Best 11 Favorite Creamed Spinach Recipes

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Creamed spinach is a timeless and beloved dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. Its creamy, velvety texture and vibrant green hue make it a favorite among spinach enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, preparing the ultimate creamed spinach requires careful selection of ingredients, attention to technique, and a sprinkle of passion. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of creating the most exquisite creamed spinach that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST CREAMED SPINACH RECIPE



The BEST Creamed Spinach Recipe image

This is the Best Creamed Spinach Recipe you'll ever taste! Three kinds of cheese and vibrant spinach together with fragrant herbs make this a favorite dish at Thanksgiving or anytime.

Provided by Erica Walker

Categories     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

20-24 ounces fresh spinach ((about 1 1/2 pounds))
5 tablespoons butter
1 onion (finely chopped)
4 cloves garlic (crushed)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half and half ((or whole milk))
kosher salt (to taste)
ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ((fresh, shredded-- not the powdered kind))
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
5 wedges Creamy Swiss (Laughing Cow) ((or 4 oz. cream cheese))

Steps:

  • Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add spinach and cook down for about 2-3 minutes or until spinach is wilted but not soggy.
  • Drain spinach well and then wring out using cheesecloth (preferred) or a kitchen towel. You can also press spinach in a fine-mesh strainer to try and remove excess water. Note: the spinach may be VERY hot, handle with care and allow to cool if needed.
  • Note: you may be surprised to find that you only have 1-2 cups of spinach. This is totally normal.Set spinach aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions become soft and transparent.
  • Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir until flour is cooked (about 3 minutes).
  • Pour in half and half a little at a time, whisking constantly making a beschamel sauce. You want it to be the consistency of a thin gravy. Add more half and half or milk if needed.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add spinach and stir until spinach is well mixed in.
  • Add Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and creamy Swiss cheese (or cream cheese). Stir until all cheeses are melted and completely mixed in.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 228 kcal, Carbohydrate 10 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 52 mg, Sodium 289 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

FAST AND EASY CREAMED SPINACH



Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach image

This is a little easier, a little quicker, a little more contemporary, and believe it or not, a little lighter than traditional creamed spinach. Have all your ingredients ready to go ahead of time. It's a classic steak side dish.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (16 ounce) bags fresh spinach
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons minced shallot
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • Pour olive oil into a large soup pot, place over high heat, add spinach, and cover. Cook for 1 minute, uncover, and lightly stir until most of the leaves are bright green and wilted, about 2 minutes. Quickly drain spinach in a strainer and transfer to a plate lined with 4 or 5 paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze as much liquid from the spinach as possible. Transfer spinach to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
  • Mix salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter in skillet, and stir shallot in the hot butter until just barely golden and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir seasoning mixture into shallot mixture and pour in cream. Raise heat to medium-high and reduce cream sauce to about half, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest.
  • Reduce heat to low and toss spinach with cream sauce in skillet. Cook and stir until spinach is heated through and coated, about 2 minutes. Stir Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese into spinach until thoroughly combined; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 178.9 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 5.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 173.4 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST CREAMED SPINACH



Absolutely the Best Creamed Spinach image

This is smooth baby! Be sure and use a good quality melting cheese for best results. NOTE: 08/19/08, we edited the recipe to a larger spinach-to-sauce ratio.

Provided by 2Bleu

Categories     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb fresh spinach, bunches, leaves only, well washed (or 2 10-oz boxes frozen spinach)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup 2% low-fat milk, warmed
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/3 cup asadero cheese, shredded (or Queso Quesadilla cheese)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

