Creamed Spinach Recipe

Introduction

Creamed Spinach is a rich, velvety side dish that turns simple spinach into a luxurious and flavorful treat. It’s the perfect combination of tender spinach, a creamy sauce, and savory seasonings that come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or as a side to accompany your main course, creamed spinach is sure to be a hit.

This classic recipe offers a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it the ideal complement to steak, roast chicken, or other hearty dishes. The use of fresh spinach combined with a smooth béchamel sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a balanced, creamy dish that will satisfy both your taste buds and your cravings for something indulgent. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to make the perfect creamed spinach, share helpful tips, and provide variations to cater to different tastes.

Why You’ll Love Creamed Spinach

• Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and a simple béchamel sauce creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the spinach beautifully, making each bite creamy and indulgent.
• Nutritious and Flavorful: While the dish is indulgent, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, which is rich in iron, vitamin K, and folate. The garlic and seasonings add depth and balance to the flavors.
• Simple Ingredients, Elegant Results: Made with just a few basic ingredients, creamed spinach is an easy dish to prepare that results in an elegant side perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from steaks and chops to roasted chicken and fish. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: With its creamy sauce and hearty spinach, this dish hits the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, making it a favorite at family dinners and holiday gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 230-280 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 230-280 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Creamed Spinach:

• 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor)
• ¼ cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, rinse it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Spinach can hold a lot of moisture, so be sure to dry it as much as possible using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Once the spinach is dry, roughly chop the leaves to make them easier to incorporate into the sauce.

If you are using frozen spinach, ensure that it is thoroughly thawed and that all excess water is squeezed out. This is important to prevent the creamed spinach from becoming too watery.

2. Cook the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. The onion adds a nice sweetness to the dish and provides a flavor base for the cream sauce.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

3. Make the Roux

Once the onion and garlic are softened and fragrant, it’s time to create the base for the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Stir the flour in well to combine, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Be sure to cook it for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

4. Add the Milk and Cream

Slowly add the whole milk while whisking constantly. This helps to create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, stir in the heavy cream to add richness. If you prefer an even richer flavor, you can add a bit of half-and-half in place of the milk or in addition to the milk.

Keep stirring to ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Season the Sauce

Season the creamy sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional nutmeg. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the spinach, so it’s worth considering. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

6. Add the Spinach

Once the sauce has thickened, add the prepared spinach (fresh or thawed frozen) to the pan. Stir the spinach into the creamy sauce, ensuring that each leaf is coated with the creamy mixture. The spinach will release some moisture, so continue stirring for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to fully incorporate into the sauce and wilt down.

If you’re using fresh spinach, it may seem like a lot at first, but the spinach will cook down significantly as it wilts in the sauce.

7. Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess

Once the spinach is well mixed into the creamy sauce, stir in the Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a rich, nutty flavor and helping to thicken the mixture further. For even more creaminess, you can add a quarter cup of cream cheese at this point, which will enhance the smooth texture of the dish.

Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Give the creamed spinach a final taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness. Once everything is well mixed and the spinach is tender, your creamed spinach is ready to serve!

Spoon the creamed spinach into a serving dish, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach

• Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach is convenient, fresh spinach offers a better flavor and texture. If you use fresh spinach, make sure to remove excess moisture to avoid a watery dish.
• Cook the Roux Properly: The flour mixture (roux) should be cooked for at least 2 minutes to ensure that the raw taste of the flour is eliminated. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Add Cream Cheese for Extra Richness: For an even richer and creamier texture, consider adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce. It helps to thicken the mixture and adds a velvety smooth texture.
• Use Nutmeg: The addition of nutmeg is optional, but it adds a subtle warmth to the dish that enhances the flavor. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it, but it’s worth considering for a more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust Seasonings: Make sure to taste your sauce before serving. Depending on the size of your spinach and the creaminess of your sauce, you may need to add a pinch more salt or pepper to balance out the flavors.
• Serve Immediately: Creamed spinach is best served immediately after it’s made, while the sauce is still creamy and the spinach is tender. If it sits too long, it may thicken up or lose its smooth texture.

Variations of Creamed Spinach

• Cheesy Creamed Spinach: Add extra cheese such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar to make this dish even more indulgent. The extra cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce, making it extra gooey and cheesy.
• Spicy Creamed Spinach: For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce. This adds heat to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Creamed Spinach: Increase the amount of garlic to suit your taste, or add roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor. The more garlic, the more fragrant the dish will be.
• Bacon Creamed Spinach: For an extra layer of flavor, cook some crispy bacon and crumble it into the creamed spinach before serving. The smoky, salty bacon complements the creamy spinach perfectly.
• Vegan Creamed Spinach: To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, use coconut or almond milk in place of the dairy, and swap the Parmesan for a plant-based cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Creamed spinach is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The dish may thicken as it cools, but you can reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit more milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Creamed spinach can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little milk or cream to help bring it back to a creamy texture.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamed Spinach

While creamed spinach is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Steak: Creamed spinach is a classic pairing with a perfectly cooked steak. The richness of the spinach complements the hearty flavors of the meat.
• Roast Chicken: Whether it’s a whole roast chicken or chicken breasts, creamed spinach is a flavorful side that enhances the dish.
• Fish: The creamy spinach can also be a great accompaniment to lighter fish dishes, such as grilled salmon or baked cod.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve creamed spinach alongside mashed potatoes. The two rich, creamy dishes complement each other perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: For a truly comforting meal, serve creamed spinach with some buttery garlic bread on the side. The garlic flavor of the bread pairs beautifully with the spinach.

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Conclusion

Creamed Spinach is a classic, creamy side dish that transforms simple spinach into a rich, indulgent treat. Whether served as a side to complement a hearty main dish or enjoyed on its own, this creamy, flavorful dish is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

The tips, variations, and suggestions provided in this guide ensure that you can make the perfect creamed spinach every time. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the creamy goodness and rich flavor of this delicious dish!