Creamed spinach is a warm, comforting side dish that’s super easy to whip up. With tender spinach mixed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s like a hug for your taste buds!
I love serving this alongside steak or chicken for a special dinner. Just be careful not to eat it all before it reaches the table—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a bright taste and vibrant color. If you’re short on time, frozen spinach works well too—just make sure to squeeze out all the moisture after thawing!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as you can control the salt level in the dish. If you prefer a healthier option, olive oil makes a great substitute for sautéing the shallots.
Shallots: I love using shallots for their mild flavor, but onions are fine too. Use yellow or even green onions if that’s what you have on hand—each adds its unique touch!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Just remember, it won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.
Nutmeg: This spice gives a warm, aromatic hint to the dish. If you don’t have any, a dash of cinnamon can add a unique twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Spinach is Perfectly Cooked?
Perfectly cooked spinach is all about technique! Here’s how to get it right:
- First, rinse it thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Blanch the spinach: add it to boiling water for just 1 minute, then quickly transfer to ice water. This retains its beautiful green color and keeps it tender.
- After cooling, drain the spinach well and squeeze out any extra moisture. Soggy spinach can make your dish watery.
Following these steps ensures your creamed spinach is fresh and flavorful, making it a hit at any meal!
How to Make Creamed Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dish:
- 1 lb fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely minced (or 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be looking at about 25 minutes to have a delicious side of creamed spinach ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach:
Start by rinsing the fresh spinach thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. If using fresh, you’ll want to remove any tough stems. To cook, blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute. This will wilt it quickly. After it’s done, transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cool, drain the spinach well and squeeze out any excess moisture. If you’re using frozen spinach, just ensure it’s well thawed and squeezed dry before you chop it roughly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. When it’s melted, add the minced shallot (or chopped onion) and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. This will give your dish a lovely flavor base.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step really enhances the flavor of your creamed spinach!
4. Create the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine everything. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, which helps to thicken it slightly.
5. Mix in the Seasonings:
Stir in the ground nutmeg and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit more.
6. Combine with Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to your creamy sauce. Stir well to coat the spinach evenly with the sauce. It’s going to be rich and delicious!
7. Final Cooking:
Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, heating everything through. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamed spinach is now ready to be served warm. It makes a rich and creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with steak, chicken, or your favorite main course. Enjoy this delightful and comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and drained well to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be slightly less rich but still tasty!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or even a hint of cream cheese for extra richness. Just adjust the seasonings as necessary to complement your additions!