Description
Creamed Spinach is a rich, comforting side dish that transforms simple spinach into something indulgent and flavorful. With its velvety sauce and mild garlic aroma, this recipe is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy dinners at home. It pairs beautifully with chicken, steak, or seafood and brings a touch of elegance to any meal without requiring much time or effort.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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½ cup heavy cream
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained well)
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional garnish: extra Parmesan or fresh parsley
Instructions
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Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly, remove tough stems, and roughly chop. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess liquid. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out any moisture.
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In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
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Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir for about 1 minute to form a roux. This helps thicken the sauce and gives it a creamy texture.
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Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then add the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
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Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Add the spinach and stir until all the leaves are coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
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Both fresh and frozen spinach work well. Fresh spinach gives a brighter flavor, while frozen spinach saves time.
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For a lighter version, use more milk and reduce the cream.
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You can prepare Creamed Spinach ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
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For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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To make it gluten-free, replace the flour with cornstarch or rice flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes