This easy creamed spinach is a classic recipe that's ready in only 20 minutes. It's rich and creamy, made with a mix of fresh spinach, cream cheese and heavy cream.
This recipe is a traditional, steakhouse-style way to cook creamed spinach. It mixes it with onion, garlic, cheese and cream. The result is a rich, decadent spinach dish that's irresistible (even if you don't love spinach)!
This recipe is the ideal side dish for a simple dinner, get together or the holidays. It can be made ahead of time and is always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe. The full recipe and ingredient list can be found at the bottom of the page.
- Unsalted butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan
- Fresh baby spinach
- Ground nutmeg & cayenne, optional
Instructions
Here's how to make this recipe in 5 simple steps:
- Cook the onion: in a dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and saute 5-7 minutes, until soft.
- Cook the garlic: add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Boil: stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, pepper and optional nutmeg and cayenne. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently until the cheese is melted.
- Add spinach: add the spinach in large handfuls. Stir it into the liquid and let it reduce slightly after each handful. For a finer texture, chop your spinach before adding it.
- Serve: taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm. Will thicken slightly as it cools.
Substitutions
Here's some of the most popular substitutions and additions for this recipe:
- Parmesan: our favorite to use in this recipe is freshly shredded Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Mozzarella: for a cheesier dish, add ¼ cup of mozzarella.
- Garlic: fresh garlic can be swapped out for ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Spinach: use fresh baby spinach. Chop it before adding it if you prefer a finer texture.
- Nutmeg: optional, but highly recommended! Adds depth of flavor.
- Cayenne: also optional — sprinkle a small pinch to add flavor without making the dish spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead of time. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Creamed spinach is best served warm and is traditionally a side dish. It goes with almost any main dish (like meats or pastas).
This recipe makes about 4 servings of creamed spinach as a side dish. If you need to cook more, it's easy to double the recipe.
Storage
- In the fridge: store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool first.
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If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment & rating at the bottom of this page!
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Easy Creamed Spinach
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy creamed spinach is a classic recipe that's ready in only 20 minutes. It's rich and creamy, made with a mix of fresh spinach, cream cheese and heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg, optional
- Pinch of cayenne, optional
- 1 pound (16 ounces) fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the onion: in a dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and saute 5-7 minutes, until soft.
- Cook the garlic: add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Boil: stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, parmesan, salt, pepper and optional nutmeg and cayenne. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently until the cheese is melted.
- Add spinach: add the spinach in large handfuls. Stir it into the liquid and let it reduce slightly after each handful. For a finer texture, chop your spinach before adding it.
- Serve: taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm. Will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
Keywords: creamed, spinach, cream cheese, side dish, thankgiving, holiday, christmas, easter
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