  • COOK THE SPINACH (if using fresh spinach): Heat a very large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add all the spinach with the water still clinging to its leaves, you may have to firmly pack it. Cover the pan tightly (weight the lid down, if necessary). Leave the spinach to cook for about 2 minutes, then turn it over so that the wilted leaves are on the top. Cover and repeat the process a few times more, until all spinach is nicely wilted. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature. Drain spinach and reserve the pot that you cooked the spinach inches DO NOT WASH OR WIPE CLEAN.
  • If you don't have a salad spinner (OR if using frozen spinach), squeeze the spinach dry with your hands a little at a time, squeezing as much liquid as possible from the leaves. Use paper towels and gently blot the spinach to help it dry. Chop the spinach leaves coarsely and set aside.
  • MAKE A ROUX: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, to make a loose paste. Cook for about 1 minute. As soon as it balls up into a paste, exchange the wooden spoon for a wire wisk and in a steady stream, whisk in the warm milk. Stir slowly, until the roux comes to a simmer, about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add the cream, salt, and pepper, and stir for 1 minute more. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese to melt.
  • ONION MIXTURE: In the same skillet where the spinach was cooked, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
  • ASSEMBLY: Add the cooked spinach and the cheese sauce to the pan and stir together over medium heat until well mixed and heated through. Taste for seasoning, and transfer to a heated and covered serving dish.

CREAMED SPINACH



Creamed Spinach image

Provided by Tyler Florence

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 pounds spinach
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Wash the spinach in several changes of water to get rid of any grit. Drain the spinach but keep some of the water clinging to the leaves. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the spinach and garlic. Cook, turning frequently, until the spinach has wilted down evenly. Remove the garlic and put the spinach into a colander and let it drain well. Press out as much liquid as you can from the leaves and chop them coarsely.
  • Heat the skillet again over medium-high heat and add the cream and nutmeg; cook until it reduces a bit, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the spinach is hot, about 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

CLASSIC CREAMED SPINACH



Classic Creamed Spinach image

I can't resist a pat-on-my-back moment here--I rock at making creamed spinach. And I'm sharing this recipe with you because I want you to feel the same kind of confidence. Hidden in this seemingly straightforward recipe are lots of skills and foundational techniques, such as making a roux and a bechamel and sauteing onions. When you master this, you can say you're awesome at cooking--and you're definitely ready to graduate to the next chapter ("The Scary Stuff"!). Plus, this steakhouse classic is a great way to get everyone chowing down on iron-rich spinach.

Provided by Amanda Freitag

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield Makes 8 cups, to serve 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
2 pounds baby spinach
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup Spanish onion, 1/4-inch dice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Blanch the spinach. Bring 1 gallon water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of kosher salt. Place the spinach in the boiling water. After 45 seconds (exactly), remove the spinach leaves with a slotted spoon, spider or tongs and drain in a colander. Let cool completely.
  • Use your hands to press the spinach against the sides of the colander. When most of the liquid has been released, squeeze handfuls of the spinach to make sure all of the excess water has been removed. Set aside.
  • In a wide, high-sided saute pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. With a wooden spoon, stir the flour into the melted butter to create a roux that will look like wet sand. Cook the roux for 3 minutes, stirring continuously to make sure it doesn't burn and it becomes a "blond" color. Add the milk to the roux, whisking vigorously to make sure that the roux completely dissolves into the milk without lumping.
  • Turn down the heat to maintain a low simmer. You're making a bechamel sauce, which is the base for the creamed spinach. Next, whisk in the cream and return the mixture to a simmer. Cook the bechamel until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Season the sauce with the salt, pepper and cayenne.
  • Preheat a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let heat for about 1 minute. Add the onions and season with a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook an additional minute or two.
  • Add the cooked onion and garlic along with the drained spinach to the bechamel, folding to make sure it's completely coated with sauce. Season with the nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes, then taste the spinach. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and the nutmeg, and/or more cayenne if desired.

FAVORITE CREAMED SPINACH



Favorite Creamed Spinach image

This recipe is made with a white sauce, and has lots of garlic in it. I came up with this recipe after making several other creamed spinach recipes that were overcooked, flavorless, and dull. I wanted something bright green, garlicky, and creamy. This is the only creamed spinach dish that my husband will eat now. Feel free to use all butter or all olive oil or substituting cream for the milk depending on your taste. I think this combination is big on flavor and cuts a lot of fat. I have even had success serving this dish to people who claim they do not like spinach. Enjoy!

