Name: Creamed Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 (10 oz) bags frozen chopped spinach; 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 6 large garlic cloves, minced; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ½ tsp freshly ground nutmeg (optional); Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

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If you’re a fan of rich, creamy sides that bring a little indulgence to your plate, then this Creamed Spinach recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds—creamy, savory, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, a cozy weeknight meal, or just because you’re craving something decadently delicious, this Creamed Spinach will be a hit. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of this velvety goodness!

Why You’ll Love Creamed Spinach

This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Rich and Creamy: The velvety cream sauce combined with tender spinach creates the ultimate comfort food. It’s like a luscious dream on your plate.

Quick and Easy: Creamed Spinach comes together in just 20 minutes! It’s a quick side dish that’s packed with flavor and doesn’t require hours of cooking.

Versatile: It pairs beautifully with almost anything—steaks, roasted chicken, or a hearty pasta dish. It’s an easy side that elevates any meal.

Healthy, Yet Decadent: Spinach brings in all those good-for-you nutrients like iron and vitamins, while the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of both worlds.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a big gathering. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this creamy masterpiece:

Fresh Spinach: The star of the show! Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a lovely earthy flavor to the dish.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously rich and smooth.

Butter: Adds a delicious richness and depth to the sauce, making it even more velvety.

Garlic: Infuse the cream sauce with aromatic garlic to bring a wonderful savory base to the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: For that perfect touch of salty, nutty goodness that blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Cream Cheese: It adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.

Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth that perfectly complements the spinach.

Salt and Pepper: Just a touch of seasoning to round out the flavor and bring everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to create the creamiest, dreamiest side dish? Here’s how to make Creamed Spinach:

Wilt the Spinach: In a large skillet, cook the fresh spinach in batches over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s fully wilted, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Make the Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, thickening up the sauce.

Add the Spinach: Return the wilted spinach to the skillet and stir it into the creamy sauce. Mix well, ensuring the spinach is evenly coated.

Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a creamy, cheesy texture.

Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate indulgent side dish!

How to Serve Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach is a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

Steak: Serve it alongside a juicy, grilled steak. The richness of the creamed spinach is the perfect balance to the bold flavors of the beef.

Roasted Chicken: Pair it with some roasted chicken for a comforting, homestyle dinner. The spinach adds a lovely, creamy contrast to the savory chicken.

Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, indulgent meal, serve this alongside mashed potatoes. You can even pour a little extra sauce over the potatoes for extra creaminess.

Pasta: Creamed Spinach makes a great side dish for pasta—especially pasta dishes with rich sauces, like Alfredo.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Creamed Spinach:

Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and provides the best texture. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it.

Make It Even Creamier: If you love ultra-creamy dishes, you can add a bit more cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer sauce.

Add Some Heat: For a little extra flavor, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a kick.

Customize the Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses, like Gruyère or Gouda, for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead: You can prepare Creamed Spinach ahead of time! Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes! If you use frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based versions, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q3: Can I add more spices?
A3: Absolutely! You can experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or basil to give the dish more depth.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra cream if needed.

Q5: Can I freeze Creamed Spinach?
A5: Yes! You can freeze Creamed Spinach for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q6: Can I make this in advance?
A6: Yes, this dish can be made in advance. Prepare it up to the point of adding the spinach, refrigerate it, and then finish cooking it when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Absolutely! You can swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese, depending on your preference.

Q8: How can I make this spicier?
A8: For a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even some chopped fresh jalapeños to the sauce.

Q9: Can I add bacon to this dish?
A9: Yes! Crispy bacon crumbles make a great addition to creamed spinach. Simply cook the bacon, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top of the finished dish.

Q10: How do I reheat leftover creamed spinach?
A10: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help bring it back to the right consistency.

Conclusion

Creamed Spinach is the ultimate side dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender spinach, it’s the perfect way to elevate any meal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this dish will surely become a favorite at your table. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the delicious flavors work their magic!

Creamed Spinach

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition