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:

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.
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.
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.
Season the creamed spinach with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then stir to incorporate the seasoning.
Serve warm and enjoy!

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!