There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a classic Creamed Spinach Recipe that never goes out of style. This dish balances the vibrant earthiness of fresh spinach with a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce that’s both indulgent and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight side or aiming to impress guests with an elegant addition to your holiday table, this creamed spinach recipe delivers rich flavor and velvety texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for a creamy, flavorful result. Each component plays its role—whether it’s building the sauce’s smoothness, adding depth of flavor, or giving that bright green color that makes creamed spinach so appealing.
- Unsalted butter: Two tablespoons melt beautifully to start the sauté base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and aroma that soften the overall taste.
- Garlic, minced: Just a bit to enhance the savory richness without overpowering the spinach.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent creating that perfect creamy base.
- Whole milk: Brings a mild creaminess and helps shape the texture of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: For richness that gives the dish its signature velvety mouthfeel.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of warm spice balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- Salt: Essential to elevate and round out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle crisp bite and enhances seasoning.
- Fresh spinach (16 ounces) or frozen spinach: The star ingredient, delivering bright color and fresh vegetable goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, cheesy finish that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
How to Make Creamed Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This base infuses your creamed spinach with a gentle sweetness and savory depth before you even add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds just until fragrant, keeping the flavors fresh but mellow.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and keep stirring constantly for 1 minute. This step is critical because the flour cooks off its raw taste and begins forming a roux, the thickening foundation for your creamy sauce. Stirring continuously will ensure your sauce stays smooth and lump-free later on.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, taking your time to avoid lumps. Allow this mixture to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly into a rich, velvety base. This luscious blend is what transforms ordinary spinach into a dreamy, decadent side.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Now it’s time to bring in the warm spice of nutmeg alongside salt and black pepper. These tiny touches elevate the dish beautifully, providing complexity that complements the creamy, cheesy sauce without overwhelming the star ingredient—the spinach.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Toss in your fresh or thawed, drained frozen spinach. Stir the greens into the creamy sauce until they wilt completely, which usually takes just 2 to 3 minutes for fresh and slightly longer to heat thoroughly if frozen. The spinach softens while soaking up all those rich flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Once the spinach is tender and the sauce is thick and smooth, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts seamlessly, adding a savory, nutty richness that perfectly rounds out this classic Creamed Spinach Recipe. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm.
How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese add a lovely finishing touch. For a burst of color and texture, try toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Creamed spinach shines alongside hearty main courses like roast beef, grilled steak, or baked salmon. It also complements classic comfort foods such as mashed potatoes or baked potatoes for a meal everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your creamed spinach in individual ramekins or hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and elegant presentation. For a fresh twist, layer it under poached eggs or use it as a base for a savory tart—there’s no limit to how versatile this dish can be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed spinach should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats or repurposed dishes throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze creamed spinach, but keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 to 3 months to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat your creamed spinach on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to restore that creamy consistency. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps bring it back to its luscious, fresh-from-the-kitchen texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this Creamed Spinach Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture from frozen spinach to prevent a watery sauce. The flavor and texture remain deliciously creamy either way.
Is it necessary to use fresh nutmeg?
Freshly grated nutmeg adds a wonderful fragrant warmth, but pre-ground nutmeg works fine if that’s what you have on hand. Just a pinch is enough to enhance the sauce without overpowering it.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk plus vegan cream alternatives and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to create a vegan-friendly version. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
What is the best way to avoid lumps in the sauce?
Whisk the milk and cream in slowly while stirring constantly. This helps incorporate the liquid gradually into the roux and prevents lumps from forming, giving you that velvety smooth texture every time.
How can I make the Creamed Spinach Recipe richer?
For an ultra-rich dish, stir in additional Parmesan or cream cheese. A splash more heavy cream can deepen the creaminess, making it extra indulgent and perfect for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamed Spinach Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—simple to make, richly satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to add something delicious and green to your menu, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try and watch how it transforms ordinary spinach into something extraordinarily delightful!
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Creamed Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed Spinach is a classic, rich, and flavorful side dish featuring tender spinach enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with butter, onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for holidays or as a comforting accompaniment to your main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 16 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 pound frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make Roux with Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to enhance depth and balance the flavors of the cream sauce.
- Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, cook until heated through. This step combines the greens with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, enriching the sauce with a salty, savory flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve the creamed spinach warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a richer version, add extra Parmesan cheese or a touch of cream cheese to deepen the creaminess.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze it dry thoroughly to prevent a watery sauce.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk if needed.