Provided by Adelinkat

Categories     Spinach

Time 18m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
1/2-1 medium onion, chopped
5 -7 garlic cloves, minced well
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1) sautée onions in butter and 1 t of salt on medium heat.
  • 2) when onions begin to become translucent add garlic and olive oil.
  • 3) add flour to make a thick paste, all liquid should be absorbed, you can add more flour or olive oil if needed, cook for 2 to 3 minutes to cook flour thoroughly.
  • 4) let cool slightly and whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps while bringing to mixture to a boil, when finished the sauce should be thick enough to cover the back of a spoon, (be careful not to burn the sauce on the bottom of the pan).
  • 5) Add spinach (with as much water removed as possible) and the remaining 1 t of salt (or to taste) and Parmesan, stir thoroughly to combine, bring back to a simmer and remove from heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260.2, Fat 18.6, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 34.5, Sodium 1386.9, Carbohydrate 16.3, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 1.6, Protein 10.3

HOLIDAY CREAMED SPINACH



Holiday Creamed Spinach image

My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years.-Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 35m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 packages (10 ounces each) fresh spinach, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, place steamer basket over 1 in. of water. Place a fourth of the spinach in basket. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a low boil; steam, covered, 3-4 minutes or just until spinach is wilted. Transfer to a colander; drain. Repeat with remaining spinach. , When spinach is cool enough to handle, squeeze dry. Coarsely chop spinach., In clean Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour, salt and white pepper until blended; gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese and spinach; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CREAMED FRESH SPINACH



Creamed Fresh Spinach image

This flavorful no-frills side dish is a great way to incorporate the nutritious leafy greens into a meal. My mom always included creamed spinach or carrots on our holiday menu. -Rosemarie Forcum White Stone, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 packages (9 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
Salt and white pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place spinach in a Dutch oven over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and steam just until wilted, about 4 minutes. Drain; chop and set aside., Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually add cream and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the onion, salt and pepper. Fold in spinach; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 18g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 101mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

CREAMED SPINACH



Creamed Spinach image

Creamed spinach, made with the frozen chopped variety, perfectly complements the roast, and it can be made up to two days ahead.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Jean Carper

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 ½ cups whole milk
4 (10 ounce) boxes boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; reserve 1/2 cup liquid
3 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine milk, spinach liquid and garlic in a 1-quart microwave-safe measuring cup or small bowl covered with a saucer, and microwave (or heat slowly in a medium saucepan) until very hot and steamy. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to soften garlic.
  • Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour. Add hot milk mixture all at once, then whisk until smooth. Stir in spinach; cook until sauce is thick and bubbly and spinach is tender but still green, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese, nutmeg, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130.1 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 16.6 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 9 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 220.7 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CREAMED SPINACH III



Creamed Spinach III image

A little nutmeg makes this creamed spinach recipe my granny's favorite! Use a pinch more nutmeg when serving.

Provided by mscougar

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
1 pound fresh spinach

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix heavy cream, butter, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  • Place spinach in a vegetable steamer, and steam until leaves are wilted. Drain in a colander, pressing out excess water with a large spoon.
  • Coarsely chop spinach in a food processor, and gradually stir into the heavy cream mixture. Briefly return to boiling, then remove from heat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 181.6 calories, Carbohydrate 5.1 g, Cholesterol 56 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.7 g, Sodium 392.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

EASY CREAMED SPINACH



Easy Creamed Spinach image

Our take on the classic creamed spinach side dish uses fresh spinach and cream cheese as a thickener. It's a crowd pleasing recipe that's popular with both young and old.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 to 4 bunches (2 1/2 pounds total) flat-leaf spinach, trimmed and cleaned
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 ounces bar cream cheese, cut into pieces
1/2 cup milk
pinch ground nutmeg
coarse salt and ground pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach, and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain in a colander; rinse with cold water until cool. Squeeze spinach to remove as much liquid as possible; coarsely chop, and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add cream cheese and milk; cook, stirring, until cream cheese is melted and smooth. Stir in spinach. Simmer over medium heat until mixture thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Add nutmeg; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 g, Fat 17 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 9 g

Tips:

  • Fresh spinach is the best choice for creamed spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the spinach. This will help to prevent the spinach from burning.
  • Add a little bit of acid, such as lemon juice or white wine, to the creamed spinach. This will help to brighten the flavor.
  • Don't overcook the spinach. Spinach should be cooked until it is just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve creamed spinach immediately. It is best when it is fresh and hot.

Conclusion:

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavor, it is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or potluck. So next time you're looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, give creamed spinach a try. You won't be disappointed!

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