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There’s something deeply comforting about creamy side dishes that round out a meal with richness and warmth. Creamed spinach is one of those recipes that instantly brings a sense of nostalgia it’s the dish you might remember from holiday dinners, cozy family gatherings, or that special steakhouse experience where it perfectly complemented a sizzling cut of beef. Making creamed spinach from scratch allows you to enjoy those same indulgent flavors at home, with fresh, wholesome ingredients and a touch of homemade love.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to prepare the best creamed spinach from the full ingredient list to step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re serving it next to roast chicken, grilled fish, or as part of a holiday spread, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Spinach
- Creamy and indulgent – made with milk, cream, and cream cheese for the perfect velvety texture.
- Nutritious and flavorful – spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Quick and easy – done in under 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight side.
- Versatile pairing – complements steak, turkey, chicken, fish, and even vegetarian mains.
Homemade Creamed Spinach in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, comforting creamed spinach recipe made with fresh spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Perfect as a side dish for steak, chicken, or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- 20 oz baby spinach
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Boil spinach in salted water for 30 seconds. Drain and transfer to ice water, then squeeze out excess liquid.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add milk, cream, and cream cheese. Simmer until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Stir in spinach and Parmesan until well combined.
Notes
Be sure to squeeze spinach completely dry to avoid watery texture.
Make ahead up to 2 days in advance, reheating gently.
Frozen spinach can be used if thoroughly thawed and drained.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Creamed Spinach
Fresh baby spinach is the star of this dish, balanced with creamy dairy and aromatic seasonings.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baby spinach | 20 oz |
| Butter | 2 Tbsp |
| Yellow onion (finely chopped) | ½ medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cayenne pepper | Pinch |
| Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) | ¼ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Blanching the Spinach
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spinach and cook for 30 seconds.
- Drain and transfer immediately into a bowl of ice water.
- Once cooled, drain again and squeeze out all excess water to avoid watery spinach later.
Making the Creamy Base
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
Creating the Cream Sauce
- Pour in the milk and heavy cream, then add the cream cheese.
- Simmer until the cream cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
Combining and Finishing
- Add in the prepared spinach and Parmesan.
- Stir well until spinach is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamed Spinach
- Drain well: Be thorough when squeezing water from the spinach. Excess moisture leads to a soupy texture.
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, though frozen spinach works if you squeeze it dry after thawing.
- Balance the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, use only milk and skip the heavy cream. For extra richness, increase cream cheese or Parmesan.
- Season gradually: Taste the dish at each step. Spinach can be bland on its own, so seasoning properly is key.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare this up to 2 days in advance. Store refrigerated and reheat gently on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed spinach pairs beautifully with:
- Steak or prime rib for a classic steakhouse dinner.
- Roast chicken or turkey during holiday meals.
- Grilled salmon or white fish for a lighter pairing.
- Mashed potatoes and stuffing for ultimate comfort food combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Spinach
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the cream sauce.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Can I add other flavors to creamed spinach?
Absolutely. Nutmeg, smoked paprika, or even a spoonful of Dijon mustard can add interesting depth.
How long does creamed spinach last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
Can I freeze creamed spinach?
Yes, though cream-based sauces can sometimes separate. If freezing, store in airtight portions and warm slowly while whisking to restore the creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Creamed spinach is more than just a side dish it’s a memory-making comfort food. With its velvety sauce, gentle seasonings, and fresh flavor, it’s the perfect way to bring richness to your dinner table any time of year. Now that you have this step-by-step recipe, you can easily prepare creamed spinach at home and share its creamy goodness with your loved ones.
So next time you serve a hearty main dish, don’t forget this creamy, dreamy classic. Try it once, and it may just become your signature side.