Creamed spinach is a classic dish that brings together the rich, creamy texture of cheese and the vibrant flavor of fresh spinach. This beloved recipe is often served as a side dish, complementing a wide variety of meals. With its deliciously smooth consistency and savory taste, creamed spinach is sure to please your family and guests alike.
Why Make This Recipe
Making creamed spinach at home is a great way to enjoy this comfort food with fresh ingredients. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. By making this recipe, you can provide a nutritious and tasty side that pairs well with proteins like steak, chicken, or fish. Plus, it’s a wonderful dish to add to your holiday or dinner party menu!
How to Make Creamed Spinach
Making creamed spinach is a simple and straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a savory side dish ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces baby spinach (washed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup minced shallots (about 2 large shallots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Directions:
- Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat.
- Add the 24 ounces of baby spinach to the boiling water and stir for about 1 minute until it has wilted.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach into the ice water.
- Once the spinach has cooled off, use both hands to squeeze as much water from the spinach as you can. Set aside the drained leaves in a medium bowl.
- In a large skillet, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ½ cup of minced shallots, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes until the shallots lose some color and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
- Slowly whisk in ⅔ cup of milk.
- Add ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese and 2 ounces of cream cheese; stir until they are fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Add the drained spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until the spinach is heated through. If necessary, heat over low to warm everything evenly while stirring continuously.
- Serve immediately, topping with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.
How to Serve Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is best served warm and can be enjoyed as a side dish with your favorite meals. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, and pasta dishes. For added flair, garnish with extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
How to Store Creamed Spinach
To store left-over creamed spinach, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamed Spinach
- Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- If you want a creamier texture, add more cream cheese or milk to the mixture.
- You can also blend the spinach into the cheese mixture if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor. You can also substitute the parmesan with grated cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the cheese mixture.
2. How long does it take to make creamed spinach?
It typically takes about 20–25 minutes to prepare and cook creamed spinach.
3. Can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it warm until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from drying out.
4. What can I serve with creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach goes well with steak, chicken, pork chops, and even savory main dishes like quiches or casseroles.
5. Is creamed spinach healthy?
While creamed spinach is indulgent due to the cream and cheese, spinach itself is very healthy. You can make it lighter by reducing the amount of cream and cheese used.
Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
Spinach Preparation
- 24 ounces baby spinach (washed) Make sure to wash thoroughly to remove any grit.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup minced shallots (about 2 large shallots)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 large cloves) Fresh garlic recommended.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup milk Add more for creamier texture if desired.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese Can substitute with cheddar or other cheese.
- 2 ounces cream cheese Adjust amount for creamier texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Plus extra for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat.
- Add the 24 ounces of baby spinach to the boiling water and stir for about 1 minute until it has wilted.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach into the ice water.
- Once the spinach has cooled off, use both hands to squeeze as much water from the spinach as you can. Set aside the drained leaves in a medium bowl.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ½ cup of minced shallots, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes until the shallots lose some color and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
- Slowly whisk in ⅔ cup of milk.
- Add ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese and 2 ounces of cream cheese; stir until they are fully melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
- Add the drained spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until the spinach is heated through. If necessary, heat over low to warm everything evenly while stirring continuously.
- Serve immediately, topping with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg.
