Creamed Spinach Recipe

This Creamed Spinach Recipe is the ultimate side dish that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this dish stands out with its silky white sauce and tender spinach. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an accessible choice for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a delicious side without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, shallots, garlic, and cream creates a flavorful base that elevates the spinach to new heights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve alongside chicken, beef, or turkey for a complete meal or enjoy it as a standout side at any gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and enhanced by cream and cheese, this dish offers both taste and nutrition.
• Freezer Friendly: Using frozen spinach makes this dish convenient; you can always have the ingredients on hand for last-minute meals.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful creamed spinach, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution while cooking the cream sauce, preventing burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping shallots and garlic easy and efficient.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots while ensuring everything is well mixed.

Ingredients

This creamed spinach features simple yet rich ingredients that contribute to its delicious flavor profile.

For the Creamy Base

• 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 Mixture

• 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

Thaw the 2 pounds of frozen spinach. Once thawed, squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent a watery dish.

Step 2: Sauté Butter and Shallots

In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they are soft (about 4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, taking care not to brown it.

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. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally until the cream thickens enough to coat a spoon.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until fully melted into the cream sauce.

Step 5: Mix in Spinach

Finally, add in the thawed spinach. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined evenly.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy spinach as a fantastic side dish!

How to Serve Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Grilled chicken breasts make a delicious pairing with creamed spinach, balancing the richness of the dish with lean protein.

Serve Alongside Roasted Beef

• The hearty flavors of roasted beef enhance the creamy texture of the spinach, creating a satisfying contrast.

Accompany with Turkey Meatballs

• Turkey meatballs provide a lighter option that works beautifully with the rich and cheesy creamed spinach.

Top Baked Potatoes

• For a comforting twist, spoon creamed spinach over baked potatoes for an indulgent side that everyone will love.

Mix into Pasta Dishes

• Stirring creamed spinach into pasta dishes adds creaminess and flavor, making it an excellent addition to your favorite pasta recipes.

Enjoy as a Standalone Dish

• Don’t hesitate to serve creamed spinach on its own as a light meal or snack. Its rich taste is satisfying enough to stand alone!

How to Perfect Creamed Spinach Recipe

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

• Use fresh shallots: Fresh shallots add more depth of flavor compared to pre-packaged versions, enhancing the overall taste.
• Squeeze out excess moisture: Ensuring the frozen spinach is well-drained prevents excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak salt and pepper levels based on your preferences for a personalized flavor profile.
• Incorporate fresh herbs: Adding herbs like thyme or parsley can give your creamed spinach an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your creamed spinach right after preparation while it’s still warm and creamy.

Best Side Dishes for Creamed Spinach Recipe

Creamed spinach pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider for your next meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Rich and buttery mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for an irresistible combination with creamed spinach.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring crunch and earthiness, balancing out the creamy texture of the spinach.
3. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing quinoa salad adds brightness and texture, making it an excellent contrast alongside rich creamed spinach.
4. Cauliflower Rice
   Light and fluffy cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb companion that absorbs flavors beautifully from the surrounding dishes.
5. Steamed Asparagus
   Tender steamed asparagus provides vibrant color and freshness that complements the richness of creamed spinach perfectly.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins add a nice touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like creamed spinach.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes offers a delightful balance against the creamy flavors in this dish.
8. Herb Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs creates an aromatic base that pairs excellently with any creamy sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamed spinach, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not squeezing excess water from spinach: Failing to remove water from thawed spinach can lead to a watery sauce. Always squeeze out as much moisture as you can.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic can become bitter if browned too much. Add it after the shallots have softened and cook only until fragrant.
• Using low-fat cream: For the best flavor and texture, stick with heavy whipping cream. Low-fat alternatives may result in a less creamy dish.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting and adjusting seasoning is crucial. Don’t forget to check for salt and pepper before serving.
• Not allowing sauce to thicken: Rushing the cooking time may prevent the sauce from thickening properly. Allow it enough time on low heat to reach the desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving space for expansion.
• Use within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamed Spinach Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring frequently until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the creamed spinach recipe that might help you out.

How do I make my creamed spinach recipe even richer?

You can add more cheese or incorporate additional cream for a richer flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar!

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes! You can substitute fresh spinach; just sauté until wilted before adding it to the cream mixture.

What can I serve with this creamed spinach recipe?

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, beef, or lamb—making it a versatile side for many main courses.

How long does creamed spinach last in the fridge?

Creamed spinach lasts about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my creamed spinach recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper or incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This creamed spinach recipe is not only rich and flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect side dish that complements various meals. Plus, you can customize it with different cheeses or spices based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite!

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Creamed Spinach Recipe

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience rich flavors with this easy Creamed Spinach Recipe! Perfect as a side dish, it’s creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes!

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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 (freshly ground)
• 1 pinch 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 heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sauté shallots until soft, then add minced garlic.
3. Pour in the heavy cream along with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a low boil and cook until thickened.
4. Stir in the grated cheese until melted, then add the 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: 290
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg