Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamed spinach combines the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of spinach with a rich, creamy sauce, making it a perfect complement to almost any main dish. The richness of the cream and cheese is balanced by the lightness of the spinach, creating a comforting yet not-too-heavy dish. It’s quick to make, and the flavors are bold yet perfectly harmonious. If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both delicious and elegant, creamed spinach is the answer. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 (10 oz) bags fresh spinach (or about 12 cups fresh spinach)
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Salt to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, nutmeg (if using), and black pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the Cream and Cheese:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Cook the Spinach:
Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently. Add a handful at a time, letting the spinach wilt down before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is added. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.
Season and Serve:
Taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with salt and more black pepper as needed. Serve the creamed spinach warm as a side dish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Garlic Parmesan Creamed Spinach: For an extra punch of flavor, add more garlic or a touch of roasted garlic to the sauce. You can also increase the amount of Parmesan for a cheesier dish.
Vegan Creamed Spinach: To make this dish vegan, replace the cream and milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream, and use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan Parmesan cheese.
Spicy Creamed Spinach: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to give the creamed spinach a little heat.
Mushroom Creamed Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic for an earthy, umami-packed variation.

Storage/Reheating

Creamed spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to bring back the creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until fully warmed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?

Yes, you can make creamed spinach ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop more over time. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to lighten the dish slightly. The sauce may be a little less rich, but it will still be creamy and flavorful.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To make creamed spinach lighter, you can use low-fat milk, a reduced-fat cream cheese, and skip the heavy cream altogether, substituting with vegetable broth or more milk. However, the texture will be slightly thinner.

Can I add other vegetables to creamed spinach?

Yes! You can add sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or even a handful of chopped kale to the creamed spinach for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan Parmesan cheese.

Can I make creamed spinach with frozen spinach?

Yes, you can make this dish with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce.

How can I make the creamed spinach thicker?

If you want a thicker consistency, you can simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour (mixed with a little water) to thicken the sauce.

Can I freeze creamed spinach?

Yes, creamed spinach can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Creamed spinach is a simple yet luxurious dish that adds richness and flavor to any meal. With its creamy sauce, tender spinach, and savory cheeses, it’s a side dish that pairs perfectly with steaks, roasted chicken, or even pasta. This recipe is easy to make, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and can be enjoyed by everyone—whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or just want a comforting side dish for your weeknight dinner. Creamed spinach is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Creamed Spinach

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Creamed spinach is a rich and indulgent side dish made with creamy sauce, tender spinach, and Parmesan cheese, offering the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, nutmeg (if using), and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Cook the Spinach: Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently. Add a handful at a time, letting the spinach wilt down before adding more. Continue until all the spinach is added. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.
Season and Serve: Taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with salt and more black pepper as needed. Serve the creamed spinach warm as a side dish.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add more garlic or roasted garlic to the sauce.
If you want to make it vegan, replace dairy with coconut milk or almond milk and use plant-based cream cheese and Parmesan.
For added heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or kale for additional texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg