Oh, let me tell you about my love affair with creamed spinach! It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to my childhood, nestled around the dinner table, where this rich and creamy side dish was the star of the meal. I remember my mom would whip it up on special occasions, and the smell of sautéed spinach mingling with melted cheese and cream would fill the house. Trust me, there’s something magical about that velvety texture and savory flavor that just makes it irresistible! Whether it’s paired with a juicy steak or served alongside roasted chicken, creamed spinach never fails to impress. It’s comforting, it’s indulgent, and it’s downright delicious. You’re going to love it just as much as I do!

Ingredients for Creamed Spinach

To make the best creamed spinach, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 lbs fresh spinach: You want the vibrant green stuff! Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture.
2 tablespoons butter: This will be our base for that rich, creamy goodness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken our creamed spinach, creating that luscious consistency.
1 cup heavy cream: Oh yes, this is where the creaminess comes from! Don’t skimp on this part.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can use more if you’re feeling cheesy!
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness. Feel free to adjust based on your garlic love!
Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t forget to season it well!
Pepper to taste: A little kick goes a long way, so sprinkle as you like!

And there you have it! These ingredients come together to create a side dish that’s nothing short of a celebration on your plate. Get ready to dive into this creamy delight!

How to Prepare Creamed Spinach

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the wonderful world of making creamed spinach! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping this up in no time!

Step 1: Wash and Drain the Spinach

First things first, you need to give your spinach a good wash. I like to fill a large bowl with cold water and dunk the spinach in, swishing it around gently to remove any dirt or grit. Once it’s clean, lift the spinach out of the water and let it drain in a colander. You want to make sure it’s as dry as possible so the creamed spinach doesn’t turn out watery!

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Next, grab a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. This is key—medium heat allows the butter to melt evenly without burning. You want it to be nice and bubbly before moving on to the next step!

Step 3: Create the Base

Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly for about 1 minute. This will create a roux, which is essential for thickening our creamed spinach. You’ll want it to become slightly golden, giving it a wonderful nutty flavor!

Step 4: Add the Cream

Now, it’s time to gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Do this slowly, making sure to stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth. This is where the magic happens—watch as it transforms into a creamy base that’s simply irresistible!

Step 5: Cook the Spinach

Now, toss in the washed spinach and stir it around until it’s fully coated in that luscious cream mixture. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down. You’ll see that stunning green color pop right out!

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted. And just like that, you’ve got a creamy, dreamy side dish that’s ready to be devoured!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this creamy delight! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re serving up. For each generous cup of creamed spinach, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 300mg

This rich and creamy side dish is a fantastic way to sneak in some greens while indulging a little. Enjoy it with your favorite main course and relish the flavors without too much guilt!

Tips for Success

To make sure your creamed spinach turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips! First, be sure to use fresh spinach—frozen just doesn’t cut it when it comes to flavor and texture. If you can, try to choose vibrant, tender leaves. Also, don’t rush the washing process; make sure all dirt is removed for the best taste!

When melting the butter, keep an eye on it. Medium heat is crucial to avoid burning, which can ruin the flavor. And remember, when you’re adding the cream, whisk gradually. This helps create that silky smooth texture we all love! Lastly, taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking; a little more salt or pepper can make a world of difference. Trust me, these small tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level!

Variations of Creamed Spinach

One of the best things about creamed spinach is how versatile it can be! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and add your own twist. Here are some fun variations to try!

Cheesy Spinach Delight: Add a blend of your favorite cheeses! Mixing in some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese can make it even more indulgent and flavorful.
Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. It’ll give your creamed spinach a delightful zing!
Herbed Spinach: Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or dill can add a refreshing twist. Just chop them up and mix them in with the spinach for a burst of flavor.
Mushroom Medley: Sauté some mushrooms in butter before adding them to the creamed spinach. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creaminess!
Nutty Spinach: For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving. They add a lovely texture and nutty flavor!
Garlic Lovers: If you can’t get enough garlic, sauté a couple of cloves in the butter before adding the flour. It’ll infuse your dish with that irresistible aroma!

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and find your own personal favorite. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this creamy delight, let’s talk about what to pair it with for a complete meal! Creamed spinach is absolutely divine alongside a juicy steak or grilled chicken—trust me, the rich flavors complement each other beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, it also pairs wonderfully with baked salmon or roasted vegetables. I love serving it next to a fluffy baked potato, too! And don’t forget about bread; a warm, crusty loaf is perfect for scooping up any leftover creamed spinach. So go ahead, plate it up and enjoy the delicious harmony of flavors!

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamed Spinach

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the cream mixture. This will help avoid a watery creamed spinach!

How can I make creamed spinach ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare creamed spinach in advance! Just follow the recipe up to the point of cooking it, then let it cool and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop until heated through. You might want to add a splash of cream to loosen it up!

Is creamed spinach healthy?
Creamed spinach is a delicious way to enjoy greens, but it does have a bit of richness due to the cream and cheese. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use less cheese. You can still enjoy that creamy texture without overdoing it!

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, no worries! You can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a mild cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

Can I add other vegetables to my creamed spinach?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some sautéed mushrooms, chopped artichokes, or even a handful of diced bell peppers for added color and flavor. Just make sure to cook them before adding to the creamy mix so they’re tender and flavorful!

Creamed Spinach: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore This Comfort Food

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs fresh spinach
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and drain the spinach.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and stir for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for best results.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Creamed Spinach, Spinach Recipe, Side Dish

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