Jump to Recipe Print RecipeStepping into the kitchen, the earthy aroma of nutmeg wafts through the air, pulling me into the heart of comfort food territory. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s my creamy, nutritious creamed spinach recipe that revitalizes dinner tables and even steals the show at holiday feasts. Featuring fresh baby spinach, a sprinkle of salty Parmesan, and just the right amount of richness, this dish shines as a quick, elegant solution for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With only 10 ingredients and ready in a swift 25 minutes, it’s a delightful way to incorporate a healthy twist into your meals without sacrificing flavor. Curious about how to elevate your next gathering with this delicious creamed spinach? Let’s dive in! Why is Creamed Spinach a Must-Try? Rich, Creamy Goodness: This creamed spinach is a delightful blend of texture and taste, providing a soothing creaminess that complements any plate. Healthy Twist: Made with fresh ingredients, this recipe transforms a classic dish into a nutritious addition to your repertoire. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this is an effortless side that won’t steal your evening away. Perfect for busy nights or unexpected guests! Versatile Pairing: Serve it alongside roast meats, pasta, or even as part of a holiday buffet—your creamed spinach will be the star! Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time with ease; blanch the spinach and store for a speedy assembly later on. With these wonderful attributes, you’ll love making this staple dish over and over! If you’re curious about other comforting sides, check out our Chicken Spinach Casserole for more inspiration! Creamed Spinach Ingredients For the Spinach Base • Baby Spinach – This offers vibrant color and nutrition; feel free to use frozen leaf spinach for convenience. • Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; substitute with red onion or shallots for a different flavor. • Garlic – Fresh garlic elevates the aroma and flavor; jarred garlic can work in a pinch. For the Cream Sauce • Unsalted Butter – Essential for sautéing; adjust salt levels if using salted butter. • Heavy Cream – Delivers rich creaminess; can substitute with half and half for a lighter texture. • Cream Cheese – Ensures a velvety sauce; avoid fat-free versions—opt for Neufchatel if needed. For Seasoning • Grated Nutmeg – Offers warm, earthy flavors; freshly grated nutmeg is highly recommended. • Salt – Divided for proper seasoning throughout; taste as you go for best results. • Ground Black Pepper – Add to taste for a little hint of heat; adjust based on your preference. • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated enhances the flavor uniquely; it’s the perfect finishing touch. With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from creating a heavenly bowl of creamed spinach! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamed Spinach Step 1: Blanch the Spinach Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add one bag of fresh baby spinach and submerge for about 30 seconds until wilted. You’ll notice the vibrant color deepening as it softens. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the spinach to a colander and repeat with any remaining spinach until it’s all blanched. Step 2: Cool and Squeeze Out Excess Water Once all the spinach has been blanched, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool down. With clean hands, gently squeeze the spinach to remove excess moisture, being careful not to over-squeeze, as you want some moisture for a silkier creamed spinach. Set the squeezed spinach aside. Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the chopped yellow onion along with the remaining salt. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without browning. Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce Lower the heat to medium-low and whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream until it begins to warm throughout. Add in cubed cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently to ensure even melting. Continue to whisk for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy, resembling a luscious sauce ready for the star ingredient. Step 5: Combine Spinach and Seasoning Incorporate the prepared spinach into the creamy mixture, gently breaking up any clumps. As you stir, season your creamed spinach with ground black pepper and a pinch of grated nutmeg, tasting and adjusting as needed. Keep the heat low, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully for 2-3 more minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through. Step 6: Serve Warm Once your creamed spinach is warmed through and consistently creamy, transfer it to a serving dish. Enjoy it immediately as the star side dish to your dinner, or cover to keep warm while preparing the main course. This creamy and nutritious creamed spinach is sure to become a family favorite! What to Serve with Creamed Spinach Dive into a delightful pairing experience that elevates your culinary creations to new heights. Roasted Chicken: The juicy, seasoned flavors of roasted chicken beautifully balance the creamy texture of the creamed spinach, creating a harmonious plate. Grilled Salmon: The richness of buttery salmon complements the nutty Parmesan in the creamed spinach, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal. Garlic Bread: Crunchy, toasty garlic bread provides a satisfying contrast to the velvety creamed spinach, making it perfect for sopping up all that delicious creaminess. Mashed Potatoes: Silky smooth mashed potatoes blend seamlessly with creamed spinach, creating an inviting dinner experience that’s perfect for sharing. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, these hearty mushrooms filled with fresh herbs and cheeses pair wonderfully with the richness of creamed spinach. White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay enhances the flavors of the dish while cutting through the creaminess, making it a perfect sipping companion. Embrace the versatility of creamed spinach and explore these charming pairings to impress your family and friends! Expert Tips for Creamed Spinach Moisture Control: Avoid over-squeezing the spinach; retaining a bit of moisture will enhance the silkiness of your creamed spinach. Advance Prep: Prepare steps 1-3 a day before serving for a quicker dinner assembly. Just reheat the creamy sauce before adding the spinach. Fresh Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and a richer flavor than pre-packaged options, ensuring your creamed spinach tastes its best. Flavor Boost: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of lemon zest to elevate the dish’s flavors effortlessly. Adapt Ingredients: Feel free to substitute yellow onion with shallots or red onion based on what you have on hand for a slightly different taste profile. Creamed Spinach Recipe Variations Customize your creamed spinach to suit your taste with these delightful twists, enhancing flavor and texture! Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a rich, non-dairy alternative that adds a subtle sweetness. Cheesy Delight: Swap Parmesan with blue cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist that brings depth to the flavors. Nutty Flavor: Add roasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor boost. Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat and excite your palate. Vegetable Medley: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or artichokes to add texture and heartiness—perfect for making it a stand-alone dish! Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can brighten up the dish, providing a fresh and fragrant contrast to the creamy base. Lemon Zest Brightness: A hint of lemon zest before serving adds brightness and balances the richness of the cream. Flavorful Broth: For even more depth, replace half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth for a lighter, savory touch. Explore these variations and don’t hesitate to experiment! For more comforting sides, check out our Chicken Spinach Casserole or learn about including tasty elements in your meals! Make Ahead Options These creamy, nutritious creamed spinach are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can blanch the spinach and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before making the dish, which prevents browning and keeps it fresh. Additionally, you can sauté the onion and garlic a day in advance, refrigerating them to maintain their vibrant flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sautéed mixture, whisk in the cream and cream cheese, then fold in the prepped spinach to finish. This way, you’ll enjoy rich, restaurant-quality creamed spinach with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal! How to Store and Freeze Creamed Spinach Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the creamed spinach has cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: If you want to store it longer, freeze the creamed spinach in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy texture. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the spinach base in advance, blanch it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before adding it to the sauce. This speeds up your meal prep! Creamed Spinach Recipe FAQs What type of spinach is best for creamed spinach? Fresh baby spinach is my go-to for creamed spinach due to its tender leaves and vibrant color. If fresh spinach isn’t accessible, frozen leaf spinach works fine! Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your dish. How do I store leftover creamed spinach? Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the creamed spinach cool down before sealing to preserve its freshness and prevent any condensation from affecting the texture! Can I freeze creamed spinach? Absolutely! You can freeze creamed spinach in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive that creamy texture. What should I do if my creamed spinach is too thick? If you find your creamed spinach has thickened more than you like, no worries! Simply stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk while reheating on low heat until you reach the desired consistency. This will help loosen it up and restore that lovely creaminess. Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare steps 1-3 of the recipe a day in advance. After sautéing the onion and garlic, you can store the creamy mixture in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat gently and add your blanched spinach. This allows you to enjoy your meal with minimal fuss on the day you serve it. Is creamed spinach a good option for people with dietary restrictions? If anyone in your household has dietary restrictions, you can certainly adapt this recipe! Consider using dairy-free cream alternatives for lactose intolerance or nut-based cheeses for those with dairy allergies. Just ensure they suit the taste preferences as well. Creamed Spinach: A Comforting Classic Made Healthy No ratings yet This creamed spinach recipe revitalizes dinner tables with a nutritious twist, featuring fresh spinach and Parmesan. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Spinach Base1 bag Baby Spinach Can substitute with frozen leaf spinach1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with red onion or shallots2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred; jarred works tooFor the Cream Sauce2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adjust salt if using salted butter1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half and half8 ounces Cream Cheese Avoid fat-free versionsFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Grated Nutmeg Freshly grated recommended1 teaspoon Salt Divided; adjust to taste1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Adjust based on preference1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated enhances flavor Equipment large potcolanderLarge skilletwhisk Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamed SpinachBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add baby spinach and submerge for about 30 seconds until wilted. Transfer to a colander.Rinse the blanched spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess moisture and set aside.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.Lower heat and whisk in heavy cream until warm. Add cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.Incorporate spinach into the creamy mixture, season with pepper and nutmeg. Heat gently for 2-3 more minutes until well-coated and warmed through.Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and enjoy warm. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 5gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, avoid over-squeezing the spinach and use fresh cheese for a richer flavor. Feel free to adapt ingredients based on availability. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
