Creamed Spinach

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this luxurious creamed spinach! There’s something so comforting and indulgent about this classic side dish.

Tender spinach is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce elevated with a blend of Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses. Each bite melts in your mouth!

I love how versatile this recipe is. It pairs perfectly with a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even as a standalone vegetarian main.

Trust me, it’ll be your new go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Spinach

Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and Gruyère or mozzarella cheese creates a luxurious, velvety texture.

Gourmet Appeal: It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic side dish. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Decadent Taste: The blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and cheeses results in a rich and savory flavor.

Simple Preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. It’s easy enough for weeknights! 

Ingredients

• Fresh or Frozen Spinach: The star of the show. It’s blanched until tender and chopped for maximum flavor in every bite.
  
• Butter: It adds richness and depth, and it helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
  
• Onion and Garlic Cloves: The dynamic duo provides a savory base and irresistible aroma to the dish.
  
• Heavy Cream: It creates a velvety smooth sauce that coats the spinach beautifully.
  
• Cream Cheese: The secret weapon. It melts seamlessly into the sauce for an extra creamy and tangy kick.
  
• Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  
• Gruyère or Mozzarella Cheese: It provides an extra layer of gooey goodness.
  
• Ground Nutmeg: It lends a subtle, warm nuttiness that complements the spinach perfectly.
  
• Salt and Pepper: You can’t go without these essential flavor enhancers.

How to Make Creamed Spinach

This dish feels gourmet, but it’s so easy to make! 

1. Prep the spinach. If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds until just wilted. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible and chop the spinach finely. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out all the excess water.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. You can also add olive oil for extra flavor and richness. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make the creamy base. Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth and melted. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Gruyère (or mozzarella), allowing the cheeses to melt into the sauce and thicken it. Season with the ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add the spinach. Stir in the chopped spinach and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to adjust the consistency.

5. Add the final seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or pepper if necessary.

6. Serve. Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan or Gruyère cheese on top, if desired. It pairs perfectly with steak, roast chicken, or as a side to any festive meal.

Tips for the Best Creamed Spinach

Here are a few easy tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make this dish irresistible. 

• Fresh is best. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out all of the excess water.
  
• Go easy on the cheese. Balance the amount of cream cheese and grated cheese to achieve the perfect creaminess. Too much cream cheese makes the sauce too thick, while too much grated cheese makes it too salty.
  
• Choose your consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
  
• Taste and adjust. Always taste the creamed spinach and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  
• Vary the flavor. Add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor twists.
  
• Make it bubbly. For a golden, bubbly top, sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then broil briefly before serving.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep your leftover spinach from going to waste! 

To Store: Place the creamed spinach in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness. Don’t freeze it, or the consistency will change. 

To Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

More Delicious Side Dishes You Have to Try

Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Shrimp Fried Rice
French Onion Potatoes
Maple-Glazed Carrots