Creamed Spinach Recipe

This Creamed Spinach Recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. Rich and creamy, it combines frozen spinach with a silky sauce that delights the taste buds. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual meals alike, this dish is sure to impress with its flavor and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, garlic, and cheese results in a deliciously creamy sauce that enhances the natural taste of spinach.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even vegetarian entrees to complement any main course effortlessly.
• Freezer Friendly: Using frozen spinach means you can prepare this dish any time you want without worrying about spoilage.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This creamed spinach appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to whip up this delightful creamed spinach.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and helps prevent splattering while mixing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: This tool is gentle on your cookware and ideal for stirring sauces without scratching surfaces.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Sauce

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup shallots (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 pinch nutmeg

For the Spinach

• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated)
• 2 pounds frozen cut leaf spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)

How to Make Creamed Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Thaw the Spinach

Start by thawing the frozen spinach. Squeeze out as much excess water as you can to ensure a creamy texture.

Step 2: Sauté Butter and Shallots

In a large pot, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Add in the 1/3 cup shallots and sauté over medium-low heat until they become soft, around 4 minutes. Next, stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute while stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic brown!

Step 3: Add Cream and Seasonings

Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream, along with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Bring this mixture to a low boil, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until thick enough to coat a spoon.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Add in 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine with Spinach

Finally, add in your prepared 2 pounds of spinach. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Enjoy your delicious creamed spinach alongside your favorite main dishes!

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach is a versatile side dish that complements various meals. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite at dinner tables.

With Grilled Chicken

• Serve creamed spinach alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal. The creaminess balances the smoky flavors of the chicken.

Over Baked Potatoes

• Spoon creamed spinach over baked potatoes for a comforting twist. This combination adds a creamy richness to the fluffy potato.

As a Pasta Sauce

• Use creamed spinach as a sauce for pasta dishes. Toss it with your favorite noodles for a delightful, cheesy experience.

With Roasted Beef

• Pair creamed spinach with roasted beef for an elegant dinner. The creamy texture enhances the savory flavors of the beef.

Alongside Lamb Chops

• Serve creamed spinach with lamb chops for a gourmet touch. The richness of the dish pairs well with the bold flavors of lamb.

How to Perfect Creamed Spinach Recipe

To achieve the best results with your creamed spinach, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Spinach: Whenever possible, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. Fresh spinach has a brighter flavor and better texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the dish significantly.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Ensure the cream thickens sufficiently before adding the cheese. This will help achieve that perfect, silky consistency.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Parmigiano-Reggiano is classic, try other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors.
• Add Texture: For added crunch, consider mixing in toasted nuts or crispy onions before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach pairs beautifully with many side dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a perfect balance to the richness of creamed spinach.
2. Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots bring brightness and color to your plate while complementing the savory spinach.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds a refreshing element to your meal, offering a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and health benefits, creating a nutritious balance on your plate.
5. Herb Rice – Fluffy herb rice serves as an excellent base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from both the rice and creamed spinach.
6. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory creamed spinach, making it an ideal pairing.
7. Grilled Asparagus – Grilled asparagus offers a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy dish while adding elegance to your meal.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and veggies create a visually appealing and satisfying side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious creamed spinach recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

• Skipping the thawing step: Not fully thawing the spinach can lead to excess water in your dish. Always thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, around one minute, before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in flavor; taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balance.
• Using low-quality cheese: The cheese adds richness; using a good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano will enhance the overall flavor of your creamed spinach.
• Not whisking the cream sufficiently: Failing to stir the cream well can result in lumps. Ensure you continuously stir as it thickens for a smooth texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Consider portioning into smaller containers for easier thawing.

Reheating Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this creamed spinach recipe that might help you.

How can I make my Creamed Spinach Recipe lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based cream for a lighter version.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! Use about 10 cups of fresh spinach. Simply sauté it until wilted before adding to the cream sauce.

What dishes pair well with Creamed Spinach Recipe?

This side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I fix watery Creamed Spinach?

If your dish is too watery, continue cooking over low heat until it thickens or add a bit more cheese to help absorb excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

This creamed spinach recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s versatile enough to complement various main courses and can be customized by adding different cheeses or spices. Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful side dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamed Spinach Recipe

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful creamed spinach recipe, the perfect addition to any meal. This delightful side dish combines thawed frozen spinach with a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and cheese. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, but it also boasts versatility, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or vegetarian entrees. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike! With its freezer-friendly nature, you can enjoy this dish anytime without worrying about spoilage. Elevate your dining experience with this simple yet impressive recipe.

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Ingredients

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• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup shallots (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated)
• 2 pounds frozen cut leaf spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)

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Instructions

1. Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat and sauté shallots for about 4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream, then add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a low boil while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in grated Parmigiano-Reggiano until melted.
5. Add the prepared spinach and mix thoroughly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg