Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamed Spinach recipe is simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. It’s made with basic pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes, yet tastes like a restaurant-quality side dish. The creamy sauce coats the spinach perfectly, creating a comforting dish that’s both elegant and hearty.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh or frozen spinach
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Cream cheese or milk (optional for extra creaminess)
- Parmesan cheese or grated nutmeg (optional for flavor)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the spinach:
- If using fresh spinach, rinse and remove tough stems. Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain well, squeezing out excess liquid.
- Make the cream sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté until fragrant and soft, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the dairy:
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Simmer gently until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Combine with spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until it’s fully coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or Parmesan for added depth.
- Simmer and serve:
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and hot. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. Preparation takes 5 minutes, and cooking takes around 15 minutes. The total time is approximately 20 minutes.
Variations
- Cheesy Creamed Spinach: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Low-Fat Version: Use milk instead of cream and skip the butter.
- Garlic Lovers’ Creamed Spinach: Double the garlic for extra depth.
- Baked Creamed Spinach: Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and broil until golden.
- Spicy Creamed Spinach: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it. Creamed spinach can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for creamed spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly — just make sure to drain it well before using.
2. How do I make creamed spinach thicker?
Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or stir in a little extra cream cheese or Parmesan.
3. Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat before serving.
4. What goes well with creamed spinach?
It pairs beautifully with steak, roast chicken, salmon, or mashed potatoes.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a bit of cream cheese or cornstarch slurry.
6. Why is my creamed spinach watery?
Too much liquid from the spinach can cause this — always squeeze it dry before adding.
7. Can I add cheese to the recipe?
Absolutely — Parmesan, mozzarella, or cream cheese all add extra richness.
8. How can I make creamed spinach dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy.
9. Can I bake creamed spinach?
Yes, transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
10. Can I freeze creamed spinach?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly and stir to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Creamed Spinach is the ultimate comfort side dish — creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. With its rich sauce and tender greens, it’s a perfect match for elegant dinners or cozy family meals. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a staple on your table for holidays and weeknights alike.
PrintCreamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach is a classic, creamy side dish featuring tender spinach in a rich, garlicky sauce. Silky, savory, and full of flavor, it’s a perfect accompaniment to steak, chicken, or holiday meals — simple to make yet luxuriously satisfying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture. For frozen spinach, thaw and drain thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Add the spinach and stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Parmesan, and nutmeg if desired.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes until hot and creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Squeeze spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce.
- Use milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add extra cheese for a richer texture.
- Make ahead and reheat gently before serving.
- Top with breadcrumbs and broil for a baked version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
