Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that adds a touch of elegance and comfort to any meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a casual family weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this creamed spinach because it’s quick, delicious, and packed with nutrients! It’s a great way to get your family to enjoy their greens. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with meats, pasta, or can even be a tasty addition to a vegetarian meal.
How to Make Creamed Spinach
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Creamed Spinach
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh spinach leaves, butter, cream, and flavorful seasonings. It’s a classic accompaniment to steak, chicken, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the spinach. If using fresh spinach, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and chop. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is melted and combined.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh to save time.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make it ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Creamed Spinach, Spinach Side Dish, Easy Creamed Spinach, Vegetarian Side, Holiday Sides
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Blanch the spinach in 2-3 batches (depending on the size of your pot), just until tender (about 30-40 seconds). Strain the spinach leaves out of the water and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to cool.
Drain well and press or squeeze excess water out of the spinach in a fine mesh sieve or a clean kitchen towel. (For the creamiest spinach, don’t skip this step!) If desired, roughly chop the spinach.
In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter until foaming subsides. Add onions with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Sauté until onions begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute longer. While continuing to stir, pour half and half into the pot in a steady stream. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until sauce is thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
Add spinach to the pot and stir well until well combined. It takes a bit of stirring to get all of the spinach leaves evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra milk or half and half until your desired consistency is reached.
Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve!
How to Serve Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach makes for a perfect side dish that you can serve alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or even pasta. It’s also delightful when topped with crispy bacon bits or parmesan cheese.
How to Store Creamed Spinach
Store any leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Tips to Make Creamed Spinach
- For the best flavor, be sure to properly drain the spinach after blanching to avoid a watery dish.
- Adjust the consistency of your sauce by adding more milk if needed.
- You can add some cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Variation
Feel free to add a bit of cheese, like feta or mozzarella, for additional flavor. You can also mix in some chopped artichokes or mushrooms to make it a heartier dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Is creamed spinach healthy?
While it does have cream and butter, creamed spinach is also packed with vitamins from the spinach. Enjoy it in moderation!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it just before serving. Just remember to add a bit of milk when reheating if it thickens up.
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