What is creamed spinach and how is it made?

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish where fresh or frozen spinach is cooked and combined with a creamy sauce made from butter, cream or milk, and often flavored with garlic, onions, and cheese. The spinach is typically sautéed or steamed until tender, then mixed with the cream base until smooth and rich. This dish is popular for its velvety texture and mild flavor, complementing meats like steak or chicken.

Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, creamed spinach can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave. To prevent it from drying out, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating and stir occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency. It freezes well too, but reheating from frozen may cause some separation, so slow warming and stirring are recommended.

Is creamed spinach healthy or is it high in calories?

Creamed spinach contains nutrient-rich spinach, which offers vitamins A, C, and iron. However, the cream, butter, and cheese used can make it relatively high in calories and fat. To make a lighter version, use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, reduce butter, and limit cheese. This way, you preserve the dish’s flavor with fewer calories.

What are some common variations of creamed spinach?

Common variations include adding garlic or shallots for extra flavor, mixing in nutmeg or black pepper, and topping the dish with breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese for a crispy finish. Some recipes use cream cheese or sour cream to thicken the sauce, while others incorporate bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and taste.

How do I prevent creamed spinach from becoming watery?

To avoid watery creamed spinach, make sure to thoroughly drain cooked spinach by squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or fine mesh strainer. Cook the spinach until just wilted to reduce water content. When preparing the sauce, cook it to the right thickness before adding spinach. Stir gently and serve immediately for the best texture.

Creamed Spinach Recipes That Make Every Meal Delicious

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons unsalted butter Provides a smooth base for sautéing aromatics and adds richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall creaminess without overpowering other flavors.

½ cup finely chopped shallots (1 to 2 shallots) Offers a mild onion-like flavor that sweetens as it cooks, building the foundation of aroma in this simple creamed spinach recipe.

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped Infuses a pungent, savory note that deepens the taste of your creamed spinach, making it a standout spinach recipes option.

1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream Creates the luxurious, thick sauce that defines creamed spinach, ensuring a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

½ teaspoon salt Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the spinach and other ingredients in your delicious creamed spinach dish.

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adds a subtle kick and depth, complementing the creamy elements in this creamed spinach recipes favorite.

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg Brings a warm, nutty spice that elevates the flavor profile, making your creamy spinach uniquely delicious.

½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, savory finish, boosting the appeal for cheese lovers in spinach recipes.

2 pounds frozen cut leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry (or about 2 pounds fresh baby spinach, steamed, drained, roughly chopped, and measured as 2 packed cups) Serves as the star ingredient, providing nutritional value and a tender base that’s essential for any creamed spinach.

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering and prepping all ingredients to make your cooking process smooth. Measure out 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, chop ½ cup of shallots and 2 garlic cloves finely, and ensure your 2 pounds of spinach is thawed and squeezed dry or steamed and chopped if using fresh. This mise en place helps avoid any delays and allows for quick adaptations, like using low-fat butter for a lighter version of creamed spinach.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Aromatics Melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Add the ½ cup of finely chopped shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent, roughly 4 minutes. Then, add the 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent browning this step builds the base flavor and can be modified by using vegan butter for a plant-based creamed spinach option.

3-Third Step: Create the Cream Sauce Pour in 1 pint (2 cups) of heavy cream, along with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the cream thickens enough to coat a spoon this is key for that rich texture in your creamy spinach. For dietary needs, swap heavy cream with coconut milk if making a vegan version, adjusting the cooking time slightly for thickness.

4-Fourth Step: Add Cheese and Combine Stir in the ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted, which should take about 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce. This step enhances the flavor, and you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative for those seeking a vegan creamed spinach, ensuring the mixture remains creamy and well-blended for your spinach recipes.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate the Spinach Add the prepared 2 pounds of spinach to the cream sauce and mix until everything is evenly combined, cooking for 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat. If the mixture appears watery, continue cooking to evaporate excess liquid this helps achieve the perfect consistency and is a great adaptation point for adding more greens or using low-calorie swaps like reduced-fat milk.

6-Final Step: Season and Serve Taste the creamed spinach and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve it warm as a side for dishes like oven-baked chicken legs. For the best results, pair it with proteins to make it a complete meal, and consider lower-fat options for reheating, ensuring your delicious creamed spinach recipes remain versatile and enjoyable.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥄 Use frozen cut leaf or whole leaf spinach for best texture.
🌿 If using fresh spinach, steam and drain thoroughly before chopping and measuring.
❄️ Make ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cream Thickening Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving