The Best Classic Creamed Spinach Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Spinning culinary magic with creamed spinach creates a velvety side dish that beckons comfort and nostalgia.

Leafy greens mingle with rich dairy, promising a creamy experience that delights taste buds.

Kitchens come alive when this classic recipe takes center stage.

Subtle seasonings dance through the verdant mixture, adding depth and character.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Fresh spinach wilts into a luxurious embrace of cream and subtle spices.

You’ll fall in love with this timeless recipe that turns humble vegetables into a celebration of flavor.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my spinach from becoming watery?

Squeeze out excess water after steaming by gently pressing the spinach in a colander. This ensures a rich, creamy texture without a watery consistency.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw completely and drain thoroughly, pressing out as much liquid as possible to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.

• What if I don't have white pepper?

Regular black pepper works fine as a substitute. While white pepper provides a milder flavor, black pepper will still complement the Parmesan and spinach beautifully.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this side dish is vegetarian-friendly. It contains dairy products like butter, milk, cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it a delicious vegetarian option.

Rich Parmesan Spinach Side: The Savory Draw

• Quick Prep Magic: Steam spinach in batches and squeeze out excess water for a perfectly textured side dish that comes together with minimal fuss.
• Creamy Comfort Boost: Create a luxurious sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cream that transforms simple spinach into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment.
• Cheesy Flavor Explosion: Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates this vegetable side from ordinary to extraordinary, making it irresistible for both kids and adults.
• One-Pot Wonder: Use a single Dutch oven to steam, sauté, and finish the dish, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe a hassle-free cooking experience.

Gatherings for Parmesan Spinach Side

• Spinach: A nutrient-packed leafy green that provides earthy flavor and vibrant color to the side dish.
• Onions: Sweet and aromatic vegetable that adds depth and softness to the sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cooking onions and creating a smooth sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and silky consistency to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
• White Pepper: Adds subtle, warm spiciness without dark specks in the white sauce.

Quick Method for Parmesan Spinach Side

Step 1: Prep the Green Goodness

Set up your steamer basket inside a Dutch oven with a splash of water.

Gently steam the spinach in small batches, giving each round 3-4 minutes until it softens and wilts.

Transfer each batch to a colander, letting excess water drain away.

Once cooled, give the spinach a gentle squeeze to remove any remaining moisture.

Chop the leaves into coarse pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt butter in the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Toss in the onions and cook until they turn tender and slightly golden, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in flour, salt, and white pepper.

Stir these ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a uniform mixture.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking continuously.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent any scorching.

Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Fold in the Parmesan cheese and your prepared spinach.

Warm everything through, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Spinach Success

• Removing excess water prevents a watery, soggy side dish and ensures a rich, creamy texture.
• Stir flour mixture carefully to avoid lumps and create a smooth, velvety sauce base.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and control the saltiness by adding gradually.
• Cook sauce on medium-high heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve perfect thickness.
• Steam spinach and chop in advance to reduce overall cooking time and streamline meal preparation.

Spinach Side – Twists You’ll Love

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Spin: Replace spinach with riced cauliflower, using same cooking method for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap milk and cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for vegan-friendly preparation.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh basil, oregano, and garlic to enhance flavor profile, incorporating Mediterranean seasoning blend for extra depth.
• Protein-Packed Green Version: Mix in cooked diced chicken or crumbled feta cheese to transform side dish into a more substantial meal with added protein boost.

Serving Up Parmesan Spinach Side

• Elegant Dinner Party Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a sophisticated meal.
• Brunch Superstar: Pair with poached eggs and crispy bacon as a luxurious weekend breakfast side dish.
• Gourmet Comfort Plate: Layer atop toasted rustic bread for an elevated vegetarian appetizer that feels indulgent and creamy.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix with quinoa or rice to create a nutritious and filling vegetable-based grain bowl with extra cheesy goodness.

Keeping Spinach Side Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal completely to prevent moisture and preserve flavor.
• Transfer cooled spinach mixture to freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Keeps frozen up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Pour leftovers into small saucepan. Add splash of milk to prevent drying. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly until heated through. Avoid high temperatures to prevent sauce separation.

Classic Creamed Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, rich classic creamed spinach elevates simple greens into a luxurious side dish that whispers Southern comfort. Savory garlic and velvety cream meld perfectly, offering you a delectable companion to roasted meats or elegant dinner centerpieces.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 packages (10 ounces / 280 grams) fresh spinach, trimmed
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons (22.5 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) white pepper

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Instructions

1. Arrange a steamer basket in a Dutch oven with water. Steam spinach in multiple batches for 3-4 minutes until completely wilted, ensuring each batch receives even heat.
2. Transfer steamed spinach to a colander, allowing excess moisture to drain. Once cooled, gently squeeze out remaining water and coarsely chop the leaves.
3. Melt butter in the same Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, developing a gentle golden color.
4. Sprinkle flour, salt, and white pepper into the onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, integrated base for the sauce.
5. Slowly pour milk and cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
6. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese and prepared chopped spinach. Gently heat the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and warmed through.
7. Serve immediately, presenting a rich, creamy spinach side dish with a delicate blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Moisture Management Squeeze spinach thoroughly to prevent watery, soggy side dish that can dilute the rich, creamy texture.
• Cheese Selection Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor intensity and smooth melting compared to pre-packaged options.
• Temperature Control Watch sauce carefully while whisking to avoid scorching or creating lumpy consistency during thickening process.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and nutritional yeast for vegan version, maintaining similar luxurious mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 155 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 282 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg