Creamed spinach is one of those classic side dishes that brings a warm, comforting vibe to any meal. I absolutely love how its rich, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the vibrant green of fresh spinach—it’s like a cozy hug on your plate! Whenever I whip up a batch, I can’t help but think about family gatherings and holiday dinners where this dish steals the spotlight. Trust me, there’s something about that luscious sauce, made creamy with heavy cream and a sprinkle of Parmesan, that makes every bite feel indulgent and special. Whether it’s served alongside a juicy steak or roast chicken, or even just as a veggie delight on its own, creamed spinach is always a hit. It’s not just food; it brings back memories and creates new ones around the dinner table!

Ingredients for Creamed Spinach

1 pound fresh spinach: Make sure to choose vibrant, fresh spinach leaves. They should be crisp and free from any wilting.
2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted butter works best here, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This will help thicken your creamy sauce, so don’t skip it!
1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious, rich texture. Trust me, this is what makes it truly indulgent!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little sprinkle for that aromatic touch—feel free to adjust to your taste!
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!

How to Prepare Creamed Spinach

Preparing creamed spinach is a breeze, and I promise it’s worth every minute! The key is to keep an eye on the timing to ensure that your spinach stays vibrant and fresh while that creamy sauce thickens up just right. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, wash and drain the fresh spinach thoroughly to get rid of any grit. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it works wonders!
Next, grab a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it just bubbling, but not browning, to get that perfect flavor.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute. This helps cook off that raw flour taste and creates a nice roux.
Now, slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. This is where the magic happens! Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken up—about 3-5 minutes.
When your sauce is nice and creamy, it’s time to add in the spinach, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the spinach is wilted and beautifully coated in that luscious sauce, which should take just a couple of minutes.
Finally, serve it warm and enjoy the delightful flavors! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this delicious creamed spinach in just about 25 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute gatherings!
Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a decadently creamy sauce that elevates the humble spinach to a whole new level.
Versatile Side Dish: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasted veggies, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, everyone loves the comforting flavors of creamed spinach. It’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters!
Easy to Customize: Feel free to add in your favorite herbs or cheeses to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

To make sure your creamed spinach turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, always use fresh spinach; wilted leaves can really affect the flavor and texture. When you’re cooking the butter and flour, be careful not to let it brown too much—just a gentle bubbling will do! Another pro tip is to whisk the cream in slowly; this ensures a smooth sauce without any lumps. Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to really bring out the flavors. If you want a little extra oomph, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some freshly grated lemon zest at the end—it adds a delightful twist! And remember, serving it right away will keep that creamy texture divine!

Variations on Creamed Spinach

One of the best things about creamed spinach is how easily it lends itself to creativity! You can mix it up and make it your own with just a few simple tweaks. Here are some of my favorite variations that can take your dish to new heights:

Cheesy Delight: Swap out the Parmesan for other cheeses like Gruyère or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own unique taste and creaminess!
Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs such as dill, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavor. I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving for that pop of color!
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, consider mixing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It adds a nice zing that complements the creaminess beautifully!
Nutty Twist: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs excellently with the soft spinach.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish.
Vegan Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a delicious vegan take!

Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of this creamed spinach recipe is that you can tailor it to suit your taste buds or whatever ingredients you have on hand. The kitchen is your playground, so have fun with it!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying delicious creamed spinach, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you can expect for each serving (which is about 1/4 of the recipe). Keep in mind these values are estimates based on the ingredients used:

Calories: 220
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 250mg
Cholesterol: 60mg

These numbers can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re keeping an eye on certain dietary needs. Enjoy this creamy side as part of a balanced meal, and don’t forget—it’s all about savoring the flavors, too!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! Creamed spinach is super easy to store and reheat, so you can enjoy that rich, creamy goodness again later. First things first, let the leftover creamed spinach cool to room temperature before you store it. Then, transfer it to an airtight container—this helps keep it fresh and prevents any weird fridge odors from sneaking in!

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, which can be a delightful surprise when you reheat it!

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze. Simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up and bring back that lovely creamy texture. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave—just be sure to cover it loosely to avoid splatters, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.

Enjoy your delicious creamed spinach once more without sacrificing that fabulous flavor! Trust me, it tastes just as comforting the second time around.

FAQ About Creamed Spinach

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen spinach works just fine. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce. It might not have the same vibrant color as fresh, but it still delivers that delicious flavor!

What can I serve with creamed spinach?
Creamed spinach is incredibly versatile! It pairs beautifully with steak, roasted chicken, or even grilled fish. You can also serve it as part of a vegetarian spread alongside other sides like mashed potatoes or roasted carrots for a hearty meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the creamed spinach as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back that creamy texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Definitely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though it might not be quite as rich. You can also use less cheese or opt for a lighter cheese like ricotta. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit, but it’ll still be tasty!

Can I add other ingredients to the creamed spinach?
Of course! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor. It’s all about making it your own, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Creamed Spinach: 5 Indulgent Variations You Must Try

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

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Description

Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish made with fresh spinach and a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound fresh spinach
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and 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.
Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking constantly.
Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until the spinach is wilted and well combined.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
This dish pairs well with steak or chicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: creamed spinach, spinach recipe, side dish

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