Thoughts
It is true that once you master The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe, you’ll have a go-to side dish that impresses friends and family every time. Its creamy, cheesy richness paired with fresh leafy greens creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So don’t hesitate – gather your ingredients and dive into making this delightful classic that will surely become one of your favorite recipes to share and savor.
Print
The Best Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and creamy creamed spinach recipe is a delicious side dish perfect for any meal. Made with fresh or frozen spinach simmered in a luscious sauce of butter, cream, cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg, it has a smooth texture and comforting flavor that complements meats and vegetables alike.
Ingredients
Spinach
- 1 pound frozen chopped spinach or 2 pounds fresh spinach
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block Philly), softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to avoid a watery dish. If using fresh spinach, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the spinach, and cook for about 1 minute. Drain the spinach and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Squeeze out excess water and chop if desired.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is lightly browned and softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir continuously to break up the cream cheese and help the sauce thicken as it cooks over the next few minutes.
- Add the Spinach: Stir the prepared spinach into the cream sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine. Allow the mixture to warm through. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash more heavy cream. If the sauce seems too watery, continue cooking a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Season and Serve: Season the creamed spinach generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm as a flavorful and creamy side dish.
Notes
- When using frozen spinach, thoroughly draining is essential to prevent a soggy dish.
- Fresh spinach needs only a brief blanch to wilt before using.
- For richer flavor, freshly grate parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated.
- Adjust cream and seasoning according to desired thickness and taste.
