There’s something about a dish that warms the soul as much as it delights the palate, and this luxurious creamed spinach does just that. The moment I first tried this recipe, I was transported to a cozy evening at my favorite restaurant, where flavors danced on my tongue and the environment wrapped me in comfort. Made with tender, fresh spinach seamlessly blended into a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
Best of all, it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, so you can serve restaurant-quality food right from your own kitchen without the fuss! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone simply looking to elevate your home cooking, this creamed spinach offers ease, flavor, and versatility that will leave your family and friends raving. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, let’s dive into making this deliciously creamy side that might just steal the spotlight on your dinner table!
Why is Creamed Spinach a Must-Try?
Comforting, this creamed spinach evokes nostalgia with its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it perfect for cozy dinners. Nutritious, fresh spinach is packed with vitamins, sneaking in healthy greens that everyone will love. Versatile, it pairs wonderfully with steak, chicken, or fish, enhancing any meal effortlessly. Quick and Easy, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Impressive, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that will wow your guests—your secret weapon for gatherings!
Creamed Spinach Ingredients
For the Creamy Base
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Shallots – Provide a mild onion flavor; use yellow onion or leeks as an alternative.
• Sea Salt – Enhances flavors; adjust quantity based on taste preferences.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds spice; use white pepper for a milder taste.
• Garlic Cloves – Imparts a fragrant aroma; substitute with garlic powder (1/4 tsp each clove).
• All-Purpose Flour – Acts as a thickening agent; gluten-free flour can be used for a GF option.
• Heavy Cream – Creates the creamy texture; replace with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Provides savory depth; nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
For the Star Ingredient
• Fresh Spinach – The star of the dish, offering nutrients and color; kale or Swiss chard can be substituted.
For a Bright Finish
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness; vinegar can be used in place of lemon.
This delightful creamed spinach is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table!
How to Make Creamed Spinach
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, salt, and pepper; cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the grated garlic for an aromatic touch.
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Thicken Base: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream, reducing heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
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Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts smoothly and adds creaminess to your sauce.
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Add Spinach: Gently fold in the fresh spinach, cooking in batches if needed, until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Finish and Season: Stir in fresh lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the luxurious flavors!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra depth of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Creamed Spinach
Fresh Spinach Only: Using fresh spinach maximizes flavor and nutrients. Avoid frozen spinach, which can become watery and mushy in this creamy dish.
Stir Frequently: Keep your sauce smooth by stirring it frequently while it simmers. This prevents sticking and promotes even thickness throughout the creamed spinach.
Adjust to Preference: If you love a thicker sauce, simmer longer to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, for a lighter texture, reduce simmering time.
Season Well: Taste your sauce before serving—adjust with salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice to enhance the overall flavors of the creamed spinach.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare creamed spinach ahead of time; it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently for a quick side dish!
Make Ahead Options
These luxurious creamed spinach is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy base (butter, shallots, garlic, flour, cream, and cheese) up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook it as directed, then let it cool before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating. The spinach can also be prepped a day ahead (washed and chopped), maximizing convenience. When ready to serve, reheat the base gently over low heat, then fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. This way, you enjoy just as delicious creamed spinach without the last-minute rush—perfect for busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Creamed Spinach?
Complement your luxurious side dish with delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal to new heights!
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Juicy Roasted Chicken: The savory, crispy skin of roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy texture, creating an irresistible balance of flavors.
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Grilled Salmon: The light, flaky texture of grilled salmon contrasts nicely with the luxurious creamed spinach, making each bite a treat.
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Herbed Quinoa: A nutty, wholesome grain that adds depth and earthy notes, perfectly complementing the creaminess of the spinach.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that adds comfort and heartiness, making every bite satisfying.
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Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, sautéed mushrooms bring an extra layer of flavor that complements the richness of the creamed spinach.
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Zesty Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: Bright and flavorful shrimp tossed in garlic and lemon bring a fresh pop that enhances the dish’s creaminess.
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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts glazed with tangy balsamic reduce richness while adding a sweet and savory flavor.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert is a perfect, light finale to cleanse your palate after enjoying the decadent flavors of the creamed spinach.
With these delightful pairings, you can create a memorable meal that satisfies both the heart and the palate!
How to Store and Freeze Creamed Spinach
Fridge: Store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze creamed spinach in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently for even heating.
Make-Ahead: This creamy delight can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later, making it a convenient option for busy days!
Creamed Spinach Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine! This versatile dish can be adjusted to suit your mood or dietary needs.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a deliciously creamy vegan-friendly version.
The rich coconut flavor adds a subtle twist while keeping the velvety texture intact. -
Mushroom Medley: Sauté a mix of mushrooms to incorporate into the dish for an earthy depth.
The mushrooms add a lovely umami flavor that complements the creamy spinach beautifully. -
Nutty Touch: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
This adds dimension and delightful texture, making each bite an adventure. -
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or dill to give your creamed spinach a fresh, aromatic boost.
These herbs bring brightness and complexity, elevating your side dish to new heights. -
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, or jalapeños if you’re looking for some serious heat.
This spicy twist transforms the dish into a bold side that packs a punch alongside any meal. -
Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Each cheese variation introduces its character, enhancing the creaminess and making the dish even richer. -
Citrus Zing: Substitute lemon juice with lime or add zest for a citrusy twist that brightens the dish.
This citrus touch lifts the flavors and adds a refreshing finish to the luxurious creaminess. -
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor burst and a pop of color.
Their tangy sweetness complements the creaminess well, resulting in a vibrant and tasty dish.
Creamed Spinach Recipe FAQs
What kind of spinach should I use for creamed spinach?
Always opt for fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green, crisp leaves without any dark spots or wilting. Frozen spinach can lead to a watery dish, so I recommend avoiding it if possible.
How long can I store leftover creamed spinach?
You can store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it to help maintain its integrity and flavor.
Can I freeze creamed spinach?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze creamed spinach in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to achieve the desired consistency.
What can I do if my creamed spinach turns out too thick?
If your creamed spinach is thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! You can simply stir in a little more cream or a splash of milk to loosen it up. Heat it gently on the stove while stirring until you reach your preferred consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
While this creamed spinach recipe contains dairy, you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Always check ingredient lists for allergies, especially with substitutions.
How can I enhance the flavor of my creamed spinach?
For added depth and richness, consider stirring in a pinch of nutmeg or incorporating sautéed mushrooms. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also elevate the dish, providing a unique twist each time you prepare it.
Savory Creamed Spinach That'll Steal the Dinner Show
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, salt, and pepper; cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the grated garlic for an aromatic touch.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the heavy cream, reducing heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts smoothly and adds creaminess to your sauce.
- Gently fold in the fresh spinach, cooking in batches if needed, until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the luxurious flavors!