Creamed Spinach Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting side that elevates any meal, you’ve got to try this Creamed Spinach Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—a silky, rich sauce that clings to tender spinach leaves, ready in just 15 minutes! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive feast, this recipe is the kind of side that’ll have your family going crazy for more.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamed spinach recipe is all about balance—rich creaminess that pairs so well with the freshness of spinach and just a hint of garlicky warmth. Here’s what I use to get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

• Unsalted butter: Gives a clean, creamy base without extra saltiness, letting the flavors shine.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds that wonderful aromatic punch.
• Baby spinach (or frozen spinach): Baby spinach gives a tender texture, but frozen works well too if you’re in a pinch—just remember to thaw and drain it thoroughly.
• Heavy cream: This enriches the sauce and makes it beautifully silky.
• Cream cheese: My secret weapon for a dense, smooth sauce that clings to every leaf.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a warm, herby touch that complements the creaminess.
• Sea salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): For sprinkling on top if you want a cheesy finish.

Variations

One of the best parts about the creamed spinach recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you like or have on hand. I often switch things up to suit the occasion or dietary preferences. Give these variations a try and make it your own!

• Add a little nutmeg: I’ve learned that a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a surprising warmth that lifts the cream sauce beautifully.
• Use kale instead of spinach: For a heartier option, swapping in kale gives the dish a slightly earthy bite and a bit more texture.
• Go dairy-free: I’ve tried coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to accommodate dietary needs, and it still comes out deliciously creamy.
• Spicy kick: A few red pepper flakes tossed in while cooking take this creamed spinach recipe to a whole new level if you like a touch of heat.

How to Make Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic in Butter to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn – garlic burns fast and will add bitterness. This step really sets the stage, infusing the butter with that irresistible garlicky aroma you’ll notice as soon as you walk in the kitchen.

Step 2: Wilt the Spinach Just Right

Add your spinach next. If you’re using fresh baby spinach, the pile might be huge! Don’t stress though—just add as much as you can in the pan, then cover it with a lid for a minute or two to let the bottom layers wilt. Stir gently in a folding motion and keep adding more spinach until it’s all wilted. This technique helps avoid overcrowding and ensures even cooking. Frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry before adding to prevent watery creamed spinach.

Step 3: Stir in Cream, Cream Cheese & Seasonings

Once the spinach is perfectly wilted, pour in the heavy cream and toss in the cream cheese pieces, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring constantly to help the cream cheese melt evenly and create that velvety sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until thickened. It’ll thicken up even more as it cools, so don’t panic if it’s a little loose right off the stove.

Step 4: Serve & Optional Parmesan Topping

If you’re a cheese lover like me, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a salty, sharp note that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Otherwise, this dish is delicious just as is—silky, flavorful, and ready to be the star side at your table.

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving for a little extra cheesy goodness. Sometimes, I’ll add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or even some crispy fried shallots on top for a surprising crunch. Fresh lemon zest or a tiny squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish up beautifully if you want a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

This creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with so many main dishes. I love serving it alongside a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or even baked salmon. It also works great with mashed potatoes or as a creamy complement to grilled pork chops. Whenever I make this, I tend to gravitate toward hearty roasted meats—this side rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving creamed spinach in individual ramekins topped with a little swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chives or thyme. Another fun idea is to use sautéed mushrooms or crispy pancetta to add texture and visual appeal. You can also spread it over toasted crostini for an elegant appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover creamed spinach in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. I like to give it a quick stir before reheating to keep the cream sauce smooth and prevent separation.

Freezing

I’ve frozen creamed spinach a couple of times and had great results. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor remains rich and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the creamed spinach in a skillet over low heat, stirring often. If it seems thick or dry, adding a splash of cream or milk helps refresh that luscious texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent curdling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this creamed spinach recipe, I used to struggle with either bland or too-thick sauces that just didn’t feel right. Now that I’ve nailed the balance of flavors and texture, it’s become a kitchen staple. I honestly can’t recommend giving this a try enough—whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll enjoy how easily it comes together and how deeply satisfying it tastes. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of this creamy, dreamy creamed spinach—you won’t regret it.

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