Creamed Spinach Recipe

 A delicious and creamy side dish made with frozen spinach, butter, onions, and a blend of Parmesan and cream cheese. This easy creamed spinach recipe is a great accompaniment to a variety of main dishes like steak, roasted chicken, or grilled meats. Rich and velvety, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors, with hints of nutmeg and a creamy texture that complements both casual meals and festive dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 (10-ounce) containers frozen chopped spinach
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Cook the spinach according to the package instructions. Once cooked, place the spinach in a clean tea towel and set it over a sieve in the sink. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible, then set the spinach aside.
2. In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the spinach, milk, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese to the pan. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the milk thickens slightly.
4. Season the creamed spinach with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then stir to incorporate the seasoning.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamed spinach is a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish that’s a perfect addition to any meal. It combines the goodness of spinach with a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it irresistible even for those who aren’t typically fans of greens. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare!

Tips

• Be sure to squeeze out as much water from the spinach as possible to avoid a watery sauce.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a lower-fat option or use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamed spinach.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Asiago or Gruyère for a different flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can be added for extra flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese, and substitute the milk with plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh spinach? Yes! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 ½ pounds. Sauté the spinach first until wilted and then squeeze out the excess water before using it in the recipe.
• Can this be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamed spinach a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it if necessary.

Serving

Creamed spinach pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday meal. It’s also a great side for steak or fish.

Suggestions

Serve this dish alongside mashed potatoes for a comforting meal, or use it as a filling for baked potatoes. You can even top it with crispy bacon for a savory twist!